Farid Academy, one of Egypt’s most promising edtech startups, has officially entered Saudi Arabia by establishing a central office in Riyadh. The expansion represents an important milestone in the company’s wider regional strategy, reflecting both its ambition and its alignment with Saudi Arabia’s growing investment in human capital under Vision 2030. As part of the launch, the academy has signed a three-year partnership with Amad Association for Human Capacity Development valued at $1.1 million, a collaboration that will train graduates, empower young people and deliver innovative educational programs across the Kingdom. Through this initiative, Farid is set to provide solutions that strengthen character development, critical thinking and entrepreneurship while also creating professional opportunities for university graduates to build sustainable careers.
The agreement with Amad is designed to have both immediate and long-term impact. Over the next three years, the academy will train and certify 500 Saudi university graduates to prepare them for careers in coaching and development. More than 4,000 children and adolescents will also take part in specialized educational programs aimed at building character, encouraging creativity and fostering innovation. These efforts align closely with the Kingdom’s national priorities, ensuring that young people are equipped not only with knowledge but with the personal and professional skills needed to thrive in the future.
The partnership includes the rollout of over 48 training programs and workshops, covering a wide range of themes that combine academic learning with personal development. To ensure sustainability and accountability, a detailed framework will be introduced to measure both educational and social outcomes, setting clear benchmarks for impact. Families across the Kingdom will also benefit directly, as the agreement provides discounts of up to 25 percent on official program fees, a step that reflects both organizations’ commitment to making high-quality educational services more accessible.
For Farid Academy, this expansion represents its first step outside Egypt and highlights Saudi Arabia as a key market in its broader Middle East and North Africa growth strategy. The choice of Riyadh is no coincidence. The Kingdom has been investing heavily in human capital development and has placed youth empowerment at the center of Vision 2030. By entering at this moment, Farid Academy is positioning itself not just as a service provider but as a partner in the national transformation journey.
Mahmoud Hussein Al-Naqeeb, co-founder and CEO of Farid Academy, described the expansion as a transformational milestone. He emphasized that the partnership with Amad is about creating meaningful change, not only for the individuals directly involved but also for the wider community. He also highlighted Farid’s distinctive model, pointing out that the academy is the first platform in the region to offer on-demand, individualized sessions for character building and psychological support. This pioneering approach sets it apart in a crowded edtech landscape and demonstrates its focus on innovation in both education and mental health.
Farid Academy was founded in 2024 by entrepreneur Mahmoud Hussein, who drew on his background in education and personal development to design a platform centered on children’s well-being. The startup has quickly gained recognition as the first in the region to offer one-on-one live sessions for Arab children aged 3 to 18, focusing on mental health and personality development. In addition to working with children, the academy trains youth and graduates to become certified coaches in its educational and psychological methodology, further broadening its impact on communities.
By taking this model to Saudi Arabia, Farid Academy is making a significant contribution to the region’s evolving education sector. Its programs go beyond traditional learning by addressing gaps in emotional intelligence, resilience and personal growth, areas that are increasingly recognized as essential for success in modern economies. This emphasis on holistic education ensures that children and young people are better prepared not just academically but socially and emotionally.
The expansion also reflects a growing trend of Arab startups reaching beyond their home countries to tap into regional opportunities and collaborate on ambitious national strategies. For Farid Academy, Saudi Arabia represents a gateway to a wider presence in the Middle East and North Africa, allowing the company to expand its reach while staying true to its mission of empowering the next generation. By aligning itself with Vision 2030, Farid is showing how innovative startups can play a central role in national development, creating value not only for investors and customers but for entire communities.
