E& Group and AWS Forge Strategic Partnership to Transform UAE’s Digital Landscape
In a significant move aimed at bolstering the digital infrastructure of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), E& Group has announced a strategic partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS). This collaboration comes on the heels of AWS’s launch of its second Middle East cloud region in the UAE in 2022, as well as a commitment to invest USD 5 billion in the local economy by 2036. The partnership is poised to reshape the digital landscape in the region, particularly in sectors that demand robust and secure cloud solutions.
Key Areas of Focus
The partnership between E& and AWS is set to leverage the strengths of both companies to address the unique needs of various sectors, including public services, healthcare, finance, and oil and gas. By combining AWS’s advanced cloud infrastructure and solutions with E&’s extensive network capabilities, the collaboration aims to deliver tailored cloud solutions that comply with industry regulations. This is particularly crucial as organizations in the Middle East increasingly seek secure and scalable infrastructure to support their digital transformation journeys.
Investment and Infrastructure Development
A cornerstone of this partnership is a substantial agreement worth over USD 1 billion, which will be executed over the next six years. This investment will focus on delivering essential cloud services, including storage, computing, networking, and cybersecurity, as well as advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML).
E& plans to utilize AWS technologies to enhance its AI capabilities, modernize its TV streaming service, Starzplay Arabia, and improve the Careem app. Additionally, AWS will work with E& to facilitate access to its services for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), thereby fostering innovation and growth within the local business ecosystem.
Hatem Dowidar, Group CEO of E&, emphasized the strategic nature of this partnership, stating, "This agreement with AWS demonstrates our shared long-term strategic goal to create an ecosystem that supports today’s digital needs and lays the foundation for future growth." He highlighted the importance of investing in critical infrastructure and talent development to support the UAE’s vision of becoming a leading digital powerhouse.
Accelerating UAE Vision 2031
Tanuja Randery, Vice President for Europe, Middle East, and Africa at AWS, echoed Dowidar’s sentiments, noting that this collaboration represents a significant step in AWS’s ongoing investment in the UAE. She remarked, "Our partnership with E& underscores AWS’s deep commitment to both the UAE and the wider Middle East, particularly in fast-tracking UAE Vision 2031." The partnership aims to empower public sector organizations and regulated industries with the tools necessary for secure innovation and progress.
Leveraging Amazon Bedrock GenAI Solutions
One of the exciting aspects of this partnership is the plan to utilize AWS’s Amazon Bedrock generative AI solutions. This initiative will enable E&’s customers—both large enterprises and SMEs—to harness advanced AI technologies to enhance productivity and improve customer experiences. Amazon Bedrock offers a single Application Programming Interface (API) that provides access to foundation models from leading AI providers, making it easier for companies to build and scale generative AI applications.
Upskilling and Talent Development
Recognizing the importance of human capital in driving digital transformation, AWS and E& are committed to developing a local upskilling initiative. This initiative aims to provide training opportunities in cloud technologies and AI to thousands of individuals, with a particular focus on UAE nationals. By investing in talent development, the partnership seeks to equip the local workforce with the skills necessary to thrive in an increasingly digital economy.
Conclusion
The strategic partnership between E& Group and AWS marks a pivotal moment for the UAE’s digital infrastructure. With a combined investment of over USD 1 billion and a focus on delivering cutting-edge cloud services, AI capabilities, and talent development, this collaboration is set to drive innovation and growth across various sectors. As the UAE continues to position itself as a global leader in digital transformation, the E& and AWS partnership will play a crucial role in realizing this vision, ultimately benefiting businesses and citizens alike.
As the region embraces the future of technology, the collaboration between these two giants is a testament to the potential of strategic alliances in shaping a resilient and dynamic digital economy.