Maryum Nawaz

Partnership Development Manager MENA - FinlandWay Preschools

Maryum is an accomplished leader in early childhood education with over 16 years of experience in the UAE, where she has been instrumental in designing, launching, and expanding high-quality early learning centres. She has played a key role in introducing Finnish early education models to the local market, ensuring effective localisation while maintaining international standards.

In her current role with FinlandWay Schools, Maryum leads strategic growth initiatives across the GCC & MENA regions, guiding investor partnerships, onboarding new operators, and shaping the future of early years education in the region. Her expertise spans the full lifecycle of educational projects, including curriculum integration, space design, licensing, recruitment, and market positioning.

Recognised as a speaker at industry events, she shares insights on leadership, innovation, and the transformative impact of Finnish pedagogy. Passionate about accessible, high-quality early education, Maryum continues to champion initiatives that align with the UAE and Saudi 2030 visions, helping investors and educators build sustainable, world-class high quality education businesses.

Speaker Sessions

Leaders in Education 1499

Sep 29 2026 | 4:05pm - 5pm

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 | Partnership Development Manager MENA - FinlandWay Preschools
Sabine ElArissy | PYP Coordinator - Etqan Global Academy - A Nord Anglia School
Farah Darazi | PYP Coordinator & Vice Principal - Advanced Learning Schools
Shahad Obaid | Assistant Head Primary - Student Experience and Progress - Beechhall School Riyadh
Tracy Austin | Founder and Headteacher - Phileas Fox Nursery School / Academy Nursery School
Jennifer Mayorga | Elementary School Teacher - American Schools Dhahran (International Schools Group)
Adila Naidoo | Assistant Head of Primary & Academics - Beech Hall School Riyadh
Maisa Almatrafi | Early Childhood Educator KAUST Section - Building Blocks School
Maria Johnson | Teacher/Owner/Manager - Little School, New Zealand