Over the past decade, a new generation of EdTech startups has emerged across the Arab world, using technology to meet the region’s urgent need for accessible, future-ready education. From coding boot camps and digital classrooms to personalised tutoring and mental wellness, these platforms are reshaping how young Arabs learn, upskill, and prepare for work.
Here are eight startups making a measurable impact across MENA.
Alef Education (UAE)
Alef Education is an AI-powered learning solutions provider focused on K-12 education. Its Alef Platform delivers personalised learning paths, adaptive assessments, and curriculum tools. Founded in 2016, Alef now operates in around 7,000 schools across the UAE, USA, Indonesia, Morocco, and Saudi Arabia, serving over a million students. The company is publicly listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange.
almentor (UAE / MENA)
almentor is a regional e-learning platform offering expert-led video courses in Arabic and English. Covering business, technology, and personal development, the platform serves both individuals and enterprises across MENA. Founded in 2016, almentor is headquartered in Dubai and focuses on making high-quality self-learning accessible in Arabic.
Orcas (Egypt)
Founded in 2019, Orcas connects students with tutors for personalised one-on-one learning, both online and in person. Operating across four MENA markets, the platform has delivered more than 100,000 tutoring sessions through a network of over 600 tutors. In 2024, Orcas was acquired by Kuwait-based EdTech company Baims.
Baims (Kuwait / MENA)
Baims provides pre-recorded and live educational content for high-school and university students across Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan. Founded by two university students in 2017, the platform raised a $4 million Series A in 2023. The acquisition of Orcas in 2024 expanded Baims’ model to include personalised tutoring.
Coded (Kuwait)
Coded is a technology academy focused on building programming and digital skills. Established in 2015, it was the Middle East’s first dedicated coding academy. Coded offers boot camps in web development, AI, and cybersecurity, alongside programmes for students and children entering the tech world.
englease (UAE)
englease is an English-language learning platform delivering interactive lessons across MENA. Based in Dubai, it combines live teaching with adaptive learning tools tailored to regional needs. Since launching in 2019, englease has delivered over 86,000 classes to more than 350,000 learners and corporate clients.
Farid (Egypt / Saudi Arabia)
Founded in 2024, Farid Academy provides live one-on-one sessions focused on mental health and personality development for children aged 3 to 18. The platform expanded into Saudi Arabia in late 2025, establishing operations in Riyadh and addressing a growing need for emotional and behavioural development services.
Aanaab (Saudi Arabia)
Aanaab is a professional development platform for educators, offering training and internationally recognised certifications. Launched in 2019, it has registered over 250,000 trainees and focuses on strengthening teaching quality and professional growth across Saudi Arabia and the wider Arab world.
