In a major move to boost tech talent across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), Amazon Web Services (AWS) has teamed up with Manara, a social impact startup, to train 2,500 software engineers in cloud and AI skills. Backed by a $3.6 million investment over two years, this initiative aims to unlock the region’s full potential, especially by supporting women in tech in countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
A Shared Mission to Shape the Future
AWS and Manara are on a mission to supercharge MENA’s digital economy by equipping top talent with the skills they need to thrive in cloud computing, AI, and software development. With AWS recently announcing a $5.3 billion investment in Saudi Arabia, the region is clearly becoming a hotbed for tech innovation.
“The Middle East is poised to become the next frontier for technology talent,” said Iliana Montauk, Founder and CEO of Manara. “With AWS, we’re doubling down on our commitment to empower the region’s brightest minds with world-class skills and global opportunities.”
What is Manara and what do they do?
Founded in Silicon Valley by two visionary women, Manara has become a game-changer in MENA’s tech scene. Backed by giants like Y Combinator, Seedcamp, and legendary tech figures including Reid Hoffman, Marc Benioff, and Paul Graham, Manara helps bridge the gap between talented engineers and global tech jobs.
Its mission?
- ✅ Train top-tier talent
- ✅ Promote diversity and inclusion
- ✅ Create job opportunities in global tech markets
What’s in the Program?
This initiative will provide:
- ✅ Cloud training powered by AWS
- ✅ AWS Certifications to validate expertise
- ✅ Access to global employers via Manara’s network
- ✅ Online learning through Manara’s proprietary ed-tech platform
Participants will emerge as job-ready cloud professionals, ready to work with companies across MENA, Europe, and North America.
Interested? Talented engineers and hiring companies can sign up at www.manara.tech.
AWS-Manara collaboration might have Global Impact
Antonio Alonso Lopez, Director of Partner Management, EMEA at AWS, said:
“We’re proud to work with partners like Manara to build the next generation of cloud professionals. This initiative is about unlocking opportunity—especially in the growing field of generative AI.”
AWS has long been committed to upskilling people around the world, and this partnership is part of that ongoing effort.
Real Stories, Real Impact
“This program gave me the confidence to pursue a career in cloud computing,” shared Omar AlSakka, a recent graduate. And he’s not alone—many others are now stepping into high-impact roles across the tech industry thanks to this initiative.