Sharjah Digital Department and Amazon Web Services forge transformative partnership to elevate government innovation
A landmark collaboration between Sharjah's digital authority and the global technology leader will strengthen expertise in artificial intelligence and cloud computing, propelling the emirate's government services into a new era of digital excellence.
Sharjah Digital Department has entered into a strategic Memorandum of Understanding with Amazon Web Services, a partnership designed to elevate the emirate’s digital transformation aspirations and fortify government capabilities through collaborative knowledge exchange and technical advancement.
The accord was formalised during AWS Summit 2026, with Sheikh Saud bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Director-General of Sharjah Digital Department, and Chris Erasmus, General Manager for UAE and Rest of MENA at Amazon Web Services, affixing their signatures to this consequential agreement.
This collaboration represents a sophisticated approach to digital governance, positioning Sharjah to harness cutting-edge technological expertise whilst nurturing the specialised skills essential for contemporary public administration. The partnership encompasses comprehensive capability development programmes, concentrating upon artificial intelligence and cloud computing domains, thereby equipping government professionals with proficiency in technologies that shall substantially enhance operational efficiency and service delivery to the community.
Sheikh Saud bin Sultan Al Qasimi articulated the strategic vision underlying this partnership, emphasising that capability building and knowledge exchange constitute the bedrock of meaningful digital transformation. He articulated that the collaboration will enable government entities to maintain alignment with technological advancement, drawing upon the sophisticated technical acumen of a globally recognised institution.
The cooperation extends beyond mere technical training. It encompasses the exchange of expertise concerning technology policies, data classification and data privacy protocols, ensuring that Sharjah’s digital infrastructure reflects international best practices whilst remaining responsive to local governance requirements and regulatory frameworks. The partnership shall furthermore explore innovative technological solutions tailored to specific governmental needs, fostering an ecosystem wherein innovation flourishes within appropriate policy parameters.
This initiative serves as a cornerstone supporting the Sharjah Digital Transformation Strategy 2026 to 2028, an ambitious roadmap that endeavours to establish an integrated and sustainable digital government infrastructure. The strategy recognises that durable transformation emerges not merely from technological deployment, but from the deliberate cultivation of human expertise and institutional readiness to embrace digital possibilities.
Chris Erasmus emphasised Amazon Web Services’ commitment to supporting regional digital ambitions, characterising the collaboration as a mutual recognition that investing in people and building localised expertise constitute the true catalysts for meaningful transformation. The partnership promises to empower government teams with the intellectual tools and technical capabilities requisite for delivering innovative and efficient public services to Sharjah’s residents.
Source: WAM