The plan is to speed digital transformation in the Middle East including through faster deployment of AI
The operator group e&, which has headquarters in the United Arab Emirates, and AWS will collaborate on cloud services in the Middle East. Their intention is to speed up the deployment of AI and digital transformation in the region.
They announced the contract alongside the Gitex Global 2024 event in Dubai, describing it as a ‘$1bn-plus’ investment agreement to pool resources over the next six years. The partner are to prioritise “core cloud services” which covers storage, computing, networking, cybersecurity, and AI including machine learning.
They will combine AWS’s cloud infrastructure and solutions with e&’s network capabilities to “address the most stringent customer requirements” across the public sector in the Middle East. They also said they would target “regulated industries”, including healthcare, finance, and oil and gas, as well as SMEs.
The deal will give e& access to AWS’ portfolio of more than 200 services. e& is to improve platforms like Starzplay Arabia and Careem, and expand AI and Smart Home services for customers across the region.
e& customers will also be able to earn Smiles points when shopping on Amazon: small to medium-sized businesses supported by e& will gain access to the AWS Marketplace.
The companies will integrate AWS’ Amazon Bedrock generative AI into services. Bedrock enables the use of AI models via one API to help companies build scalable AI applications to boost productivity and customer experiences.
Extra capacity
PwC reckons 70% of Middle Eastern companies plan to migrate most of their operations to the cloud within two years. The companies must also adhere to data sovereignty laws in the region that stipulate that sensitive data (such as personal, governmental, financial or medical) can only be stored and processed within the country of origin.
AWS is no stranger to the region. It set up its AWS Middle East (UAE) Region in 2022, promising to invest $5 billion in the area by 2036. It also has a ‘region’ in Bahrain.
e& group’s CEO, Hatem Dowidar, stated, “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.”
Tanuja Randery, VP of AWS’ operations in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), said, “Our partnership with e& underscores AWS’ 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.”