e& and AWS: A Strategic Partnership Shaping the Future of Cloud Computing in the Middle East
In an era where digital transformation is paramount, the recent announcement of a 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 for the Middle East’s digital landscape. This collaboration comes on the heels of AWS’s launch of its second Middle East cloud region in the UAE in 2022, which is backed by a substantial US$5 billion (AED 20 billion) investment aimed at bolstering the local economy through to 2036.
A Powerful Alliance for Cloud Solutions
The partnership between e& and AWS is designed to leverage AWS’s robust cloud infrastructure and solutions, which are sovereign by design, alongside e&’s extensive network capabilities. This strategic alignment aims to meet the stringent requirements of customers in the public sector and regulated industries, including healthcare, finance, and oil and gas. By combining their strengths, e& and AWS are poised to deliver cloud solutions that not only comply with industry regulations but also cater to the increasing demand for secure and scalable infrastructure.
Hatem Dowidar, Group CEO of e&, emphasized the importance of this collaboration, 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.” This partnership is not just about technology; it’s about enabling businesses of all sizes to thrive in an AI-powered, data-driven economy.
Accelerating Digital Transformation
As part of their collaboration, e& and AWS have signed a groundbreaking agreement worth over US$1 billion (AED 3.7 billion) over the next six years. This investment is aimed at accelerating the impact of cloud-driven innovation and digital transformation across the region. The focus will be on delivering core cloud services, including storage, computing, networking, cybersecurity, and advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML).
This partnership will also enhance e&’s existing platforms, such as Starzplay Arabia, a popular TV streaming service, and Careem, the Middle East’s leading ‘everything app.’ By leveraging AWS’s 200-plus fully featured services, e& aims to modernize these platforms, expand its AI capabilities, and enhance its Smart Home services. Additionally, e&’s Smiles points program will allow customers to earn rewards when shopping on Amazon, further integrating the two companies’ offerings.
Empowering Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises
One of the most exciting aspects of this partnership is its potential to empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the region. AWS will enable hundreds of SMEs, supported by e&, to access the AWS Marketplace, allowing them to discover, deploy, and manage software that operates on AWS. This democratization of cloud access is crucial for fostering innovation and growth among smaller businesses, enabling them to compete on a larger scale.
AWS’s commitment to transforming access to generative AI technology is another game-changer. With tools like Amazon Bedrock, companies of all sizes can build and scale generative AI applications, driving productivity and enhancing customer experiences. This initiative aligns perfectly with the growing trend of AI adoption across various industries in the Middle East.
A Vision for the Future
The timing of this collaboration is particularly significant, as cloud adoption continues to reshape public sector services and enterprises in the region. According to PwC, nearly 70 percent of Middle East companies plan to migrate most of their operations to the cloud within the next two years. Furthermore, a report by Telecom Advisory Services predicts that public cloud adoption could unlock a staggering US$733 billion in economic value across the Middle East and North Africa by 2033.
Tanuja Randery, Vice President of AWS for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, highlighted the importance of this partnership in fast-tracking the UAE Vision 2031, which aims to position the nation as a global economic hub. “Our partnership with e& underscores AWS’s deep commitment to both the UAE and the wider Middle East,” she stated, emphasizing the shared goal of driving innovation securely across the region.
Investing in Talent Development
Beyond technology and infrastructure, the partnership also emphasizes the importance of talent development. AWS and e& are committed to launching 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 aims to cultivate a highly skilled workforce capable of leading in the AI-driven economy of the future.
Salvador Anglada, CEO of e& enterprise, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “By combining AWS’s advanced cloud capabilities with e&’s local expertise, we will empower businesses across the region with the tools and infrastructure to accelerate their digital transformation.”
Conclusion
The strategic partnership between e& and AWS is set to redefine the cloud computing landscape in the Middle East. By combining their strengths, the two companies are not only addressing the immediate needs of businesses but also laying the groundwork for a digitally empowered future. As cloud adoption accelerates and AI technologies become more accessible, this collaboration will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the region’s economic growth and technological leadership. With a shared vision for innovation and a commitment to talent development, e& and AWS are poised to lead the charge in the Middle East’s digital transformation journey.