AWS and e& Partnership: Pioneering Digital Transformation in the Middle East

In an era where digital transformation is not just a trend but a necessity, the partnership between Amazon Web Services (AWS) and e& (formerly known as Etisalat Group) is set to redefine the technological landscape of the Middle East. Together, these two industry giants are embarking on a monumental journey to provide a robust infrastructure that meets the region’s growing demand for secure and compliant digital solutions.

A Groundbreaking Agreement

At the core of this collaboration lies a significant six-year agreement valued at over $1 billion. This strategic partnership aims to accelerate cloud-based innovation and digital transformation across the region. By pooling their resources and expertise, AWS and e& are poised to create a powerful ecosystem that not only addresses current digital needs but also lays the groundwork for future advancements.

Comprehensive Cloud Services

Through this partnership, AWS and e& will offer a wide array of cloud services, including storage, computing, networking, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML). This comprehensive suite of services is designed to empower businesses of all sizes, enabling them to harness the power of the cloud to drive efficiency, innovation, and growth.

The collaboration will also enhance existing platforms such as Starzplay Arabia and Careem, allowing e& to leverage AWS’s extensive portfolio of over 200 services. This enhancement will not only improve user experience but also expand AI and Smart Home services for customers throughout the region.

Empowering Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises

Recognizing the vital role that small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) play in the economy, e& is committed to supporting these enterprises by providing access to the AWS Marketplace. This initiative will broaden cloud accessibility, enabling SMBs to discover and manage software solutions on AWS, thereby fostering innovation and competitiveness in the market.

A Vision for Talent Development

The partnership is not solely focused on technology; it also emphasizes the importance of human capital. Aligned with the UAE Vision 2031, AWS and e& are dedicated to developing local talent by training thousands of individuals, including UAE nationals, in cloud technologies and AI. This investment in talent development is crucial for building a skilled workforce capable of driving the region’s digital economy forward.

Leadership Perspectives

Hatem Dowidar, the Group CEO of e&, expressed the significance of this agreement, stating, “This partnership 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 emphasized that the collaboration aims to enable businesses across the region to thrive in an AI-powered, data-driven economy, ultimately contributing to the UAE’s vision of becoming a world-leading digital powerhouse.

Tanuja Randery, VP of AWS for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, echoed Dowidar’s sentiments, highlighting the partnership as a significant step in AWS’s ongoing investment in the UAE. “Our collaboration with e& underscores AWS’s deep commitment to both the UAE and the wider Middle East, particularly in fast-tracking UAE Vision 2031,” she stated. Randery also noted that AWS’s security infrastructure and expertise in AI and ML will empower various sectors, including public organizations and regulated industries, to innovate securely.

Conclusion

The partnership between AWS and e& marks a pivotal moment in the Middle East’s digital transformation journey. By combining their strengths, these two companies are not only addressing the immediate needs of businesses but also paving the way for a more innovative and resilient future. As they work together to enhance cloud services, support SMBs, and develop local talent, the impact of this collaboration will undoubtedly resonate across the region, driving economic growth and technological advancement for years to come.

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As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the partnership between AWS and e& serves as a beacon of progress, demonstrating how collaboration can lead to transformative change in the world of technology.