Ajman Free Zone (AFZ) announced on Thursday that it has become an AWS Activate Provider. Now startups affiliated with the AFZ who are building or about to start building on Amazon Web Services (AWS) can apply for the AWS Activate incentive programme and receive free AWS credits, technical support, training, resources, and more.

Inclusion in AWS Activate differentiates the AFZ programme and benefits it as a solution that is important to the growth of the startups building and scaling their companies on AWS.

Ali AlSuwaidi, Director General of Ajman Free Zone, said, “Ajman Free Zone is committed to facilitating the growth of the e-commerce sector in the UAE and Ajman. We are constantly seeking new ways to serve our business partners and investors more efficiently. The e-commerce sector in the country has been experiencing rapid growth, and has become integral to our success. Our collaboration with AWS reflects their trust and confidence to Ajman Free Zone’s strategic vision to advance the growth of IT and e-commerce sectors.”

“Like AWS, the AFZ has always been dedicated to aiding the growth of startups by providing them with cutting-edge infrastructure and business solutions that will enable them to access local, regional, and international markets seamlessly,”AlSuwaidi added.

Shonam Khaitan, Head of Startups and Venture Capital Ecosystem, Emerging European Markets, Amazon Web Services, said, “Startups play an important role in driving innovative solutions and closing the gap for the region’s digital needs.”

“We admire Ajman Free Zone’s initiative to provide startups with easy and low-friction registration services that help them launch and scale quickly. AWS will support the initiative with the Amazon Web Services Activate credits and a suite of programmes to help startups realise the full benefits of cloud computing.”

“Amazon Web Services Activate provides startups with a host of benefits, including AWS credits, the right mix of tools and resources, and business and technical support to help startups succeed and scale.”

Through the Amazon Web Services Activate incentive programme, Ajman Free Zone will now be able to offer a wide range of programmes with unique benefits directed toward boosting startups.

The Amazon Web Services Startup Activate programme offers grants up to $25,000 to qualified startups, as well as offers of exclusive credits, discounts, and software service access. In addition, qualified startups can obtain credits and partner funding, along with a business support plan credits of up to $5,000, through the AWS Startup Migrate programme.

Last month Ajman Free Zone (AFZ) announced the results of its 2021 operational performance in the education sector with a remarkable increase of 17 per cent compared to 2020.

The freezone is home to more than 240 educational facilities in 2021, reaffirming its keenness to advance the sector in the Emirate of Ajman.

The growth in the number of registered educational institutions within the freezone is attributed to its strategic location, modern facilities and infrastructure, innovative and seamless services, and a wide array of incentives to meet the education sector’s needs. The increase reflects investors’ and the business community’s growing confidence and trust in the freezone.

The freezone emphasises the role of the education sector as an essential component of other industries and supports the demand for a skilled, educated, and trained workforce.

Commenting on the announcement, Sheikh Ahmed Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Board of AFZ, said, “The education sector is critical to nation-building, economic growth, and laying down the foundation of a better future for the next generations. Hence, our strategies are aligned with the nation’s vision of supporting, advancing, and strengthening the sector. We are keen to provide all means of support to the educational facilities operating within the Ajman Free Zone and ensure their growth and expansion to achieve their ultimate objectives.”

“The indicators and results over the past year highlight the strengths of Ajman Free Zone’s operational performance and the success of its strategies to boost the education sector. We reaffirm our commitment to continue creating the right environment for educational facilities and empower them as effective partners in achieving sustainable development,” he added.

Ajman Free Zone has become a leading business hub as it offers facilities, the best solutions, and competitive advantages to facilitate easier business procedures. The freezone has been actively contributing to the efforts to establish Ajman as one of the most preferred destinations on the regional investment map.

WAM