AWS, e& sign over $1bn deal to drive cloud, AI growth in region

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Global technology group e& has entered into a strategic alliance with Amazon Web Services (AWS) in a $1bn agreement aimed at driving digital transformation and AI adoption across the Middle East.

This follows AWS’s launch of its second Middle East cloud region in the UAE in 2022, with a planned $5bn (Dhs20bn) investment in the local economy through to 2036

This partnership marks a significant step in accelerating cloud deployment in the region, leveraging AWS’s advanced cloud solutions to support businesses in healthcare, finance, oil and gas, and public sectors.

This six-year collaboration will combine AWS’s comprehensive cloud infrastructure with e&’s network capabilities to deliver core cloud services such as computing, storage, and cybersecurity.

The partnership will also enhance AI-driven services, helping businesses across the region modernise operations, expand capabilities, and drive productivity.

The agreement enables e& to leverage AWS’s 200-plus fully featured services to modernise platforms such as Starzplay Arabia, a TV streaming service in which e& has a majority stake; and Careem, the Middle East ‘everything app’ offering millions of customers easy access to food, mobility, digital payments, and more.

e& will also deploy Amazon’s technologies to expand its AI capabilities and to advance its Smart Home services, while e&’s Smiles points can be earned when shopping on Amazon.

AWS will also enable hundreds of small and medium-sized businesses, supported by e&, to access the AWS Marketplace. This will help these businesses discover, deploy, and manage software which runs on AWS, democratising access to the cloud.

Hatem Dowidar, Group CEO of e&, emphasised that the agreement is a critical component of both companies’ long-term strategic goals to foster a data-driven, AI-powered economy. This collaboration comes as Middle Eastern businesses increasingly shift to cloud-based operations, with public cloud adoption expected to unlock $733bn in economic value by 2033.

AWS, e& to train UAE Nationals in cloud, AI tech

AWS and e& will also work on developing a local upskilling initiative, with plans to provide training opportunities to UAE nationals in cloud technologies and AI. 

Tanuja Randery, AWS Vice President for Europe, Middle East, and Africa, stated that this partnership underscores AWS’s deep commitment to the UAE’s Vision 2031, empowering enterprises and public sector organisations to innovate securely and transform their operations.

“Our investment in developing the skills of UAE nationals will have a positive impact on the region’s economic growth and technological leadership.”