AWS, e& unveil UAE Sovereign Cloud for Public Sector Transformation
Amazon Web Services (AWS) and UAE-based technology group e& have officially launched the UAE Sovereign Launchpad, a robust cloud infrastructure initiative tailored for public sector and regulated industry transformation. This launchpad aims to catalyze digital innovation while ensuring full compliance with national data governance policies.
With strategic oversight by the UAE Cybersecurity Council, the platform is meticulously designed to support sovereign cloud computing. It guarantees that all data remains within UAE borders, in alignment with national security mandates. By operating through the AWS Middle East (UAE) Region, the Launchpad introduces a powerful blend of global cloud capability and local governance.
Moreover, the solution includes advanced sovereignty and security controls, which are managed and implemented by e&. This ensures adherence to UAE-specific cloud compliance frameworks. Through the integration of AWS Outposts, organizations can deploy AWS services on-premises, fulfilling stringent data residency needs without compromising scalability or performance.
Importantly, the platform is not restricted to a single vertical. It is accessible to a broad spectrum of sectors such as finance, healthcare, education, space, and energy. Except for classified workloads, most public and regulated workloads can now be seamlessly migrated to the Launchpad, blending AWS’s robust global infrastructure with localized cybersecurity assurances.
Strengthening National Cybersecurity and Cloud Resilience
This initiative is not only technological but also strategic. It aligns with the UAE’s vision to unlock an estimated $181 billion in digital economic value by 2033. Dr. Mohamed Al-Kuwaiti, Head of the UAE Cybersecurity Council, affirmed the importance of this partnership, emphasizing that the Launchpad will allow government entities to innovate while meeting regulatory standards.
Simultaneously, e& Group CEO Hatem Dowidar highlighted that the collaboration exemplifies how global cloud innovations can be localized to support national priorities. The venture underscores e&’s expertise in delivering secure cloud environments in line with domestic cybersecurity frameworks.
Their joint initiative also expands upon a strategic alliance exceeding $1 billion, a testament to the growing emphasis on digital sovereignty and cybersecurity across the Middle East.
Pioneering Cybersecurity Innovation for the Region
Beyond the infrastructure, AWS, e&, and the UAE Cybersecurity Council are collaborating to launch the Cybersecurity Technology Innovation Bureau (CTIB). This bureau will serve as a center of excellence for indigenous cybersecurity development, advancing secure-by-design digital infrastructure and fostering next-generation solutions.
The CTIB’s objectives include establishing training programs, supporting start-up incubators, initiating collaborative R&D efforts, and releasing whitepapers to advance cybersecurity education and implementation. These efforts, rooted in UAE leadership’s vision, are expected to position the country as a regional, if not global, leader in secure cloud transformation.
Ultimately, the UAE Sovereign Launchpad and CTIB symbolize a significant leap forward. They not only enable the rapid adoption of AI and cloud technologies but also ensure that innovation does not come at the cost of security or sovereignty. Through this initiative, AWS and e& are laying the groundwork for a resilient, data-secure future across the UAE and the wider region.
