MonkiBox started with one simple question: Am I giving my baby what they really need?
I’m Rana, a mom of two. Like many parents, I was surrounded by toys, yet unsure which ones truly supported development. When I learned through early childhood research that 90% of brain development happens in the first few years of life, it changed how I thought about play.
That realization led me to build MonkiBox with child development experts, turning research into age-appropriate, meaningful play designed to support real milestones during this critical window, while helping parents feel more confident in the choices they make every day.
Where mother’s instinct meets expert insight.
A mother on a mission
From her Dubai home, Rana collaborated with child development experts to create a selection of age-based PlayBoxes filled with purposeful PlayTools and simple guides to empower parents through play.
Certified by Education Alliance Finland
After rigorous evaluation, MonkiBox earned certification from Education Alliance Finland, a globally recognised body that evaluates the pedagogical quality of learning solutions.
Backed By Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Education Authority
MonkiBox is proudly backed by the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority and joins the Anjal Z program.
That same year, Rana is named a Cartier Women’s Initiative Fellow!
Most Innovative Company in Education
We were named by Fast Company Middle East as the Most Innovative Company in Education!
Voted "Outstanding Educational Toy"
Voted "Outstanding Educational Toy" at the Mother, Baby & Child Awards—chosen by the families in the UAE.
Growing with your little ones
MonkiBox is dedicated to improving, creating, and collaborating to offer parents and their little ones the best start.
Shark Tank Dubai
A milestone moment that validated our mission to support early development and confident parenting.
The membership every parent deserves.
A new playbox every 2 months
Get a new set of Play tools, books, and a how-to-play guide delivered to match your baby's exact milestones.
Weekly informative emails & messages
Your head is full of questions. We'll send research-backed resources straight to your inbox at the right time.
Supportive Online Parent Community
Join our exclusive WhatsApp parent community to connect with like-minded parents in the region.
Expert Access & recommendations
We collaborate with early childhood experts across different professions to bring you the right information.
Hear What Parents Say About MonkiBox
The Buzz About MonkiBox
Backed by Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority
Selected for the Anjal Z program supporting early childhood innovators across the globe.
Cartier Women’s Initiative
Recognised by Cartier for our mission to empower parents through science-backed, play-based learning.
Bizpreneur Middle East
Rana shares her origin story, the journey from Uber to founding MonkiBox, and her strategic partnership with the ECA.
Pin The Pitch with Rana El Sakhawy
Unlocking MonkiBox’s mission and impact on the early childhood development ecosystem.
It Takes a Village
We’re a small (but mighty) team working with our amazing community members to create the best support system for parents in the region.
