EdTech Startups to Watch in the UAE and neighbouring countries
Introduction
The education technology (EdTech) sector in the UAE and neighbouring countries has entered a period of rapid innovation. As governments, private institutions, and entrepreneurs invest in digital learning tools, the region is producing a wave of startups that are redefining how education is delivered and accessed. From AI-driven personalized learning systems to immersive virtual reality classrooms, these startups are not just riding the global EdTech wave — they are shaping it.
In this article, we’ll explore the most promising EdTech startups in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait, examine what makes them stand out, and highlight why they are worth watching in 2025 and beyond.
1. Why the UAE and Neighbouring Countries Are a Hotspot for EdTech Innovation
Several factors are driving the growth of EdTech in this region:
⦁ Government initiatives such as UAE Vision 2031 and Saudi Vision 2030 emphasize education reform and digital innovation.
⦁ High smartphone and internet penetration create a strong base for mobile-first learning solutions.
⦁ Multicultural populations demand multilingual and adaptive educational tools.
⦁ Post-pandemic adoption of remote learning has made online education mainstream.
According to a HolonIQ report, the MENA region’s EdTech market is projected to reach over $7 billion by 2027, with the UAE leading in adoption rates.
2. Leading EdTech Startups to Watch
a) Abwaab (UAE/Jordan)
Abwaab, meaning “doors” in Arabic, is an online learning platform offering video lessons, interactive quizzes, and progress tracking. It focuses heavily on secondary school students and aligns with multiple national curricula in the Middle East. The platform’s adaptive learning technology ensures that students can learn at their own pace, making it a favourite among parents.
Why to watch: Strong regional presence and curriculum adaptability across countries.
b) Noon Academy (Saudi Arabia/UAE presence)
Noon Academy started as a test prep platform and has evolved into a full-fledged social learning network where students can learn together in study groups. The platform’s gamification features — such as leaderboards and challenges — keep learners engaged.
Why to watch: Merges education with community-driven learning, appealing to younger demographics.
c) Knowledge Officer (UAE-based)
This career-focused EdTech startup offers personalized learning paths for skills like digital marketing, business, and entrepreneurship. Its AI-powered recommendation system tailors content to a learner’s career goals and skill gaps.
Why to watch: Strong alignment with the region’s push for professional development and upskilling.
d) Almentor (UAE/Egypt)
Almentor offers a vast library of video courses in Arabic and English, covering topics from leadership to soft skills. With over 2 million learners across the MENA region, it is one of the largest Arabic-language learning platforms.
Why to watch: Huge content library and strong brand recognition across the Arab world.
e) Classera (Saudi Arabia/UAE presence)
Classera combines a learning management system (LMS) with AI-driven features to personalize the learning journey for schools, universities, and training centres.
Why to watch: Powerful enterprise solution with scalability for corporate and educational institutions.
f) Geek Express (Lebanon/UAE presence)
Geek Express focuses on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education for children and teenagers. They offer both in-person and online courses in coding, robotics, and digital design.
Why to watch: Fills the region’s demand for future-ready skills from an early age.
3. The Competitive Edge of These Startups
EdTech startups in this region succeed because they:
⦁ Localize content for Arabic and English speakers.
⦁ Offer curriculum alignment with national education systems.
⦁ Invest in mobile-first experiences for on-the-go learning.
⦁ Build trust through cultural relevance and regional partnerships.
For example, Abwaab’s focus on aligning with UAE and Saudi curricula ensures it can quickly integrate into school systems, while Noon Academy’s social learning features tap into the region’s communal culture.
4. Challenges Facing EdTech Startups in the Region
While the potential is massive, startups face hurdles such as:
⦁ Regulatory approval for educational content.
⦁ Funding gaps compared to Western EdTech giants.
⦁ Competition from global platforms like Coursera and Udemy.
⦁ Digital divide in rural areas with limited internet access.
To overcome these challenges, many startups are forming partnerships with governments, telecom providers, and private investors.
5. Trends Shaping the Future of EdTech in the UAE and Neighbouring Countries
⦁ AI-powered personalization will make learning more adaptive.
⦁ Gamification will drive engagement across age groups.
⦁ VR and AR classrooms will make immersive learning mainstream.
⦁ Hybrid models combining online and in-person education will dominate.
⦁ Lifelong learning platforms will cater to working professionals seeking career shifts.
6. Success Story: Abwaab’s Rise in the EdTech Space
Abwaab began with a small user base in Jordan but quickly expanded to the UAE and Saudi Arabia, securing $20 million in Series A funding in 2022. Their focus on culturally relevant, mobile-first education made them an instant hit. Today, they serve hundreds of thousands of students and are planning to integrate AI-driven tutors into their platform.
This trajectory shows that the right mix of local relevance and tech innovation can propel a startup to regional dominance.
7. Practical Tips for Entrepreneurs Entering the EdTech Market
If you’re considering launching an EdTech startup in the UAE or its neighbours, here are some tips:
⦁ Research curriculum needs and tailor your content accordingly.
⦁ Build bilingual platforms for maximum reach.
⦁ Focus on mobile-first design since most learners access content on phones.
⦁ Partner with schools, corporates, and government agencies for credibility.
⦁ Leverage data analytics to personalize and improve learning outcomes.
8. Conclusion
EdTech startups in the UAE and neighbouring countries are playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of education. By addressing local needs, leveraging cutting-edge technology, and building scalable solutions, these companies are transforming how students and professionals learn.
With strong government backing, increasing internet penetration, and a young, tech-savvy population, the region is poised to become a global leader in EdTech innovation. Startups like Abwaab, Noon Academy, Knowledge Officer, and Almentor are just the beginning — the next few years will likely see even more groundbreaking ventures emerge.
References:
⦁ HolonIQ. (2023). MENA EdTech Market Report.
⦁ Gulf Business. (2024). How EdTech Startups Are Changing the Education Landscape in the UAE.
⦁ World Bank. (2023). Digital Transformation in MENA Education.
Topic: How Blockchain Is Transforming Education Credentials
Introduction
In recent years, blockchain technology has moved beyond cryptocurrency and finance to become a transformative force in multiple sectors, including healthcare, supply chain, and even governance. One of the most exciting and promising applications of blockchain is in education credentials—a domain long plagued by fraud, inefficiencies, and verification delays. In the UAE and neighboring countries, where educational excellence is a strategic priority, blockchain’s potential to revolutionize how academic records are issued, stored, and verified cannot be overstated.
Imagine a world where employers could instantly verify your degree in seconds, without calling the university, waiting for documents, or doubting authenticity. This is the reality blockchain promises. From digital diplomas to tamper-proof transcripts, the shift is underway.
What Is Blockchain in Education?
Blockchain is a distributed ledger system where records (blocks) are securely linked and stored across a decentralized network. In education, each block could represent a credential—a diploma, a certificate, a course completion badge—secured with cryptographic algorithms.
Key features relevant to education include:
⦁ Immutability: Once recorded, credentials cannot be altered or deleted.
⦁ Transparency: Every authorized party can see and verify the record.
⦁ Security: Data is encrypted, reducing the risk of hacking or forgery.
⦁ Decentralization: No single institution controls the database.
This system ensures that academic achievements are permanent, verifiable, and universally accessible.
The Problems with Traditional Credentialing
For decades, the process of issuing and verifying credentials has been slow, manual, and prone to errors. Here are some common challenges:
1. Credential Fraud
Fake degrees and fabricated certificates have become a global concern, with some studies estimating that over 30% of job applicants exaggerate or falsify their qualifications.
2. Lengthy Verification Process
Verifying a candidate’s credentials often requires contacting the issuing institution, filling out forms, and waiting days or weeks for a response.
3. Risk of Document Loss
Physical copies can be lost, damaged, or destroyed, while institutional databases can be compromised.
4. Limited Global Recognition
Students moving abroad for work or higher education often face delays because foreign institutions may not easily recognize or verify credentials.
How Blockchain Solves These Challenges
Blockchain addresses each of these pain points with efficiency and trust:
1. Instant Verification
Employers and universities can verify a credential instantly using a unique blockchain record, without third-party intermediaries.
2. Fraud Prevention
Since blockchain records are immutable, forged credentials become virtually impossible.
3. Permanent Accessibility
Credentials stored on the blockchain are available for a lifetime, unaffected by institutional closures or database migrations.
4. Global Compatibility
Blockchain credentials are borderless—usable anywhere in the world with internet access.
Global and Regional Examples
The UAE and neighboring countries are already experimenting with blockchain in education:
⦁ UAE Ministry of Education: Working on blockchain-based student records to streamline cross-border verification.
⦁ Smart Dubai Initiative: Includes blockchain-powered academic credentials to support the city’s vision of becoming a fully digital economy.
⦁ Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Education: Exploring blockchain to authenticate degrees for international job applications.
⦁ MIT & Harvard (USA): Issuing blockchain-based diplomas that can be verified worldwide.
A Practical Example
Consider Fatima, a UAE graduate who earns her Master’s degree in Data Science. Traditionally, if she applied for a job in Germany, her employer would request transcripts and certificates, potentially delaying the hiring process by weeks.
With blockchain credentials, her employer can simply scan a QR code or click a secure link to confirm her degree—instantly and without the risk of fraud.
Potential Downsides & Challenges
While blockchain offers significant benefits, adoption faces some hurdles:
⦁ High Implementation Costs
Universities may face initial expenses in setting up blockchain systems.
⦁ Technical Literacy
Students, employers, and administrators need training to understand and use blockchain platforms.
⦁ Regulatory and Legal Framework
Governments must define legal recognition of blockchain-issued credentials.
⦁ Interoperability
Different institutions may use different blockchain systems, which need to work together.
The Future Outlook
By 2030, blockchain could be the default credentialing system worldwide. In the UAE, this aligns perfectly with UAE Vision 2031, which emphasizes smart governance and digital transformation. Blockchain could also integrate with AI-powered recruitment platforms, further automating the hiring process.
Tips for Institutions Adopting Blockchain
⦁ Collaborate with EdTech startups specializing in blockchain.
⦁ Start small by issuing blockchain certificates for short courses before expanding to full degrees.
⦁ Ensure global compatibility by following international blockchain standards
⦁ Educate stakeholders about the benefits and security of the system.
Conclusion
Blockchain is more than just a tech buzzword—it’s a trust engine for the future of education credentials. In the UAE and neighboring countries, where innovation and global competitiveness are priorities, blockchain’s role in eliminating fraud, speeding up verification, and enhancing cross-border mobility is groundbreaking. As institutions embrace this technology, students and employers will benefit from a faster, more secure, and globally recognized credentialing process.
FAQ
1. Are blockchain credentials legally recognized in the UAE?
The UAE is working on legal frameworks to recognize blockchain-based educational records officially.
2. Can blockchain degrees be faked?
No, the immutability of blockchain makes forgery practically impossible.
3. Do students need special software to access blockchain credentials?
Most blockchain credential platforms offer simple web or mobile apps for easy access.
References
⦁ UAE Ministry of Education. (2024). Blockchain in Education Strategy.
⦁ Smart Dubai. (2023). Blockchain Academic Credentialing.
⦁ World Economic Forum. (2022). Blockchain’s Role in the Future of Work.
⦁ MIT Media Lab. (2021). Digital Diplomas on the Blockchain.