Amazon Web Services (AWS) and e&, the UAE-based global technology group, have jointly launched the UAE Sovereign Launchpad, a groundbreaking sovereign cloud solution aimed at transforming digital services across the UAE’s public sector and regulated industries.
Backed by the UAE Cybersecurity Council, the UAE Sovereign Launchpad is designed to fast-track the adoption of cloud and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, unlocking an estimated $181 billion in cumulative value for the nation’s digital economy by 2033.
Operating within the AWS Middle East (UAE) Region, the solution ensures that all data is hosted within UAE borders, aligning with national security and cloud sovereignty policies.
The service is powered by AWS, delivered by e&, and includes extensive oversight from the UAE Cybersecurity Council to guarantee compliance with local regulations.
Read: UAE Cybersecurity Council partners with e& UAE to launch Al Ain Innovation Center
Through the Launchpad, e& will implement and manage advanced sovereignty and security controls, tailored to meet UAE-specific cloud security standards. The offering also incorporates AWS Outposts, enabling organizations to run AWS infrastructure and services on-premises — an essential capability for customers with stringent data residency requirements.
The initiative provides UAE government entities and regulated sectors — including healthcare, finance, education, space, oil and gas, and non-profit organizations — with access to cutting-edge AWS technologies while adhering to the UAE’s national data protection frameworks.
Except for workloads classified as Secret or Top Secret, public and regulated entities can now use the UAE Sovereign Launchpad through e& to support the majority of their cloud workloads, combining AWS’s global cloud infrastructure with localized management, security, and compliance services.
The UAE Sovereign Launchpad marks a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to enhance digital infrastructure, strengthen data sovereignty, and empower key sectors through secure and scalable cloud technologies.
His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Al-Kuwaiti, Head of the UAE Cybersecurity Council, lauded the collaboration: “The UAE Cyber Security Council welcomes the launch of the UAE Sovereign Launchpad and the collaboration between e& and AWS in advancing our nation’s digital transformation journey.”
“With the additional security and sovereignty controls designed within the UAE Sovereign Launchpad, the UAE government and regulated industries can transform and innovate with AWS, while meeting regulatory requirements,” Dr. Al-Kuwaiti added.
Hatem Dowidar, group CEO of e&, said: “Through AWS’s UAE Region and e&’s local expertise, this collaboration demonstrates our commitment to enabling secure cloud solutions that meet the requirements of UAE’s government and regulated sectors.
“The launch of the UAE Sovereign Launchpad, which leverages e&’s security expertise and operations, proves that world-class cloud services can operate within national cybersecurity frameworks. Our strategic partnership with AWS continues to exemplify how global cloud innovation can align with national priorities.”
AWS and e& expand $1 billion+ alliance with UAE Sovereign Launchpad and Cybersecurity Innovation Hub
The launch of the UAE Sovereign Launchpad marks the latest milestone in a strategic alliance exceeding $1 billion between Amazon Web Services (AWS) and e&, aimed at accelerating cloud adoption and digital transformation across the Middle East.
This initiative is central to their shared vision of fast-tracking AI deployment, enhancing cyber resilience, and enabling scalable, secure cloud solutions for governments and regulated industries.
Built on AWS’s globally recognized cloud infrastructure — widely regarded as the most secure platform for building, migrating, and managing applications — the Launchpad empowers the UAE’s public sector and regulated industries to harness cutting-edge technologies such as AI, machine learning, and advanced analytics, while adhering to national data sovereignty requirements.
Millions of customers, including some of the world’s most security-sensitive organizations in government, healthcare, and finance, rely on AWS to run mission-critical workloads.
Now, UAE entities can access the same trusted infrastructure through a locally governed, fully compliant sovereign cloud solution delivered by e&.
Cybersecurity innovation on the horizon
In a further move to strengthen the UAE’s leadership in cybersecurity and cloud innovation, AWS, e&, and the UAE Cybersecurity Council are collaborating to establish the UAE Cybersecurity Technology Innovation Bureau (CTIB).
The CTIB will serve as a center of excellence for cybersecurity research, development, and innovation. Its mission is to foster ‘Made in UAE’ cyber technologies, promote secure-by-design infrastructure practices, and bolster the country’s global position in cyber resilience and digital capacity building.
By combining world-class cloud capabilities with local expertise and sovereign governance, AWS and e& are not only driving digital transformation within the UAE—they are laying the foundation for a more secure, innovative, and data-resilient digital future across the entire region.
“The UAE CTIB reflects the constant efforts made by the UAE in the field of cybersecurity and is a result of the directions and visions of the country’s wise leadership,” Dr. Al-Kuwaiti said.
“Through the UAE CTIB, we plan to develop an annual program of training workshops, national and international partnerships, start-up incubations, reports and whitepapers, along with strategic R&D and academic collaborations, to accelerate the UAE’s digital transformation and cyber pulse agenda.”
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