Transforming the Digital Landscape: e& and AWS Join Forces
In an era where digital transformation is paramount, the recent strategic partnership between e&, a global technology group serving over 175 million subscribers across 34 countries, and Amazon Web Services (AWS), the world’s leading cloud provider, marks a significant milestone in the evolution of cloud services. This collaboration, which follows AWS’s establishment of its second cloud region in the UAE in 2022, is set to reshape the technological landscape in the Middle East, focusing on critical areas such as storage, computing, networking, cybersecurity, and advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML).
Combining Cloud Capabilities
The alliance between e& and AWS aims to merge AWS’s sovereign cloud infrastructure with e&’s robust network capabilities. This strategic move is designed to meet the rigorous demands of customers in the public sector and regulated industries, including healthcare, finance, and oil and gas. By delivering cloud solutions that comply with industry regulations, the partnership addresses the rising need for secure and scalable infrastructure. This collaboration not only reinforces e&’s position as a facilitator of the UAE’s digital economy but also creates fresh growth opportunities for businesses of all sizes.
The partnership involves a substantial investment exceeding $1 billion (AED3.7 billion) over the next six years, amplifying the impact of cloud-driven innovation and digital transformation throughout the region. The focus will be on providing essential cloud services, including storage, computing, networking, and cybersecurity, while also advancing AI and ML capabilities.
Enhancing Digital Services
As part of this collaboration, e& plans to leverage AWS’s extensive portfolio of over 200 fully featured services to modernize platforms like Starzplay Arabia, a popular TV streaming service, and Careem, the Middle East’s all-encompassing app for food delivery, mobility, and digital payments. Furthermore, e& intends to integrate Amazon’s technologies to enhance its AI capabilities and advance its Smart Home services, allowing users to earn e&’s Smiles points through shopping on Amazon.
Supporting Small Businesses
One of the most significant aspects of this partnership is its commitment to supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). AWS will facilitate access for hundreds of SMEs, supported by e&, to the AWS Marketplace. This initiative will empower these businesses to discover, deploy, and manage software that operates within the AWS framework, effectively democratizing cloud access and enabling smaller players to compete in the digital economy.
Advancing Generative AI Technology
AWS is not only reshaping cloud computing services but is also at the forefront of generative AI technology. This partnership will leverage AWS’s innovative Amazon Bedrock generative AI solutions, equipping e&’s customers in the Middle East with tools to enhance productivity and customer experiences. Amazon Bedrock offers a selection of foundation models from leading AI providers via a single Application Programming Interface (API), facilitating the development and scaling of generative AI applications.
Timely Collaboration
The timing of this collaboration is crucial, as cloud adoption is rapidly transforming public sector services and enterprises alike. According to PwC, nearly 70 percent of companies in the Middle East plan to migrate most of their operations to the cloud within the next two years. A report by Telecom Advisory Services forecasts that public cloud adoption could unlock $733 billion in economic value across the Middle East and North Africa by 2033. This partnership positions e& and AWS at the forefront of this transformative wave.
Empowering Businesses
Hatem Dowidar, group CEO of e&, emphasized that the partnership with AWS reflects their mutual long-term strategic vision to create an ecosystem that meets today’s digital needs while laying the groundwork for future growth. He highlighted the importance of empowering businesses in the region to thrive in an AI-driven, data-centric economy. By investing in critical infrastructure and talent development, e& and AWS are reinforcing the region’s economy and enhancing digital resilience, supporting the UAE’s ambition of becoming a leading digital powerhouse.
Commitment to Innovation
Tanuja Randery, vice president for Europe, Middle East, and Africa at AWS, noted that this collaboration is a significant milestone in their ongoing investment in the UAE, which has emerged as a global leader in innovation. She underscored that the partnership with e& reflects AWS’s deep dedication to the UAE and the broader Middle East, particularly in accelerating the goals of UAE Vision 2031. The collaboration aims to provide public sector organizations, regulated industries, and enterprises with the necessary tools to innovate securely and advance progress in the region.
Driving Regional Growth and Talent Development
A key component of this partnership is the commitment to talent development. AWS and e& plan to launch a local upskilling initiative that will provide 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. Investing in the skills of UAE nationals will positively influence the region’s economic growth and technological leadership.
Future-Ready Workforce
Salvador Anglada, CEO of e& enterprise, emphasized that their partnership with AWS is transformative for their customers. By combining AWS’s state-of-the-art cloud capabilities with e&’s local expertise, they will provide businesses in the region with the tools and infrastructure necessary for rapid digital transformation. This collaboration ensures that they are investing in training to develop a highly skilled workforce ready to thrive in the AI-driven economy of the future.
In conclusion, the partnership between e& and AWS is set to revolutionize the digital landscape in the Middle East. By focusing on cloud services, supporting SMEs, advancing AI technologies, and committing to talent development, this collaboration is poised to empower businesses and drive economic growth in the region. As the digital economy continues to evolve, this alliance stands as a testament to the transformative power of strategic partnerships in shaping the future. For more news on technology, click here.