29 September - 1 October 2026
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The Arena, Riyadh | Saudi Arabia.
Shahad Obaid
Assistant Head Primary - Student Experience and Progress - Beechhall School Riyadh
Shahad Obaid is an experienced educator with over a decade of professional experience in student-centred educational settings. Originally trained in pharmacy, her career path shifted purposefully toward education, where she completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Education and continues to pursue further professional development in educational leadership.
Her work is grounded in a strong commitment to inclusion, student wellbeing, and school culture. Shahad believes that effective education extends beyond academic outcomes to include care, belonging, and trust. She has worked closely with diverse learners, families, and school teams, supporting students’ social, emotional, and learning needs within inclusive environments.
Shahad’s leadership perspective is shaped by both professional practice and lived experience as a mother of a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder. This dual lens informs her advocacy for equity and dignity in education and strengthens her focus on care-centred, relational leadership.
As a reflective practitioner and lifelong learner, Shahad believes that care is not separate from leadership. She continues to advocate for schools where students and educators feel seen, supported, and valued.
Speaker Sessions
Leaders in Education
1499
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Building Strong Foundations: Early Childhood Education Excellence in the Saudi Context
Session Summary:
Early childhood education serves as the cornerstone of lifelong learning, shaping cognitive, social, and emotional development during the most critical years of human growth. This session explores evidence-based approaches to early childhood education that align with Saudi Vision 2030's commitment to educational excellence and cultural values. Participants will discover how to create developmentally appropriate learning environments that honour Saudi heritage while preparing young learners for success in a rapidly evolving global landscape. The session emphasises practical strategies for implementing play-based learning, fostering Arabic language development, and building strong partnerships between families, educators, and communities. Join this session to:
• Learn to create developmentally appropriate educational settings that integrate Saudi cultural values, Islamic principles, and Arabic language development while incorporating international best practices in early childhood education
• Discover how to apply play-based learning, inquiry-driven exploration, and social-emotional learning frameworks that support holistic child development and prepare students for future academic success aligned with Vision 2030 goals
• Explore strategies for engaging families and communities as active partners in early childhood education, creating supportive networks that extend learning beyond the classroom and strengthen cultural identity while promoting educational excellence
Speakers
Maryum Nawaz
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Partnership Development Manager MENA - FinlandWay Preschools
Sabine ElArissy
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PYP Coordinator - Etqan Global Academy - A Nord Anglia School
