The move is part of a $1 billion strategic alliance between e& and AWS, first revealed in 2024.
As a result, e& will deliver the program through e& Academy in partnership with AWS, which aims to address the region’s growing demand for AI talent.
Through ‘AI Nation – Afaaq,’ participants across the UAE will gain access to training and certifications.
Additionally, AWS will provide 30,000 sponsored vouchers- including 25,000 for the foundational AWS Certified AI Practitioner and 5,000 for the more advanced AWS certified machine learning engineer – associate.
Learners will also receive free access to AWS Skill Builder, along with live, interactive ‘Cloud Coach’ sessions to support exam readiness.
This comes as according to IDC’s 2024 report, 88% of organisations in the UAE and Saudi Arabia recognise AI’s impact on business, yet 46% still struggle with a shortage of skilled professionals.
e& group chief strategy officer, Harrison Lung, said: “As AWS’s strategic partner, e& is proud to enable this nationwide digital skills program through our e& Academy. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to developing the next generation of talents that will drive the UAE’s innovation and leadership in the global digital economy.
“By combining AWS’s global training excellence with our local expertise and established presence, we are ensuring that learners across the country have access to the tools and support needed to succeed in the era of cloud and AI. This is about building the nation’s talent base at scale so employers can hire with confidence and people can step into AI-enabled roles across every sector.”
AWS managing director of Middle East North Africa and Turkey, Madhavi Reddy, added: “This initiative represents AWS’s deep commitment to making world-class digital skills training accessible across the UAE.
“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.”
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