29 September - 1 October 2026
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The Arena, Riyadh | Saudi Arabia.
Maisa Almatrafi
Early Childhood Educator KAUST Section - Building Blocks School
Maisa Almatrafi is an early childhood educator and mental health counselor with over a decade of experience working with young children, families, and educators. Her work integrates child-led, open-ended, inquiry-based learning with a strong emphasis on psychological safety, agency, and autonomy in the early years.
She is particularly interested in how early childhood environments shape independent thinking, emotional wellbeing, and lifelong learning dispositions. Through her practice, Maisa explores how high-quality early years education aligns with broader educational reform and the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
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
