Sharjah Digital Department has signed a memorandum of understanding with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to strengthen digital skills, technical knowledge and innovation across the emirate’s government sector.
The agreement was signed on the sidelines of AWS Summit 2026 on Tuesday, 13 October, by Sheikh Saud bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Director-General of Sharjah Digital Department, and Chris Erasmus, AWS General Manager for the UAE and the rest of the Middle East and North Africa. The Emirates News Agency reported the agreement on 14 October.
What the Sharjah–AWS agreement covers
The cooperation is intended to help government teams build practical capabilities in advanced technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing. The two organisations will work on specialised training programmes and initiatives to improve the skills of government professionals.
According to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), the partnership will also involve exchanging expertise and good practices in technology policy, data classification and data privacy. The parties will explore ways for government entities to use technology solutions that fit their needs and comply with applicable policies.
Why it matters for residents
For residents, stronger digital capabilities can help government departments improve the reliability, efficiency and usability of online public services. The announcement does not specify a launch date for any new resident-facing service, nor does it announce a new app or a change to an existing government procedure.
The agreement focuses on developing people and institutional knowledge as well as exploring technology solutions. Any direct impact on individual services will depend on the projects and programmes that follow.
Part of Sharjah’s digital transformation strategy
The memorandum supports the Sharjah Digital Transformation Strategy 2026–2028. The strategy aims to strengthen government digital capabilities, improve service delivery and support a more integrated digital-government environment.
Sharjah 24 also reported the agreement and described planned cooperation on workforce training in AI and cloud computing, alongside knowledge-sharing on data policy and privacy. Read its report on the Sharjah Digital Department–AWS MoU.
What happens next?
The announcement sets out areas of cooperation but does not provide a detailed public timetable for training programmes or specific technology projects. GulfInside will update this report if the authorities announce concrete initiatives, timelines or new digital services for residents.
Key details
- Organisations: Sharjah Digital Department and Amazon Web Services
- Agreement: Memorandum of understanding on digital capabilities and technical knowledge exchange
- Focus areas: AI, cloud computing, workforce training, technology policy, data classification and privacy
- Strategic framework: Sharjah Digital Transformation Strategy 2026–2028
- Announcement reported: 14 October 2026
Sources: Emirates News Agency (WAM); Sharjah 24.
