AWS, Manara to Train 2,500 MENA Software Engineers

Manara, a rising force in MENA’s tech education scene, has announced a $3.6 million partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to train 2,500 software engineers across the region.

The goal? Equip MENA’s top software, data science, and AI talent with in-demand cloud and AI skills and position the region as a global tech hub over the next decade.

This move builds on AWS’s recent $5.3 billion investment in Saudi Arabia and comes as part of a broader push to empower the MENA region with next-gen digital capabilities.

Founded in Silicon Valley by two female entrepreneurs, Manara is no stranger to big names, with investors including Y Combinator, Seedcamp, and tech legends like Reid Hoffman and Paul Graham backing its mission.

“The Middle East is poised to become the next frontier for technology talent, and Manara is at the forefront of this movement,” said Iliana Montauk, Founder and CEO of Manara.

“Through our collaboration with AWS, we are doubling down on our commitment to accelerate the development of top tech talent across MENA with the skills and resources they need to succeed in today’s digital economy.”

Certification, Careers, and Cloud Confidence

The initiative will roll out through Manara’s own edtech platform, offering AWS certifications and career pathways to participants. The idea is to bridge talent with real-world job opportunities — not just in MENA, but also in Europe and North America — via Manara’s hiring network.

Antonio Alonso Lopez, Director of Partner Management, EMEA at AWS, added: “AWS is committed to providing learners and organizations with high-quality training and certifications to build and validate cloud skills. Together with outstanding partners like Manara, we are equipping communities with the expertise required to pursue careers in cloud computing and capitalize on the tremendous opportunity that generative AI represents.”

The impact is already being felt. Omar AlSakka, a program graduate, said: “This program has really given me the confidence and expertise to pursue roles in AWS services and cloud computing.”

With demand for cloud and AI talent surging across the MENA region, this AWS-Manara collaboration marks a powerful step forward in building a digitally skilled, globally competitive workforce.