Amazon Web Services has launched its second region in the Middle East, the AWS Middle East (UAE) region. The new region will enable startups and enterprises, government, and nonprofit organizations to run their applications and serve end users from data centers located in the UAE. The AWS cloud region in the UAE joins the AWS Bahrain region.

AWS customers in the Middle East and North Africa include Al Ghurair Investment, Alef Education, Dubai Islamic Bank, GEMS Education, the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention, and YAP.

AWS’ projected spending on the construction and operation of the new region will support an average of nearly 6,000 full-time jobs annually at external vendors, with a planned $5 billion (AED 20 billion) investment in the local economy through 2036, the company has said. 

“With the launch of the AWS Middle East (UAE) region, we are making it possible for even more customers to harness the power of the cloud to drive innovation across the UAE while also investing in the local economy through job creation, training for highly sought-after technology skills, and education resources to advance the UAE’s strategic priorities further,” said Prasad Kalyanaraman, vice president of Infrastructure Services at AWS, in a statement. 

The AWS Middle East (UAE) region will also add an estimated $11 billion over the next 15 years to the UAE’s GDP. “It strengthens Abu Dhabi’s commitment to positioning itself as a leading digital economy by leveraging cutting-edge technology to support business growth. The enhanced cloud capabilities enabled by AWS are expected to generate significant advantages and efficiencies that can propel businesses to success and realize major economic benefits for the country,” said Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, in a statement. 

“Smart infrastructure is powering the thriving private and public sectors by opening new economic possibilities, fostering inclusive growth, and creating opportunities for collaboration across our innovation ecosystem. The AWS Middle East (UAE) region is a welcome addition to the country’s innovation ecosystem, helping to build vital capabilities for all,” said Eng. Abdulla Abdul Aziz AlShamsi, acting director general of the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), in a statement.