November 27, 2021:  Canada-based education software leader eyes further regional expansion in UAE and beyond as modern telecommunications infrastructure powers EdTech potential

SMART Technologies (SMART), a global educational software leader specialising in collaboration touch and interactive technology solutions, has amplified expansion initiatives across the Middle East and North Africa after signing a strategic partnership agreement with Tatweer Educational Technologies (TETCO), the technology arm of the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Education.

The landmark multi-year agreement, which represents the Canada-based provider’s first Government-level contract in the MENA region, was signed at the GESS education conference and exhibition in Dubai.
 
With TETCO providing high-quality education and communication digital and technology solutions to the public and private sectors, the multi-year partnership will see the two entities collaborate on promoting SMART learning solutions throughout the Kingdom to drive TETCO’s ambitious EdTech digital transformation agenda.
 
“This agreement enables us to solidly support TETCO’s implementation of a comprehensive digitization plan that is key to converting the Kingdom’s education sector to an all-digital model in line with the nation’s Vision 2030,” explained Aaron Fright, Regional Director of Emerging Markets at SMART Technologies.

“The agreement has opened a door for SMART Technologies’ solutions and tools to hasten the integration of technology in teaching and learning, foster professional development, and drive expansive EdTech infrastructure throughout the Kingdom. It also reflects the Saudi government’s desire to nurture public-private collaboration and infuse new dynamism into technology-first training of the nation’s teaching staff.”

At GESS, SMART Technologies also launched its new line-up of flat panel displays which open up new classroom learning possibilities. The remote-controlled, interactive SMART Boards – the 6000S, MX and GX series – deliver ultra-high-definition displays and feature touch technology, built-in computing and a range of SMART Technologies collaboration and device connectivity solutions.

“Our next-generation SMART Boards bring together devices, tools and content so teachers can use technology more effectively,” added Fright. “They enhance learning by engaging students everywhere, by delivering enhanced video conferencing and device connection and are ideal for today’s distant and hybrid classrooms and learning environments.”

With Saudi and the wider Arabian Gulf’s modern telecommunications infrastructure embracing 5G connectivity, Fright stressed SMART Technologies’ partnership with TETCO can serve as a “weathervane” in regional expansion initiatives.

“Following extremely positive conversations with various ministries and public and private sector entities at GESS, we have our eyes firmly fixed on the UAE and other areas of the Middle East, where government-back telecommunications infrastructure are propelling opportunities to modernise the education ecosystem with cutting-edge solutions that hasten the sector’s digital transformation,” added Fright.
 
SMART Technologies has also boosted its channel support for regional customers by expanding its Middle East team with the twin appointment of Ihab Jabr as Business Development Representative and Nadia Baraghiti as EdTech Consultant.