Nour Khrais

Role: Founder & CEO, Maysalward

Location: Jordan

Background

Nour Khrais founded Maysalward in 2003, establishing what the company describes as the first mobile game development studio in the Middle East. Over more than two decades, he has built the Jordanian studio around culturally relevant mobile games, with a focus on creating games for regional audiences rather than simply translating existing products for them.

Khrais has also been active in developing Jordan's wider games ecosystem through training, mentorship, education and industry programmes. His work has included initiatives aimed at helping young people learn game development and esports, while Maysalward has also worked on Minecraft Education programmes with Jordanian schools.

Alongside his work in games, Khrais holds a Doctorate in World Trade focused on the impact of culturalisation and internationalisation in mobile game publishing and marketing in the MENA region. His academic background also includes a Master's in International Business, a Diploma in Mobile Telecommunications and a BSc in Agricultural Engineering.

Current Focus

Khrais continues to lead Maysalward as it develops mobile games and explores culturally relevant gaming opportunities across MENA and international markets. The studio's current portfolio includes titles such as Dominoes Pro and King of Hearts, while its work also spans publishing, training and partnerships.

He has also focused on building original IP rooted in regional culture, alongside using localisation and culturalisation as tools for reaching wider audiences. His recent writing and industry commentary continue to focus on original IP, MENA market opportunities, mobile game development and the future of the regional games ecosystem.

Industry Position

Khrais is one of the longest-serving figures in the MENA mobile games industry, having led Maysalward since 2003. He has received the Third-Degree Order of Distinction from King Abdullah II in 2017, the Jordan Centennial Medal in 2022 and the Mobile Game Legend award at the Mobile Games Awards in London in 2023. ‏

His work has also extended into industry education and ecosystem development, including Maysalward's role in training programmes and initiatives supporting Jordanian developers and students. The company describes itself as having more than two decades of continuous development from its base in Amman.

What He Is Open To

Partnerships around mobile games, culturally relevant IP, localisation and culturalisation, games education and ecosystem development. Conversations around MENA market opportunities, cross-border gaming partnerships and supporting the next generation of game developers and entrepreneurs.