In a landmark agreement, e& has partnered with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to invest over $1 billion in cloud solutions and artificial intelligence (AI) advancements. This collaboration aims to enhance digital transformation across the Middle East, leveraging AWS's robust cloud infrastructure and e&'s extensive network capabilities.
Key Takeaways
Investment Amount: Over $1 billion (AED 3.7 billion) over the next six years.
Focus Areas: Cloud services, AI, machine learning, and digital transformation.
Target Sectors: Public sector, healthcare, finance, and oil and gas industries.
Small Business Support: Access to AWS Marketplace for SMEs.
Talent Development: Training initiatives for UAE nationals in cloud technologies and AI.
Strategic Partnership Overview
The partnership between e& and AWS is a significant step in bolstering the digital landscape of the Middle East. Following AWS's establishment of its second cloud region in the UAE in 2022, this agreement is part of a broader $5 billion investment aimed at enhancing the local economy through 2036.
By combining AWS’s sovereign cloud infrastructure with e&’s network capabilities, the collaboration seeks to meet the growing demands of customers in regulated industries. This includes providing secure and scalable cloud solutions that comply with industry regulations.
Enhancing Digital Services
As part of this partnership, e& plans to modernize platforms such as Starzplay Arabia and Careem, integrating AWS’s extensive portfolio of over 200 services. This will not only enhance their existing offerings but also expand their AI capabilities and Smart Home services.
Additionally, customers will benefit from earning e&’s Smiles points when shopping on Amazon, further integrating e&’s services with AWS’s ecosystem.
Supporting Small and Medium-Sized Businesses
AWS will facilitate access for hundreds of small and medium-sized businesses supported by e& to the AWS Marketplace. This initiative aims to democratize cloud access, allowing these enterprises to discover, deploy, and manage software solutions within the AWS framework.
Advancing Generative AI Technology
The partnership will also focus on generative AI technology, leveraging AWS’s Amazon Bedrock solutions. This will enable e&’s customers to develop and scale AI applications, enhancing productivity and customer experiences across various sectors.
Timely Collaboration
The timing of this collaboration is crucial, as cloud adoption is rapidly reshaping public sector services and enterprises in the region. According to recent studies, nearly 70% of companies in the Middle East plan to migrate most of their operations to the cloud within the next two years, unlocking significant economic value.
Commitment to Innovation
Hatem Dowidar, Group CEO of e&, emphasized that this partnership reflects a shared long-term vision to create an ecosystem that meets current digital needs while laying the groundwork for future growth. He noted that investing in critical infrastructure and talent development is essential for reinforcing the region’s economy.
Tanuja Randery, AWS’s Vice President for Europe, Middle East, and Africa, highlighted the collaboration as a significant milestone in AWS’s ongoing investment in the UAE, aligning with the goals of UAE Vision 2031.
Driving Regional Growth and Talent Development
Both companies are committed to launching a local upskilling initiative aimed at providing training opportunities in cloud technologies and AI to thousands of individuals, including UAE nationals. This initiative aligns with the UAE’s Vision 2031, which seeks to position the nation as a global economic hub while driving digital transformation across key sectors.
Salvador Anglada, CEO of e& enterprise, noted that this partnership is transformative for their customers, ensuring that businesses in the region have the tools and infrastructure necessary for rapid digital transformation. The collaboration aims to develop a highly skilled workforce ready to thrive in an AI-driven economy.
Sources
AWS and e& sign $1 billion agreement to enhance cloud solutions, Economy Middle East.
e& and AWS Sign US$1 Billion Cloud Pact to Propel AI and Digital Growth in the Middle East - Edge Middle East, Edge Middle East.