India's upGrad partners with Seed Group to drive AI‑driven workforce transformation across MENA

Seed Group, part of The Private Office of Sheikh Saeed bin Ahmed Al Maktoum, has teamed up with Indian edtech major upGrad to spread artificial intelligence (AI) training across companies in the United Arab Emirates and the broader MENA region.

upGrad facilitates a range of new-age online and hybrid skilling degree programs, certifications, and boot camps under its Consumer (B2C) portfolio.

As a technological facilitator of higher education, it also enables top Indian and global universities to deliver their Diploma, Master's, and Executive Doctorate programs to learners worldwide.

Leadership comments

Hisham Al Gurg, CEO of Seed Group and The Private Office of Sheikh Saeed bin Ahmed Al Maktoum, remarked, "As Dubai invests in human capital development, the need for industry-aligned upskilling has never been greater. upGrad's outcome-focused innovative programs in domains like GenAI will bridge skill gaps.”

"In turn, this will empower businesses with the advanced knowledge needed to excel in a high-powered digital economy such as Dubai. The institution's distinguished expertise in professional education makes it an invaluable addition to our network of strategic partners," he added.

UpGrad eyes faster global expansion

"We are making significant investments to expand our footprint across global markets. We are proud to launch this partnership with Seed Group, a market leader in driving innovation, so there is no doubt that with the support of the Seed Group leadership strategy in the UAE and MENA, we will drive stronger adoption of AI-led upskilling. Acquiring new-age hands-on capabilities has become a global imperative and is essential for both individuals and organisations to remain competitive. Business and government leaders across the UAE’s economy are recognising the growing influence of AI on organisational capabilities and are increasingly looking to invest in advanced technologies," said Myleeta AgaWilliams, chief executive of international consumer business at upGrad.

"Over the years, upGrad has built a truly global, outcome-focused pedagogy designed to equip individuals with hands-on skills and help businesses enhance productivity while building a future-ready talent pipeline. As the UAE embraces innovation and diversification, this is an opportune moment to scale our offerings globally,” AgaWilliams added.

The partners plan to deliver upGrad's AI and data programs to corporate and government clients, laying the groundwork for a digitally ready Gulf workforce.