Manara Partners With AWS To Develop Cloud Talent In The MENA

Manara, a Silicon Valley-based social impact startup that is focused on developing and empowering tech talent across the MENA, is collaborating with Amazon Web Services, Inc. (AWS), the cloud computing arm of global e-commerce leader Amazon, in an initiative that will train 2,500 software engineers across the region.  

The two-year upskilling program, which will be funded with an investment of US$3.6 million over two years by AWS, will be delivered through Manara’s edtech platform and will equip engineers with cloud skills. The program emphasizes inclusion, with a strong focus on supporting women engineers in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. In addition to gaining AWS certifications, engineers will be equipped with the skills for global job opportunities. 

Founded by Iliana Montauk and Laila Abudahi in 2020, Manara connects high-potential talent from the MENA with the global tech industry. It is backed by investors like Silicon Valley startup accelerator Y Combinator and LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman, in addition to entrepreneur and author Eric Ries, Salesforce co-founder Marc Benioff, entrepreneur and investor Paul Graham, and investor, writer, and podcaster Jessica Livingston.

In an interview with Inc. Arabia, Montauk explained why she believes the Middle East is poised to become the next frontier for tech talent. “The Middle East—particularly the GCC—is experiencing a tech transformation unlike anything we’ve seen before,” she said. "Governments are investing billions into digital infrastructure, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence (AI), while global players like AWS, Google, and Microsoft are building data centers and expanding operations across the region. This is not just a competition between MENA countries, this is an investment intended to make the GCC a global player in tech. These aren’t future projections—they’re happening now. What makes this moment truly exciting is that the demand for skilled tech professionals is outpacing supply, and countries are committed to upskilling their nationals. This creates an unprecedented window of opportunity for local talent to lead.”  

However, to fully seize this opportunity, Montauk emphasized that engineers need to focus on three key areas: mastering globally relevant skills like cloud computing and AI, building a solid foundation in software engineering, and developing soft skills such as communication, problem-solving, and collaboration. “At Manara, we don’t just teach code—we help engineers develop a thoughtful career development plan, teaching how to thrive and lead in the global tech ecosystem,” Montauk noted. 

Manara co-founder Iliana Montauk. Image courtesy Manara.

Montauk told Inc. Arabia that the Manara program is open to both junior and experienced software engineers who are passionate about AI or cloud technologies and committed to learning and growth. Applicants from across the MENA region are welcome, with the program strongly encouraging women to apply. She also pointed out that the program does not have any formal degree requirements. Instead, Manara looks for candidates who demonstrate solid programming fundamentals, a proactive learning attitude, and a strong drive to contribute and grow within a supportive tech community. 

She also shared advice for applicants, urging them to be authentic about their current learning journey. "Be honest about where you are in your learning journey, be ready to engage with peers and mentors, and come with a clear goal: whether it’s upskilling, getting certified, or landing a job in tech," Montauk said. "Manara is here to support you every step of the way." 

Reflecting on the growing conversation about AI's impact on jobs, Montauk discussed the shifting talent landscape in the MENA, and its implications for aspiring engineers in the region. "The conversation around AI taking jobs is valid—but it often overlooks the even larger opportunity: AI is also creating new types of jobs, especially for those with the skills to build, manage, and apply these technologies responsibly," Montauk explained. "And it's making existing jobs more interesting and efficient. 

Montauk also spoke to the changing nature of education in the region, highlighting a shift from theoretical learning to skills-driven, outcome-based training. "In the MENA, we’re seeing a shift from purely theoretical education to outcome-based, skills-driven training," she told Inc. Arabia. "Companies and governments are no longer asking whether they need AI—they're asking who will build it for them locally." 

Montauk further advised tech talents to take proactive steps in securing their future. "For existing engineers, now is the time to future-proof your career, sift through the hype, and make sure you're taking advantage of new tools and technologies effectively," she stated, adding that Manara will roll out a new program focused on equipping engineers with these critical skills in June 2025. 

As for those seeking careers in engineering, Montauk emphasized the importance of specializing in emerging technologies. "For aspiring engineers, this is a call to action. Now is the time to specialize in AI and cloud technologies, understand their real-world applications, and stay curious and adaptable. The engineers who do this will not only be future-proofed—they’ll be the ones designing the future,” she concluded. 

Pictured in the lead image is the Manara team. Image courtesy Manara.