On September 15, Amazon Web Services (AWS) hosted its third annual AWS Summit in Bahrain, marking the first event since the launch of the new Middle East AWS region in August. Over 1,600 leaders and technology enthusiasts gathered to engage, collaborate, and explore AWS through more than 20 breakout sessions, which covered diverse topics including machine learning, databases, and workforce development. During the keynote address, Jenna Carter, VP of Global Public Sector at AWS, announced regional initiatives and invited local customers to discuss their journeys with AWS. For additional insights, check out another blog post here.
The First Cloud Degree in the Middle East
The University of Bahrain (UOB) made a significant announcement regarding the introduction of a cloud computing degree program—the first of its kind in the region. UOB plans to launch a one-year cloud computing certificate and a full bachelor’s degree in collaboration with the AWS Educate Cloud Degree initiative. The cloud computing 101 certificate will be available to students in engineering, information and computer technologies, and business colleges starting in early 2020, with plans to expand to all students by fall 2020. The four-year bachelor’s program will begin in the fall semester of 2020, equipping students with essential skills for careers in cloud architecture, cybersecurity, software development, and DevOps.
AI Hackathon for Social Good
AWS organized its inaugural artificial intelligence (AI) hackathon in Bahrain, culminating at the summit. This two-week event aimed to enhance digital skills among Bahraini citizens. Twenty-six students formed eight teams from the University of Bahrain (UOB) to innovate and develop solutions. Over the course of 15 days, teams received technical training, participated in design thinking sessions, and worked on prototyping unique AI-driven solutions. The winning team developed a prototype for sign language translation using AWS technologies such as AWS DeepLens, AWS Lambda, and Amazon SageMaker, enabling real-time translation and smart home control through sign language.
We Power Tech Panel Discussion
The We Power Tech panel featured influential women in the IT sector who are spearheading digital transformation initiatives across the Middle East, emphasizing the importance of diversity and inclusion. Moderated by Lisa Thompson, Head of Global Public Sector Services at AWS, the panel included: Rania Al-Fahad, Chief of IT at the Ministry of Information; Sarah Jones, VP of Data at TechForward; and Leila Khatib, CTO at FutureTech. They shared insights on the evolving role of IT and how cloud technology is empowering organizations to be more agile and innovative.
Innovative Solutions for Cloud-Based Growth
Ahmed Nasser, CEO of CloudConnect, discussed the immense potential of cloud technology in scaling operations. He highlighted the unprecedented growth of data and the essential role of cloud solutions in supporting this expansion. CloudConnect chose AWS for its ability to leverage ready-to-use solutions, including AWS CloudFormation templates and Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2). The company is also developing serverless applications using AWS Lambda and enhancing real-time data processing with Amazon Kinesis.
Faster Constituent Services with Cloud Technology
Shaikh Mohammed Al Khalifa, Deputy Chief Executive of the Bahrain eGovernment Authority, shared how cloud adoption has dramatically reduced project timelines. A project that used to take 30 days now only requires 1.2 days, allowing the eGovernment Authority to provide enhanced services to its constituents.
Transforming Banking with Cloud Innovations
Bank ABC has embraced the cloud to disrupt traditional banking practices. Mr. Amir Al-Mansoori, Deputy Group CEO, explained how their cloud-first approach is facilitating the delivery of innovative digital banking services. The bank is leveraging AI and data science through cloud solutions to drive its mission of customer-centric innovation.
AWS Startup Day
The day following the summit, over 300 participants attended the AWS Startup Day in Bahrain, which offered a day packed with educational content and networking opportunities for startups seeking to boost their innovation and growth. Attendees gained insights from AWS technical experts and successful startup founders, receiving invaluable advice on transforming ideas into impactful businesses.
For further information on AWS in the Middle East, visit their website here, where you can find more details about their global infrastructure and initiatives. Additionally, if you’re interested in becoming a learning trainer, check out this excellent resource here.
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