AWS and e& Seal US$1 Billion Strategic Alliance

e&, the global technology group serving over 175 million subscribers across 34 countries, has announced a strategic partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS), the world’s most comprehensive cloud provider. This collaboration comes on the heels of AWS’s launch of its second Middle East cloud region in the UAE in 2022, which includes a planned investment of US$5 billion (AED 20 billion) in the local economy through 2036.

The partnership will combine AWS’s sovereign cloud infrastructure and solutions with e&’s extensive network capabilities to meet stringent customer requirements in the public sector and regulated industries, including healthcare, finance, and oil and gas. Together, the two companies aim to deliver cloud solutions that align with industry regulations, addressing the growing demand for secure and scalable infrastructure. By aligning with AWS, e& reinforces its role as a key enabler of the UAE’s digital economy, unlocking new growth opportunities for businesses of all sizes.

As part of this collaboration, AWS and e& have signed a US$1 billion-plus (AED 3.7 billion) agreement to accelerate cloud-driven innovation and digital transformation in the region over the next six years. The focus will be on delivering core cloud services such as storage, computing, networking, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML).

This agreement allows e& to leverage AWS’s more than 200 fully featured services to modernize platforms like Starzplay Arabia, a TV streaming service where e& holds a majority stake, and Careem, the Middle East ‘everything app’ offering a variety of services including food delivery and digital payments. Furthermore, e& plans to utilize Amazon’s technologies to enhance its AI capabilities and advance its Smart Home services, enabling users to earn Smiles points when shopping on Amazon.

AWS will empower hundreds of small- to medium-sized businesses supported by e& to access the AWS Marketplace, facilitating the discovery, deployment, and management of software running on AWS, thus democratizing access to the cloud.

Just as AWS has democratized access to cloud computing, it is also transforming access to generative AI technology. This transformation allows companies of all sizes and industries, with developers of various skill sets, to leverage advanced AI solutions to enhance productivity and improve customer experiences. The two companies will utilize AWS’s unique Amazon Bedrock generative AI solutions, providing e&’s customers with a choice of foundation models from leading AI providers via a single Application Programming Interface (API) for building and scaling generative AI applications.

This strategic partnership comes at a pivotal time, as cloud adoption continues to reshape both public sector services and enterprises in the region. According to PwC, nearly 70% of Middle East companies plan to migrate most of their operations to the cloud within the next two years. A 2023 report by Telecom Advisory Services projects that public cloud adoption could unlock US$733 billion in economic value by 2033 across the Middle East and North Africa.

Hatem Dowidar, Group CEO of e&, emphasized, “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, noted, “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 empower public sector organizations, regulated industries, and enterprises with the tools they need to innovate securely and drive progress across the region.”

The partnership aims to accelerate digital transformation, empower talent, and drive regional growth. AWS and e& plan to develop a local upskilling initiative, providing training opportunities in cloud technologies and AI to thousands of individuals, including UAE nationals.

“This initiative aligns with the UAE’s Vision 2031, aimed at positioning the nation as a global economic hub while driving digital transformation across key sectors,” Randery added. “Our investment in developing the skills of UAE nationals will positively impact the region’s economic growth and technological leadership.”

Salvador Anglada, CEO of e& enterprise, stated, “Our partnership with AWS is a game-changer for our customers. 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 and become more agile as they innovate faster. Most importantly, our shared commitment to investing in training ensures that the region will have a highly skilled workforce ready to lead in the AI-driven economy of the future.”