AWS and e& to Train 30,000 UAE Citizens in AI and Cloud Skills
▼ Summary
– AWS and e& have launched the “AI Nation – Afaaq” program to train 30,000 individuals in AI and machine learning technologies in the UAE.
– The initiative is part of a $1 billion strategic alliance between e& and AWS, announced in 2024 and unveiled at GITEX GLOBAL 2025 in Dubai.
– The program addresses the AI skills gap, with 46% of UAE organizations identifying a shortage of AI expertise as a barrier to implementation.
– Training will be delivered through e& Academy, offering 30,000 sponsored certification vouchers and free access to AWS Skill Builder online learning.
– This effort supports the UAE’s national goals, including the Centennial 2071 plan, by building a talent base to drive innovation and a knowledge-based economy.
A major new partnership between Amazon Web Services (AWS) and e& is set to equip 30,000 UAE citizens with critical skills in artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing. This ambitious nationwide program, titled “AI Nation – Afaaq,” directly supports the country’s strategic push to build a diversified, knowledge-based economy. The initiative was officially unveiled at the GITEX GLOBAL 2025 event in Dubai, marking a significant step within the broader $1 billion strategic alliance the two companies announced the previous year.
The program is a direct response to a pressing regional challenge. A 2024 IDC report highlighted that while 78% of UAE organizations are prioritizing AI investment, a significant 46% cite a severe shortage of skilled professionals as the main obstacle to implementation. This skills gap threatens to slow down the pace of digital transformation. By creating a large-scale talent pipeline, the collaboration between e& and AWS aims to dismantle this barrier, reinforcing their commitment to the UAE’s long-term vision, including the UAE Centennial 2071 plan.
Harrison Lung, Group Chief Strategy Officer at e&, emphasized the importance of the initiative. “As AWS’s strategic partner, e& is proud to enable this nationwide digital skills program through our e& Academy,” he stated. “This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to developing the next generation of talent that will drive the UAE’s innovation and leadership in the global digital economy.” He added that by merging AWS’s global training resources with e&’s local expertise, the program ensures learners across the nation receive the necessary tools and support to thrive in cloud and AI roles, thereby strengthening the national talent pool for employers.
The training will be administered through the e& Academy, providing participants with world-class instruction and localized assistance. A key component of the program involves AWS providing 30,000 sponsored vouchers for industry-recognized certifications. This includes 25,000 vouchers for the foundational AWS Certified AI Practitioner and 5,000 for the more advanced AWS Certified Machine Learning Engineer – Associate credential. Furthermore, all learners will gain free access to a vast library of self-paced digital training materials on the AWS Skill Builder platform.
To maximize success rates, the program will supplement the digital learning with live, interactive ‘Cloud Coach’ sessions designed to prepare participants for their certification exams. This comprehensive approach is designed to empower individuals with in-demand technical skills that align perfectly with the UAE’s digital-first national ambitions.
Madhavi Reddy, Managing Director for AWS in the Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey, commented on the partnership’s significance. “This initiative represents AWS’s deep commitment to making world-class digital skills training accessible across the UAE,” she said. “By providing 30,000 learners with industry-recognized certifications in cloud and AI, we are helping to build the robust talent base required for the nation’s digital transformation journey. Our collaboration with e& Academy as an AWS Training Partner is crucial, enabling us to combine AWS’s global training expertise with strong local delivery.”
Ultimately, this large-scale investment in human capital is about securing the UAE’s future. By developing a generation of professionals skilled in cloud and AI technologies, AWS and e& are fueling innovation, attracting further international investment, and solidifying the nation’s position as a leading global technology hub for years to come.
(Source: Economy Middle East)
