press release:
Manara, the MENA region’s leading upskilling platform that accelerates careers for computer science and AI talent in the region, announced the Cloud Catalyst Tech Forum 2026 in Riyadh, a two-day event from January 18-19 aimed at highlighting emerging technology talent in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The forum brought together hiring partners from across Saudi Arabia to meet and interact with top engineers who graduated from Manara’s Saudi program, which was supported by AWS. A major highlight of the forum was a large-scale generative AI hackathon in which over 1,000 participants used the AWS cloud and AI infrastructure to build solutions for national priorities. These emerging innovators worked on themes aligned with Saudi Vision 2030 and demonstrated how homegrown talent is accelerating the country’s digital transformation.
The event also featured keynote addresses, fireside chats, and panel discussions with senior leaders from the public and private sectors. Speakers explored the future of AI in Saudi Arabia, the rapid adoption of cloud technology, and the evolving impact of AI on Saudi Arabia’s workforce and economy.
Amr El Selouky, CEO of Manara, said: “This new initiative, part of our close collaboration with AWS, is an exciting next chapter for Manara. As cloud adoption accelerates across the region, initiatives like Cloud Catalyst in Riyadh ensure that our talented engineers not only keep up, but lead the future of technology in the region and the world.”
Coinciding with the launch of the Forum, Manara signed a new social impact agreement with AWS. This allows you to invest up to USD 2.8 million in AWS training delivery between now and February 2028. Manara aims to train, upskill and certify over 5,000 software engineers across the MENA region, with a focus on Saudi Arabia, UAE and Egypt. Our continued collaboration with AWS supports Manara’s vision to improve cloud and AI fluency while building a sustainable pipeline of high-impact engineering talent.
AWS and Manara continued to power the next generation of technology leaders who will shape the future of innovation across the Kingdom.
Omar Badawi, a Manara program participant, commented: “University taught me theory. Manara made me a software engineer. Being a student at the time, having access to highly produced and carefully collected learning materials needed in the global market was a treasure. Exposure to AWS cloud technology while still a student put me far ahead of my colleagues who missed out on Manara. What it gave me was more than a ton of vouchers and technical sessions. And most importantly, Manara has convinced me to remain a student who always wants to learn. ”
A.I. “Omar’s ability to move easily between technologies allows him to remain a resource as we transition tools and platforms to meet the needs of our projects,” said Selina Barakat, Product Owner, PSI, and Recruiting Partner at Manara. In addition to his incredible technical expertise, he is extremely reliable, takes full responsibility for his tasks, and consistently delivers quality work even under tight deadlines.His creativity, can-do attitude, and proactive suggestions have made him a reliable member of our team.
About Manara
Manara is a Silicon Valley-based company and the MENA region’s largest platform for software engineers, computer scientists, and technology enthusiasts. Dedicated to accelerating the careers of computer science and AI talent in the Middle East and North Africa region, Manara is transforming the region into a global hub for world-class talent by contextualizing Silicon Valley best practices to MENA’s workforce.
Manara helps businesses and governments train their own engineering teams and build talent ecosystems through an engaging edtech platform and world-class instructor-led training. Manara is a movement of professionals united by a passion to learn, build and innovate, committed to advancing excellence in the region.
