World Defense Show announces larger, tech-focused 2026 edition

Connect-PS, a provider of information technology solutions and services, has announced a joint venture with Al-Haddad Group in Saudi Arabia. This strategic alliance marks a significant milestone in Connect-PS’s ambitious growth trajectory and supports its expansion plans in the Middle East.

The partnership is built on a foundation of shared vision to add a remarkable footprint to the Saudi IT sector and to contribute effectively in realizing the digital transformation objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

The impact of this partnership extends beyond the corporate realm. Connect-PS has already established itself as a trusted partner for key government institutions in Saudi Arabia, showcasing its expertise in critical IT infrastructure and services. From securing a consulting framework agreement with a major financial government authority to executing tech-refresh projects for a leading government services provider, Connect-PS has demonstrated its capacity to drive technological advancement in the public sector.

Connect-PS offers a track record of delivering IT expertise with customer focus and quality performance. Al-Haddad Group, a well-rooted Saudi brand with decades of market presence, offers its telecommunications expertise and robust business network in the Kingdom.

Connect-PS and Al-Haddad Group have announced a mutual commitment to expand their operations in the Saudi market in the coming years, relying on their joint venture, which will provide additional capital to fuel innovation and capture emerging market opportunities. 

“We have been operating in the Kingdom for more than eight years and built an elite brand for our services. This strategic partnership with Al-Haddad Group will support our business expansion plans and we aim to increase our market share, adding valuable impact on the Saudi market in the next four years,” said Mohamed Moheb, CEO of Connect-PS.

“The joint venture with Connect-PS aligns with our strategy to diversify our revenue streams and will expand our capacity to approach new market segments and create unprecedented value for our customers,” said Chairman of Al-Haddad Group Bashir Al-Haddad.

Connect-PS has demonstrated remarkable growth in recent years, with an average annual growth rate of 30 percent between 2018 and 2021, accelerating to 40-45 percent year-over-year from 2022 to 2024. This growth trajectory reflects the company’s agility in adapting to market demands and its strategic focus on enhancing shareholder value.

Most recently, the company was awarded a significant contact center project for the governmental authority responsible for data and AI transformation, further cementing its role in Saudi Arabia’s digital evolution. These partnerships highlight Connect-PS’s pivotal role in supporting the Kingdom’s ambitious digital transformation objectives.

Kaplan, a global educational services company that helps individuals and institutions advance their professional goals in an ever-changing world, is expanding its footprint across the MENA region, with a licensed regional headquarters in Riyadh, uniting multiple Kaplan businesses under one business structure. This integrated service model will create a gateway in the Middle East for Kaplan’s global education and training offerings.

The Middle East, with Saudi Arabia at the forefront, is rapidly becoming a pivotal market for global education providers. This surge is driven by the Kingdom’s dedication to developing human capital, localizing its workforce, and fostering international partnerships within the education sector at all levels. Under the strategic Vision 2030 initiative, Saudi Arabia is making substantial investments in education and skills training. Additionally, the Kingdom is actively creating a business-friendly environment for international companies. Through the Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia, the government has streamlined processes and provided incentives to attract foreign investors. This commitment positions the Kingdom as an ideal destination for Kaplan’s expanded educational services.

With a prospering population and a growing appetite for globally recognized qualifications, Saudi Arabia offers immense opportunities for professional development and career growth. Kaplan seeks to contribute to this dynamic landscape and support the Kingdom’s vision.

Basil Hanna, managing director of Kaplan Middle East and North Africa, said: “With five offices across the MENA region, we offer seamless access to a full range of training, education, and workforce solutions — ensuring efficiency, expertise, and the highest quality service.

“With Kaplan’s investment in the region, we will continue to be trusted advisers for both the public and private sectors in identifying industry needs and addressing them through our extensive suite of training and education offerings aimed at supporting the Kingdom’s mission to build local workforce capacity.”

He added: “Kaplan’s contribution goes beyond providing education and training programs. We have been a key ally to SMEs, driving innovation in the ed-tech and recruitment industries while collaborating with over 100 domestic organizations.”

Kaplan offers bespoke professional training that includes finance, business skills, leadership, behavioral and digital transformation training and also “Graduate Development Programs,” delivered to some of the most prestigious organizations in the Kingdom.

Kaplan’s language business will now also be increasing its regional presence by serving the academic, professional and government sectors with tailored language solutions varying from assessment to both digital and in-person instruction. Students wishing to improve their English language will continue to receive support to find the right location for them at one of Kaplan’s 30 schools in the US, UK, Canada and Ireland, ensuring diverse international student cohorts in an international environment.

In addition to Riyadh, Kaplan’s other offices in the region are in Dubai (two locations), Abu Dhabi, and Cairo.