Introduction
Nour Khrais stands as a visionary force driving the evolution of mobile gaming across the Middle East and North Africa. As the founder and CEO of Maysalward, Khrais has not only ignited a gaming revolution regionally but has also championed inclusivity, diversity, and empowerment, resulting in industry-changing programs and inspiring stories.
Biography
- Founder of Maysalward (2003): Established the first mobile game development studio in the Arab world.
- Academic Credentials: Holds a Doctorate in World Trade (with a focus on culturalization and localization in games), a Master’s in International Business, a Diploma in Mobile Telecommunication, and a BSc in Agriculture Engineering.
- Vision: Harness gaming as a tool for education, empowerment, accessibility, and cross-cultural understanding.
- Educator & Mentor: Serves as a fellow lecturer at Hussein Technical University, inspiring and teaching the next generation of game designers through his Game Design courses.
Career Timeline Highlights:
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2003 | Founded Maysalward, launching the region’s first mobile game studio |
| 2011 | Launched the Jordan Gaming Lab, nurturing future development talent |
| 2017 | Received the King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein Order for Distinction |
| 2022 | Honored with Jordan’s State Centenary Medal |
| 2023 | Awarded Mobile Global Legend (London) |
| 2024 | Named MENA Market Legend (Dubai) |
Maysalward: Industry Leadership & Global Reach
With studios in Amman (HQ) and Leamington Spa (UK), Maysalward has become a benchmark for regional excellence and global collaboration. The studio’s catalogue includes:
- Dominoes Pro (a digital adaptation of the beloved social game)
- Trix Plus (a local favorite card game)
- Oddbods Live Coloring and Solitaire Coloring Wonderland (creativity-driven games)
- Accessible Game Design: All new titles are now audited for accessibility features, making gaming more inclusive for PWD communities.
Under Khrais’s direction, Maysalward has cultivated a culture where mentorship, rapid innovation, and diverse voices are core values.
Innovations, Key Projects & Inclusive Programs
PWD Inclusion Program: Accessibility at the Forefront
Maysalward’s dedication to real inclusivity reached a milestone with the launch of its PWD Inclusion Program, directly spearheaded by a visually impaired team member who lost his sight over 15 years ago. After two years at Maysalward—and thanks to Khrais’s mentorship—he now leads this initiative, developing:
- In-game accessibility features
- Digital Skills Bootcamps for People With Disabilities
- Mentorship programs that have already inspired and transformed the lives of hundreds regionally
His journey demonstrates Maysalward’s belief that everyone deserves not only access, but also the power to lead and inspire. His story has become a beacon within Jordan’s tech community and beyond.
For Youth Empowerment
- Jordan Gaming Lab: Founded and led by Khrais, the lab operates in six locations, serving over 15,000 youth yearly with free access, training, and mentorship for game development—fueling a national tech pipeline.
- App Challenge Program: National competition for students aged 14–16, focused on coding, game design, and entrepreneurship. The challenge produces over 170 student-made games and nurtures future entrepreneurs from every region, background, and ability level.
Additional Initiatives
- Minecraft Education Partner (Jordan): Pioneering game-based education with teacher/student training programs
- NEOM Game Dev Challenge (Saudi Arabia): Upskilling youth and fostering the next generation of Saudi game developers
- Oddbods Collaborations: Bringing global IPs into regional gaming innovation
- Esports Management Academy: Training and certifying the region’s first esports managers
Empowering Diversity & Women
- Workforce: More than half of Maysalward’s team are women, with strong representation in both creative and leadership positions.
- Inclusive Policies: Maysalward is a signatory of the UN Women’s Empowerment Principles and implements recruitment, leadership development, and working practices supporting individuals from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds.
- Outreach: Regular hosting of mentorship programs, coding bootcamps, and community partnerships encouraging inclusive tech careers and opportunities.
Awards & Recognition
Numerous awards validate Khrais’s impact:
- Mobile Legend Award (London, 2023)
- MENA Market Legend (Dubai, 2024)
- King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein Order for Distinction (2017)
- Jordan State Centennial Medal (2022)
- Pocket Gamer Top 30 MENA Developers & Publishers (repeat honoree)
Quotes
“Gaming in the Middle East is a bridge for education, connection, and opportunity.”
“Empowering youth and women in tech is the foundation for a thriving industry.”
“When we empower people to overcome life’s hardest challenges—whether through the power of play or real opportunity—we all win.”
FAQs
Who is Nour Khrais?
He is the founder and CEO of Maysalward and a celebrated pioneer advancing mobile gaming and digital inclusivity across the Arab world.
What makes Maysalward’s approach unique?
Maysalward places a strong emphasis on local identity, accessible game design—including a dedicated program for individuals with disabilities—and the empowerment of women and diverse talent.
How can People With Disabilities become involved in gaming at Maysalward?
Thanks to a dedicated inclusivity program led by a visually impaired team member, Maysalward offers mentorship, skills training, and direct career opportunities tailored for PWD.
Where is Maysalward based?
Headquarters in Amman, Jordan, and a studio in Leamington Spa, UK.
Contact
| Office | Location | Contact Info |
|---|---|---|
| HQ | Amman, Jordan | +962 79 6900217, info@maysalward.com |
| UK | Leamington Spa | info@maysalward.uk |
For more about Maysalward’s journey and inspiring stories, visit www.nourkhrais.com or www.maysalward.com
Nour Khrais’s journey—and Maysalward’s groundbreaking work in diversity, accessibility, and impact—serve as powerful examples of how technology, vision, and true inclusion can transform lives and reshape entire industries. Nour Khrais stands out as a driving force behind innovation, education, and genuine inclusion in Arab tech. His lifelong dedication—spanning entrepreneurship, teaching, and social impact—demonstrates how vision, commitment, and opportunity can change individuals, industries, and the digital future of the whole region. If you have any questions or want information about media or partnerships, feel free to get in touch anytime.