Cloud computing is changing the world and in the GCC region (UAE and Saudi Arabia), it’s growing faster than ever. Cities like Dubai and Riyadh are building smart services, digital banks, and AI-powered infrastructure. And behind all this technology are cloud engineers, especially those trained on Amazon Web Services (AWS). If you’re a student or a working professional in the Gulf region, this blog will guide you on how to become an AWS cloud engineer in GCC. 

Cloud Careers Are Booming in the Gulf 

In the UAE and Saudi Arabia, cloud jobs are in high demand. Big projects like Saudi Arabia’s NEOM and the UAE’s Vision 2031 need cloud experts. According to research, cloud jobs are growing by 27% each year around the world. The average salary for cloud engineers around the world is about $143,000 per year, while the average salary for entry-level positions is about $127,000. 

AWS, the leading cloud service provider, is building secure and fast cloud systems with governments and organizations in the region. For this reason, in 2025, the AWS cloud engineer role is one of the most desirable positions that exist. 

Why AWS Is the Right Choice 

AWS isn’t just powerful, it’s extremely popular. It powers websites, applications, and even smart cities! In the GCC, AWS has opened new data centers and supports companies in developing better digital services.  

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AWS also helps local talent. Programs like AWS re/Start, AWS Educate, and AWS Academy are helping students and job seekers with free or low-cost training in cloud skills. These programs are available throughout the UAE and KSA. 

Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming an AWS Cloud Engineer in the GCC 

You don’t need to be a computer science pro to get started. Here’s a simple plan you can follow to start your cloud career:  

  1. Understand IT Basics: Learn about networking, operating systems (Linux), databases, and the internet, etc. 
  2. Understand the tools of AWS: Get familiar with services like EC2 (servers), S3 (storage), Lambda (serverless computing), RDS (databases). 
  3. Practice with little projects: Take advantage of the AWS free tier to build little apps (i.e., a blog, a chatbot, etc.). 
  4. Learn a little coding: Python is a great place to start. Python can be great for quickly automating things and building applications that require some intelligence. 
  5. Earn certifications: Start with AWS Cloud Practitioner then AWS Solutions Architect or AWS Developer.

Even if you’re coming from sales, administration, or a teaching role, you can still become a cloud engineer. Many individuals in the GCC have transitioned into cloud careers after learning from scratch.  

If you’re new to AWS and want to start strong, check out the AWS AI for Beginners Certification Training by Unique System Skills. It’s designed to build cloud confidence from zero, especially for learners in the GCC region. 

AWS vs Azure Career Tracks in the GCC Region 

Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure are both leaders in cloud platforms and knowledge of either (or both) can unlock great career opportunities. Whether you are trying to become an AWS Cloud Engineer or an Azure certified cloud architect in UAE, your skills are valuable across many industries. Here’s what you need to know about these two career tracks when looking at them in context of professionally pursuing roles in Cloud Engineering in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. 

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When it comes to learning, AWS has an affordable free tier, beginner-friendly tools, and good support in getting started. While Azure would be perfect if you already have experience with Microsoft Tools or enterprise settings. From a technology standpoint, Azure is mainly used in corporate, government, and education roles, mostly in the UAE and AWS is used in most big private enterprises and startup.  

If your plan is to go into multi-cloud for your future careers consider a foundation in AWS where you could easily layer Azure or Google Cloud as an added service layer.  

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Projects and Certifications Help You Get Hired 

Your certificates will demonstrate your knowledge of the cloud technology. However, real projects showcase your skillset help you sell yourself as a competent candidate in an interview. 

As a beginner, good projects are: 

  • Hosting a basic website using S3,
  • Creating a server using EC2,
  • Making a contact form with Lambda and API Gateway.

You can also consider some of our structured programs like: 

These projects leave you a project to talk about in your interviews. A lot of the potential employers are looking for real-life experience as a cloud engineer in UAE and Saudi Arabia. 

AWS is powerful, but many companies also use Microsoft Azure or Google Cloud. Learning Azure has especially a practical application for those in the UAE. Becoming an Azure-certified cloud architect UAE could make you valuable to employers using two or more cloud platforms. 

What to Expect in Cloud Jobs in KSA 

In Saudi Arabia, cloud jobs will grow even faster by 2025. With billions of dollars being invested into projects like NEOM, it is required to have intelligent cloud solutions. Salaries are solid: 

  • AWS Cloud Engineer: SAR 230,000 – SAR 370,000 
  • Azure Architect: SAR 260,000 – SAR 430,000

Cloud work doesn’t have to be in-office. Many Gulf-based companies now hire remote engineers. Freelancers in cloud engineering can earn between $50–$150 per hour. 

This means you can work for a UAE or KSA company even if you live in another country or prefer working from home. 

The Present and Future of AWS Cloud Engineering 

There are many companies in the Gulf that use more than one cloud provider. This is known as a “multi-cloud” strategy. If you learn AWS and Azure, you can expand your employment options to a larger number of industries and sectors such as finance, health care, and the government. 

Companies such as Etisalat employ a combined strategy across all three cloud providers (AWS, Azure, and Oracle). So, if you learn services from all three providers you will have more employment opportunities in the GCC region. 

The GCC region has many opportunities for clouds engineers, we recommend you learn the key skills for the job, gather your certifications, and gain experience using cloud in the real world, and pursue a role as an AWS Cloud Engineer in GCC. 

With hard work and intelligent learning, you can help create the future of the Gulf, one cloud solution at a time. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

  1. What does an AWS cloud engineer do in the GCC?

An AWS cloud engineer in the GCC assesses, design, deploy and manage cloud-based solutions through Amazon Web Services to organizations in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and other Gulf countries. Your job is to ensure applications perform efficiently, scale effectively, and are safe and secure. AWS offers a large portfolio of solutions to investigate not to mention other cost or systems automation opportunities and systems for smart cities and fintech, AI, and others. 

  1. Do I need a tech background to start a cloud engineering career in the UAE or Saudi Arabia?

Not at all! A large number cloud engineers in GCC did not have a tech degree initially. Several have been able to come from non-traditional backgrounds, like administration, teaching or even sales and through courses like AWS re/Start or even AWS AI for Beginners have successfully transitioned into tech roles.  

  1. Is Azure better than AWS for cloud careers in UAE?

Both are powerful in their own right; however, your career trajectory and aspirations differs for each. AWS is the cloud of choice for nearly every start up and most global roles; Azure is primarily chosen by organizations within the UAE Government, Banking, and local enterprises. If you are located in the UAE and are targeting enterprise or public sector roles, becoming an Azure certified cloud architect UAE is a logical choice. 

  1. What are the average salaries of cloud engineers in UAE and KSA?

  • AWS Cloud Engineer in KSA = USD 230,000 – 370,000/year 
  • Azure Certified Cloud Architect UAE = USD 260,000 – 430,000/year 

With expertise in DevOps, security, or AI through courses like AWS DevOps Certification, salaries can go up even further.