University of Bahrain Introduces Cloud Computing Degree Program in the Middle East with AWS Educate

University of Bahrain (UOB), announced that it will launch a new cloud computing degree program to prepare the next generation of cloud professionals. UOB will introduce a one-year cloud computing certificate, and a full cloud computing bachelor’s degree, a first in the Middle East, in collaboration with AWS Educate Cloud Degree initiative.

AWS Educate is AWS’s global initiative to provide students and educators with the resources needed to accelerate cloud-related learning. The AWS Educate Cloud Degree initiative is a collaborative effort between AWS Educate and leading educational institutions to develop degrees and certificates in cloud computing.

The new one-year cloud computing 101 certificate will launch in the beginning of 2020, and will initially commence for UOB’s students in the engineering, ICT and business colleges, to then be offered across all degree courses by 2021. The four-year bachelor’s degree in cloud computing will be introduced in the fall semester of 2020, and will equip students with technical skills and hands-on experiences to prepare them for careers including cloud architecture, cybersecurity, software development, and DevOps.

The UOB’s new cloud computing degree program will support the development of cloud computing skills in the region to prepare students for the jobs of the 21st century. Cloud skills have been identified by LinkedIn as the top skill that companies need most for four years in a row. In UOB’s 2019 own executive survey, 25% of current local employers cite training of their own staff in cloud computing as a priority.

The new program builds on UOB’s efforts to develop critical skills focused on the fourth industrial revolution. Prof Riyad Hamza, President of UOB, said: “Cloud computing is having a powerful effect on the tech capabilities in the Middle East and is enabling innovative projects across artificial intelligence (AI), Blockchain, enterprise mobility, Internet of Things (IoT), and so much more. This also means the creation of demand for new skillsets to respond to the job market needs, and as such, it is vital that higher education responds both quickly and at scale through innovative solutions. We are excited to work with AWS to become pioneers through leading edge programs and support skills development for students from across the Arab world.”

Ken Eisner, Director of Worldwide Education Programs for AWS and head of AWS Educate, said: “We are excited to deliver AWS Educate’s cloud degree program for the first time in the Middle East and collaborate with the University of Bahrain. As the region’s cloud adoption continues to grow, building a cloud-ready workforce is an priority and an unprecedented opportunity. We hope to collaborate with more education institutions in the Middle East and support career pathways in technology for diverse populations across the region and beyond.”

In July 2019, AWS announced the availability of the AWS Middle East (Bahrain) Region, giving developers, startups, and enterprises, as well as government, education, and non-profit organizations the ability to run their applications and serve end-users from data centers located in the Middle East, as well as leverage advanced cloud technologies to drive innovation.

AWS Educate provides resources at no cost including AWS credits for free access to AWS technology, training materials and content to help educators build new courses or inject into existing ones, and collaboration tools to share best practices and connect the community. AWS Educate Cloud Degree is a program offered as part of AWS Educate initiatives.

To learn more about AWS Educate and how the program supports students across all levels of the education system, please visit www.awseducate.com.