upGrad partners with Seed Group to drive AI-powered learning and upskilling in MENA

The Mumbai-headquartered company views the partnership with Seed Group as an opportunity to expand its services worldwide, particularly as the UAE advances its focus on innovation and diversification.

Apr 15, 2025 - 10:45

upGrad partners with Seed Group to drive AI-powered learning and upskilling in MENA

Edtech firm upGrad has partnered with Seed Group, affiliated with The Private Office of Sheikh Saeed bin Ahmed Al Maktoum, to drive AI-powered learning and workforce upskilling among businesses and organisations in the UAE and the MENA region.

The Mumbai-headquartered company has been investing significantly to grow its presence in international markets. It views the partnership with Seed Group as a timely opportunity to expand its services worldwide, particularly as the UAE advances its focus on innovation and diversification.

Myleeta Aga Williams, CEO of International Consumer Business at upGrad, said, "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."

This partnership is expected to enhance access to higher education offerings in Dubai and the broader MENA region. It aims to enable individuals to upskill themselves and organisations to provide skill development solutions to their clients.

“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,” remarked Hisham Al Gurg, CEO of Seed Group and The Private Office of Sheikh Saeed bin Ahmed Al Maktoum.

“In turn, this will empower businesses with the advanced knowledge needed to excel in a high-powered digital economy such as Dubai,” he added.

For over two decades, Seed Group has partnered with international companies across industries to support their entry and growth in MENA. Operating under The Private Office of Sheikh Saeed bin Ahmed Al Maktoum, Seed Group aims to facilitate sustainable market access and development for its partners.

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B2B and B2C are the Yin and Yang of edtech biz: upGrad Enterprise CEO

Operating in over 15 countries, upGrad offers a variety of modern online and hybrid skill-based degree programmes, certifications, and bootcamps through its consumer segment.

upGrad’s enterprise arm has quickly emerged as a growth engine of the company, with the potential to surpass the consumer segment. However, both are integral to the business and complement each other, said Srikanth Iyengar, CEO of upGrad Enterprise, in an interview to YourStory.

In India, upGrad has launched several AI-focused initiatives this year.

In February, the company introduced an AI incubator aimed at supporting and scaling domestic AI startups. During its initial phase, upGrad committed Rs 100 crore to promote product innovation by offering startups key resources such as infrastructure and initial seed funding.

This initiative follows recent collaborations with industry and government bodies to provide practical AI training to over a million learners and to establish AI centres of excellence across Maharashtra, backed by an initial investment of Rs 2,150 crore.

Edited by Swetha Kannan