IBM and Amazon Web Services (AWS) have expanded their partnership to accelerate secure cloud adoption and digital transformation initiatives across the Middle East.
The agreement will see IBM Consulting’s expertise in AI, hybrid cloud, and sector-specific solutions combined with AWS’ cloud infrastructure to support organisations in Saudi Arabia, UAE, and neighbouring markets.
A central feature under consideration is a joint IBM-AWS Innovation Hub in Riyadh.
This centre would provide enterprises and public sector bodies with access to proof-of-concept capabilities, advanced cloud tools, and industry solutions such as IBM’s watsonx.
The initiative builds on similar models established by the companies in India and Romania, with adaptations planned for local regulatory and operational requirements.
IBM is planning to increase its AWS Practice footprint in the region. This includes building technical skills, expanding delivery teams, and certifying practitioners based in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE)
The move is intended to help clients handle migrations and optimise hybrid architectures throughout their digital transformation lifecycle.
AWS will contribute to the localisation of IBM-led solutions on its platform.
Offerings that will be adapted for regional use include Autonomous Security Compliance, Contact Center Intelligence, Supply Chain Ensemble, specialised analytics for oil and gas, smart government frameworks, and AI-based citizen engagement tools.
AWS EMEA vice president and managing director Tanuja Randery said: “Our collaboration with IBM will enable businesses and governments across the Middle East to adopt breakthrough technologies at scale, while reinventing core processes with AI.”
IBM Consulting’s managed service Autonomous Security for Cloud (ASC) will be deployed to automate security policy enforcement on AW. It will leverage AI to support compliance with standards such as Saudi Arabia’s National Cybersecurity Authority Essential Cybersecurity Controls (ECC) and Abu Dhabi Healthcare Information and Cyber Security Standard (ADHICS).
The companies plan to deliver tailored security assessments to regulated industries from the start of their migration.
The partnership includes a set of sustainability initiatives designed to support regional mandates such as the Saudi Green Initiative and the UAE’s sustainability framework.
IBM will introduce tools for sustainability reporting and product lifecycle tracking for industries including oil and gas, aiming to help clients meet net-zero objectives within their IT infrastructure modernisation strategies.