E& Group has announced a strategic partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to enhance digital infrastructure in the UAE. This collaboration follows AWS's launch of its second Middle East cloud region in the UAE in 2022 and a planned USD 5 billion investment in the local economy through 2036, the companies said in a statement this week.
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Key Areas of Focus
According to the official release, this partnership will combine AWS's cloud infrastructure and solutions with E&'s network capabilities to address customer requirements across the public sector and regulated industries, including healthcare, finance, and oil and gas in the Middle East. Together, the companies will provide cloud solutions that align with industry regulations, meeting the growing demand for secure and scalable infrastructure.
Investment and Infrastructure Development
As part of the collaboration, AWS and E& signed an agreement worth over USD 1 billion for the next six years, focusing on delivering core cloud services such as storage, computing, networking, cybersecurity, as well as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML).
E& will deploy AWS technologies to expand its AI capabilities, utilise AWS services to modernise its TV streaming service, Starzplay Arabia, and the Careem app, and advance its Smart Home services, while AWS will enable small and medium-sized businesses to access its services with help from E&.
Hatem Dowidar, Group CEO of e&, said: "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. We are enabling businesses across the region to lead in an AI-powered, data-driven economy. By investing in both critical infrastructure and talent development, we’re again supporting the region’s economy, digital resilience, and, most importantly, its people, who will be instrumental in realizing the UAE's vision of becoming a world-leading digital powerhouse."
Tanuja Randery, Vice President, Europe, Middle East, and Africa, AWS, said: "This collaboration marks another significant step in our ongoing investment in the UAE, which has emerged as an international force driving innovation. 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. Our security infrastructure and expertise in AI and ML empowers public sector organisations, regulated industries, and enterprises with the tools they need to innovate securely and drive progress across the region."
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Leverage Amazon Bedrock GenAI Solutions
The two companies will also leverage AWS's Amazon Bedrock generative AI solutions to empower E&’s Middle East customers, both large and small, with advanced AI to drive productivity and improve customer experiences.
Amazon Bedrock provides foundation model choice from leading AI providers via a single Application Programming Interface (API) for companies to build and scale generative AI applications.
Upskilling and Talent Development
AWS and E& will also work on developing a local upskilling initiative, with plans to provide training opportunities to thousands of individuals—including UAE nationals—in cloud technologies and AI.
