Amazon Web Services (AWS), the global leader in cloud computing services, has teamed up with Manara, a UAE-based organization focused on workforce development and upskilling, to launch a groundbreaking initiative aimed at training professionals across the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region. The collaboration, announced in April 2025, will emphasize cloud computing and tech skills development, with a special focus on UAE-based upskilling to prepare the workforce for the growing demands of the digital economy.
This partnership marks an important step in AWS’s commitment to fostering a skilled workforce in the MENA region, where cloud computing and digital transformation are expected to play a significant role in economic growth over the next decade. Through this initiative, AWS and Manara aim to address the tech skills gap, enhance employability, and create new career opportunities for professionals across the region.
Focus on Cloud Computing and Digital Transformation
Cloud computing is one of the fastest-growing sectors globally, and the MENA region is no exception. As more businesses transition to the cloud and embrace digital transformation, the demand for skilled professionals in cloud technologies, data analysis, cybersecurity, and AI is skyrocketing. However, many companies in the region are struggling to find qualified candidates to fill these critical roles, creating a gap in the labor market.
AWS and Manara’s collaboration is designed to address this skills shortage by providing comprehensive cloud computing training that will equip professionals with the knowledge and experience needed to thrive in the tech industry. The program will cover a wide range of cloud-related topics, including cloud architecture, machine learning, artificial intelligence, data analytics, and cybersecurity, enabling participants to gain certifications recognized globally by AWS.
The training will be delivered through a combination of online and in-person sessions, ensuring accessibility to professionals across the MENA region. Additionally, the program will feature hands-on labs, industry-leading tools, and real-world projects, offering participants practical experience that will enhance their job readiness.
Empowering the UAE Workforce
While the initiative targets professionals across the MENA region, the UAE will be a central focus of the upskilling program. The UAE has positioned itself as a leader in digital transformation, with government initiatives such as the UAE Vision 2021 and the Digital Dubai strategy, which aim to accelerate the adoption of cutting-edge technologies across all sectors.
In alignment with these efforts, AWS and Manara are placing special emphasis on empowering UAE-based professionals, particularly in sectors such as finance, healthcare, and e-commerce, where cloud technology adoption is expected to increase rapidly. By providing top-tier cloud computing training and AWS certifications, the initiative will help UAE professionals stay ahead of the curve and meet the growing demand for cloud skills in the country’s evolving job market.
Moreover, the collaboration will encourage women in tech and other underrepresented groups in the UAE to participate in the program, fostering diversity and inclusion in the tech sector. This aligns with Manara’s mission to provide equal access to career opportunities, empowering individuals regardless of their gender or background.
Bridging the Skills Gap and Driving Regional Growth
The AWS-Manara partnership is poised to make a significant impact on the MENA region’s workforce. By equipping professionals with cloud computing skills, the program will help bridge the tech skills gap, enabling businesses in the region to adopt cutting-edge solutions, innovate, and expand globally. It will also contribute to the broader goal of creating a more diversified and resilient economy in the UAE and MENA, driven by technology and innovation.
As the demand for cloud professionals continues to grow, initiatives like this are essential to ensuring that the region has a pool of skilled talent capable of meeting the challenges and opportunities of the digital age. AWS and Manara’s collaboration represents a forward-thinking approach to workforce development, preparing the MENA region for a future dominated by cloud computing and digital technologies.
