AWS Cloud Innovation Center launched in Abu Dhabi to help organisations in the emirate to innovate 

Organisations in Abu Dhabi and the UAE can now develop innovative solutions to their critical problems and challenges using Amazon’s innovation mechanisms and best practices. Amazon Web Services (AWS) encourages innovation through technology in its global network of AWS Cloud Innovation Centers (CICs). CICs aim to empower public and private sector organisations to quickly create and test new ideas using Amazon’s innovation methodology. Abu Dhabi’s new AWS CIC is backed by the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) to accelerate the development of transformative technology that improves lives and creates new economic possibilities for organisations.

The three-year collaboration between ADIO and AWS is a continuation of the successful cooperation between the two organisations to drive digital transformation in Abu Dhabi, which has seen AWS launch the AWS Middle East (UAE) Region and an SME cloud training programme. AWS CIC will support innovation challenges with up to $1.5 million in AWS Promotion Credits over three years to drive outcomes forward and help organisations innovate and develop solutions that capitalise on opportunities for growth and disruption.

The AWS CIC aims at driving public and private sector innovation in Abu Dhabi. Amazon is recognised as one of the world’s most innovative and best-run companies, and Abu Dhabi-based entities will be able to leverage Amazon’s innovation best practices at the AWS CIC to address challenges and test new ideas. The Center will offer access to AWS’s innovation mechanisms and technology expertise to kickstart the creation of innovative solutions using advanced cloud capabilities.

Eng. Abdulla Abdul Aziz AlShamsi, Acting Director General of ADIO, said: “ADIO is bringing the AWS CIC to Abu Dhabi and the UAE to address pressing opportunities and challenges. With its focus on innovative solutions, the Center will be a meaningful addition to Abu Dhabi’s growing technology ecosystem, equipping organisations with tools to transform rapidly and successfully. We see massive potential for innovation to make a difference across multiple industries and call upon all Abu Dhabi-based entities to leverage the AWS CIC to drive disruptive thinking that will propel businesses to success and transform the lives of citizens.”

ADIO and AWS will conduct a roadshow promoting the AWS CIC through the end of 2022 to showcase the value of using Amazon’s working backwards approach for innovation. Working backwards will help organisations learn about and adopt innovation best practices, identify compelling changes that will transform their organisation, develop innovation visions and accelerate the journey to impact.

Wojciech Bajda, Head of Public Sector Middle East and Africa, AWS, said: “The formation of the CIC is reflective of a shared vision of ADIO and AWS. As we accelerate organisations’ cloud transformation journeys, ADIO is keen to leverage next-generation technology to drive innovation. Aligning with the UAE’s future-forward national agenda, the CIC will provide an opportunity for organisations to collaborate with the public and private sectors to address their most pressing challenges, test new ideas with Amazon’s innovation mechanisms, and access the technology expertise of AWS. This is a step in the right direction to make the UAE a hotbed for technology-driven entrepreneurship.”