Egyptian edtech innovator Farid, established in 2024 by Mahmoud Hussein, has marked a significant milestone with its strategic expansion into Saudi Arabia. This move sees the startup establishing a central operations office in Riyadh, signaling its commitment to a broader regional presence. Specializing in live one-on-one sessions for character education and mental health, Farid caters to children and youth aged 3 to 18, addressing a crucial need for holistic development beyond traditional academics.

The expansion into Saudi Arabia comes at a pivotal time for Farid, positioning the Kingdom as its inaugural market outside of Egypt and a central pillar of its ambitious MENA growth strategy. This strategic initiative precedes a planned seed funding round in the fourth quarter of 2025, building upon the success of a $250,000 pre-seed raise secured last year. Farid also plays a role in human capital development, having built comprehensive training programs to certify youth and graduates as coaches in its unique methodology.

A cornerstone of Farid's Saudi entry is a significant three-year partnership agreement with the Amad Association for Human Capacity Development. Valued at SAR 4.5 million (approximately $1.3 million), this collaboration is set to have a profound impact. The initiative aims to certify 500 Saudi graduates as trainers, empowering them with valuable skills, and will deliver essential educational programs to more than 4,000 children and adolescents across the Kingdom. This partnership not only strengthens Farid's local integration but also contributes directly to Saudi Arabia's community development goals.

Saudi Arabia presents a fertile ground for Farid's innovative approach, aligning seamlessly with the nation's ambitious Vision 2030. This national blueprint prioritizes youth empowerment, innovation, and skills development, creating a conducive environment for edtech solutions. The Kingdom's education market is projected for robust growth, with regional research firms estimating it will reach an impressive $17 billion by 2030. This growth is fueled by an increasing demand for private-sector and technology-enabled educational providers, areas where Farid is uniquely positioned to excel.

Farid's dedicated focus on character development and mental health reflects a significant global shift towards holistic education. This approach recognizes the importance of nurturing not only academic achievement but also social and psychological well-being. This focus is particularly pertinent in the Arab world, where concerns regarding youth mental health are rising, and the provision of awareness and specialized services remains relatively limited. By embedding itself within Saudi Arabia's community development agenda through partnerships like that with the Amad Association, Farid is also creating vital training and employment pathways for local graduates.

With its "Farid 2030" vision, the startup aims to play a leading role in shaping the burgeoning regional edtech sector. Should this vision come to fruition, Farid could set new standards for child-focused mental wellness solutions, contributing significantly to the well-being of future generations across the Middle East and North Africa.