The Sharjah Digital Department signed a memorandum of understanding with Amazon Web Services to enhance collaboration on digital capacity building and the exchange of technical expertise, according to the Emirates News Agency. Sheikh Saud bin Sultan Al Qasimi, director general of the Sharjah Digital Department, joined Chris Erasmus, AWS general manager for the UAE, Middle East and North Africa, in signing the pact on the sidelines of the AWS Summit. The deal seeks to advance the emirate’s digital transformation journey while developing government services and capabilities, the agency reported.
Chris Erasmus stated that AWS remains committed to backing governmental digital goals throughout the area. “We at Amazon Web Services are committed to supporting the digital ambitions of governments in the region and our cooperation with the Sharjah Digital Department reflects our shared belief in the importance of investing in competencies and building local expertise in the field of cloud computing as they are among the basic pillars for achieving impactful digital transformation,” he said. The partnership underscores a joint focus on local talent development as a foundation for meaningful digital change.
According to the agreement, the two parties will implement specialized training programs and initiatives to develop skills in artificial intelligence, cloud computing and associated technologies, the Sharjah Digital Department said. This effort aims to prepare local cadres to meet future digital demands and advancements. The training component forms a core part of the memorandum.
The collaboration further encompasses the sharing of experiences and best practices in technology policies, data classification, privacy and related areas, according to the Emirates News Agency. Both sides will explore frameworks that allow government entities to utilize technical solutions tailored to their specific needs while complying with established policies and requirements. Such exchanges are expected to improve regulatory alignment and operational efficiency across Sharjah’s public sector.
This initiative arrives as the Middle East and Africa cloud computing market prepares for substantial expansion. Grand View Research data places the market at roughly 100 billion dollars in 2026, with projections showing growth to more than 255 billion dollars by 2033 at a compound annual rate of 14.3 percent. The growth reflects rising demand for cloud infrastructure to support artificial intelligence applications and digital government services across the region.
A separate announcement indicated that the UAE Sovereign Launchpad offered by e& and powered by AWS became commercially available across the UAE in November 2025. The platform gives regulated organisations an immediate path to in-country cloud services while meeting national cybersecurity standards. It supports the UAE’s We the UAE 2031 vision by enabling secure adoption of cloud and AI technologies in the public sector and industries such as healthcare and finance.
