Amazon Web Services (AWS) and technology group e& unveil plans equip the UAE workforce with the skills needed to thrive in a digital economy powered by artificial intelligence.
The nationwide AI Nation – Afaaq program announced last week in Gitex Global 2025 in Dubaiplans to train 30,000 people in artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies through e& Academy, the company's leading learning platform.
This initiative is part of the $1 billion strategic alliance between AWS and e& announced in 2024 and represents an important milestone in the development of talent and digital leadership in the UAE.
According to a 2024 IDC study, while 78% of UAE organizations prioritize investment in AI, nearly half cite AI skills shortage as a critical barrier to large-scale implementation. By directly addressing this skills gap, AWS and e& hope to empower the next generation of technology professionals and support national goals such as the UAE Centennial Plan 2071, which aims to create a diversified knowledge-based economy.
The program will provide 30,000 sponsored AWS certification Vouchers – Students will also receive free access to AWS Skill Builder, a comprehensive online self-paced learning platform, as well as live “cloud coach” sessions designed to prepare candidates for certification exams.
Through this combination of hands-on training and mentoring, the program aims to create a highly skilled talent pool capable of driving innovation across all sectors and delivering AI-enabled jobs across the UAE economy.
“As a strategic partner of AWS, e& is proud to deliver this nationwide digital skills program through our e& Academy. By combining AWS's global training expertise with our local expertise and strong presence, we are ensuring that students across the country have access to the tools and support they need to succeed in the age of cloud and artificial intelligence. It's about building a national talent base at scale so employers can hire with confidence and people can enter AI-enabled roles in every sector,” the company said. Harrison Lung, group strategy director at e&.
Madhavi Reddy, Managing Director of AWS for the Middle East, North Africa and Turkey, added: “This initiative reflects AWS's deep commitment to making world-class digital skills training available throughout the UAE. By providing 30,000 students with industry-recognized certifications in cloud and artificial intelligence, we are helping to build the robust talent base needed to digital transformation of the country. Our collaboration with e& Academy is crucial, allowing us to join forces. AWS's global learning expertise with strong local capabilities empowers the next generation of developers to turn knowledge into tangible benefits for both businesses and communities.”
AWS and e& say that through this ambitious training program they are investing in people to ensure the UAE's position as a global technology leader. By creating a large-scale pipeline of talent with cutting-edge skills in artificial intelligence and cloud computing, the program aims to foster innovation, attract additional investment and ensure the sustainability of the country's digital-first strategy for future generations.
