New Al-Shati preschool supports Saudi Arabia’s growing focus on early childhood education, human capital and national capabilities
JEDDAH, August 19, 2026: Bear Hugs Preschool has officially inaugurated its new branch in Jeddah’s Al-Shati district, marking another step in the international early childhood education provider’s expansion across Saudi Arabia.
Located adjacent to Red Sea Mall, the new branch was officially opened on Wednesday, August 19, under the theme “IT ALL STARTS WITH A HUG.” The opening ceremony brought together ambassadors, education experts, media professionals and social media influencers.
Guests were given a tour of the new preschool and introduced to its educational environment, facilities and accredited curricula. The event also featured presentations on Bear Hugs’ educational programs and approach to early childhood development, before concluding with the recognition of attending guests.
The Jeddah opening marks the beginning of a new phase of growth for Bear Hugs in the Kingdom. With more than 23 years of experience in early childhood education, the organization has played a role in the care and education of more than 2,000 children through a model focused on developing personality, self-confidence, curiosity, communication and a lifelong approach to learning.
Ismail Anas Abudawood, Chairman of Futura Holding, described the new branch as an important milestone in Bear Hugs’ journey in Saudi Arabia.
“The opening of the new Jeddah branch represents an important milestone in the preschool’s journey in the Kingdom,” he said, noting that the expansion comes at a time when early childhood education is receiving growing attention as an essential foundation for human development and capacity building.
Abudawood said the company is investing heavily in its Saudi expansion, driven by confidence in the growth prospects of the Kingdom’s early childhood education sector. Futura Education plans to open 15 new nurseries in the coming period, strengthening its position as one of the region’s major operators.
The company currently has seven locations in Saudi Arabia that are either operational or due to open soon, forming part of a wider regional network of 35 locations.
“We believe that investing in early childhood is a direct investment in the future of the Kingdom,” Abudawood said. “Our approach is aligned with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, as our purpose is to invest alongside the government in developing future generations geared for a leading country.”
He added that Bear Hugs aims to contribute to this journey by providing an early learning experience that supports not only academic development but also children’s personalities, confidence, social skills and emotional growth.
For Denise Alaquil, Founder of Bear Hugs Preschool, the philosophy behind the institution has remained consistent throughout its more than two-decade journey.
“For more than 23 years, Bear Hugs has been built on a firm belief that the early years of a child’s life represent a critical foundation for shaping their personality and their approach to learning and the world around them,” she said.
The educational approach places children at the centre of the learning experience, creating a safe and stimulating environment that encourages exploration, self-expression, curiosity and the confidence to discover their own abilities.
Alaquil said the organization is delighted to contribute to the continuing development of Saudi Arabia’s education sector, particularly at a time when the Kingdom is placing increasing emphasis on educational quality and early childhood development.
Bear Hugs International follows an accredited American early childhood education curriculum built around hands-on learning, purposeful play and exploration. Its programs are designed to support children’s academic, social and emotional development through creative and sensory activities, life skills and early communication.
The new Al-Shati branch offers age-appropriate programs from nursery through kindergarten, supported by specialized staff and a carefully designed learning environment. Regular operating hours run from 7:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., with extended childcare available until 5:00 p.m.
The expansion reflects the broader ambitions of Futura Education, a regional early childhood education platform operating across Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Egypt. Through several specialized brands, the company currently operates across 35 locations, serving more than 2,000 children with the support of approximately 250 teachers and administrative staff.
Looking ahead, Futura Education aims to expand to more than 13 branches in Saudi Arabia and 70 locations across the GCC, reinforcing its ambition to become a leading regional player in early childhood education.
For Bear Hugs, the opening of the new Jeddah branch represents more than geographical expansion. It is another step towards building an educational environment where children feel safe, respected and confident enough to learn, explore and grow.
After all, as the theme of the new branch reminds visitors, it all starts with a hug.
