Amazon Web Services (AWS) and e&, the global technology group, have
launched the “AI Nation – Afaaq” initiative, aimed at training 30,000 learners
across the UAE in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). This
programme aligns with the UAE’s Vision 2031 to develop a skilled workforce for
the country’s digital economy.
Partnership to Accelerate AI Skills Development in the UAE
As reported by Tech Africa News journalist Anisuly Rehman,
AWS and e& have collaboratively launched “AI Nation – Afaaq,” a nationwide
initiative targeting 30,000 learners for skill enhancement in AI and machine
learning techniques. This programme aims to address the growing demand for AI
expertise in the UAE across industries and government entities.
Strategic Investment and Vision Alignment
According to an Economy Middle East report by journalist
Sarah Al Amri, this initiative is part of a broader strategic alliance between
AWS and e&, marked by a US$1 billion-plus partnership over six years to
bolster cloud infrastructure, AI adoption, and digital transformation in the
region. The programme supports the UAE's Vision 2031, targeting economic growth
through digital empowerment, and aims to create a future-ready workforce.
Hatem Dowidar, Group CEO of e&, 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.”
This vision underpins both technological
infrastructure and talent development.
Training Programme Structure and Coverage
The initiative offers comprehensive upskilling opportunities in AI and cloud technologies, focusing on UAE nationals and other learners nationwide. Tanuja Randery, Vice President for Europe, Middle East, and Africa at AWS, highlighted the programme’s role in fast-tracking the UAE's digital transformation, stating,
“Our investment in developing the skills of UAE nationals will have a positive impact on the region’s economic growth and technological leadership”.
Salvador Anglada, CEO of e& enterprise, emphasised the programme's impact on business agility, saying,
“By combining AWS’s advanced cloud capabilities with e&'s local expertise, we will empower businesses to accelerate their digital transformation and innovate faster. Our shared commitment to training ensures a highly skilled workforce ready for the AI-driven economy”.
Support for Sovereign Cloud Infrastructure
This AI training launch occurs alongside ongoing efforts by
AWS and e& to build sovereign cloud infrastructure in the UAE, ensuring
data residency, security, and regulatory compliance as part of digital national
strategy.
As noted from e&’s LinkedIn update by Tariq Obaid, the
UAE Sovereign Launchpad powered by AWS, endorsed by the UAE Cyber Security
Council, provides secure cloud and AI services tailored for government and
regulated sectors. This platform supports strict data residency demands while
enabling access to AI, machine learning, and edge computing innovations.
The partnership is expected to generate significant economic
impact, with forecasts estimating contributions of up to US$181 billion in
cumulative value by 2033 from the UAE Sovereign Launchpad alone.
Comprehensive Cloud Service Expansion
Further complementing these efforts, e& enterprise’s
OneCloud platform, running on Oracle Alloy and supported by AWS technologies,
will deliver over 200 cloud and AI services hosted entirely within the UAE.
This sovereign hyperscale cloud platform addresses performance, security, and
regulatory needs for local organisations embracing digital transformation.
OneCloud’s launch is a step towards realising the UAE as a
global AI and innovation hub, giving government and regulated entities access
to scalable AI-ready infrastructure with full data sovereignty.
By launching “AI Nation – Afaaq,” AWS and e& are jointly fostering an AI and machine learning talent ecosystem in the UAE, consistent with national digital ambitions. This initiative, embedded within a broad strategic partnership, combines infrastructure investment and targeted skills development to strengthen the UAE’s position as a leader in AI-driven economic growth.