INTELLIGENT CLOUD

&, the global technology group which serves more than 175 million subscribers in 34 countries , announced a strategic partnership with Amazon Web Services , AWS , the world ’ s most comprehensive cloud provider . This follows AWS ’ s launch of its second Middle East cloud region in the UAE in 2022 , with a planned US $ 5 billion , AED 20 billion investment in the local economy through to 2036 .

The new alliance combines AWS ’ s cloud infrastructure and solutions , which are sovereign by design , with e &’ s network capabilities to address the most stringent 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 . By aligning with AWS , e & solidifies its role as a key enabler of the UAE ’ s digital economy , unlocking new growth opportunities for businesses of all sizes .

As part of the collaboration , AWS and e & signed a US $ 1 billionplus , AED3.7 billion agreement over the next six years to accelerate the impact of cloud-driven innovation and digital transformation across the region . The alliance will focus on delivering core cloud services like storage , computing , networking , cybersecurity , as well as artificial intelligence , AI and machine learning , ML .

The agreement enables e & to leverage AWS ’ s 200-plus fully featured services to modernise platforms such as Starzplay Arabia , a TV streaming service of which e & has a majority stake ; and Careem , the Middle East everything app offering millions of customers easy access to food , mobility , digital payments , and more . e & will also deploy Amazon ’ s technologies to expand its AI capabilities and to advance its Smart Home services , while e &’ s Smiles points can be earned when shopping on Amazon .

AWS will enable hundreds of small-medium-sized businesses , supported by e &, to access the AWS Marketplace . This will help these businesses discover , deploy , and manage software which runs on AWS , democratising access to the cloud .

Just like how AWS democratised access to cloud computing services , it is transforming access to building and using generative AI technology so that companies of all sizes , across all industries , with developers of all skillsets , can take part in this transformation and grow their businesses .

The two companies will also leverage AWS ’ s unique Amazon Bedrock generative AI solutions to empower e &’ s Middle East customers , large and small , with advanced AI to drive productivity and improve customer experiences . Amazon Bedrock provides foundation model choice from AI providers via a single Application Programming Interface , API for companies to build and scale generative AI applications .

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 .”

With a bold vision and commitment to accelerating 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 . •

INTELLIGENT TECH CHANNELS 4343