Brands
Upgrad teams up with Seed Group to power AI-led workforce revamp across the MENA region
MUMBAI: Dubai’s skyline isn’t the only thing rising high—its ambition to become a global knowledge powerhouse just got a big ‘Upgrade’.
Upgrad, the Indian edtech heavyweight, and Seed Group, part of The Private Office of Sheikh Saeed bin Ahmed Al Maktoum. Together, they’ve fired up an AI-fuelled alliance to transform workforce upskilling across the UAE and the broader MENA region.
The two giants announced a strategic partnership that could reshape how professionals and enterprises across the middle east access new-age skilling, especially in high-demand areas like generative AI, digital transformation, and executive education. With this move, Upgrad—already present in 15+ countries—is planting a firm flag in the Gulf’s growing edtech terrain, ready to turn boardrooms into classrooms and laptops into launchpads.
“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,” said Seed Group CEO and The Private Office of Sheikh Saeed bin Ahmed Al Maktoum, Hisham Al Gurg. “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.”
Upgrad plans to leverage its portfolio of online degrees, bootcamps and hybrid certification courses to train individuals and institutions alike. From MBAs to machine learning modules, their offerings are engineered for ROI—return on intelligence.
“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 Upgrad CEO – International consumer business Myleeta AgaWilliams.
Over the years, Upgrad has carved out a reputation as one of Asia’s most formidable skilling machines—earning global nods from GSV and the FT for its growth and impact. And now, with Dubai acting as its regional launchpad, the company aims to support governments, enterprises and individuals with future-proof education that moves beyond theory and into execution.
In the coming months, the alliance will roll out initiatives aimed at creating a digitally capable and highly competitive workforce—one that’s ready to tackle the demands of tomorrow’s AI-first economy. For MENA, it’s a catalyst for a smarter, sharper labour force that’s globally fluent and locally relevant.
Brands
KKR sixes to power EV charger rollout under VIDA campaign
Cricket meets clean mobility as big hits spark India’s charging growth
NEW DELHI: VIDA, the electric mobility arm of Hero MotoCorp, has teamed up with Kolkata Knight Riders to launch a campaign that turns cricketing flair into real-world impact.
Titled ‘6 for 6’, the initiative promises to install a 6kW fast EV charger for every six hit by KKR during the ongoing Indian Premier League season. The idea is simple but powerful, as each big hit on the field contributes directly to expanding India’s fast-charging infrastructure.
The campaign builds on VIDA’s growing network, which already spans over 5,300 fast-charging points across more than 430 cities. With EV adoption gaining pace, the brand is using cricket’s mass appeal to accelerate both awareness and infrastructure growth.
Explaining the thinking behind the move, Hero MotoCorp emerging mobility business unit chief business officer Kausalya Nandakumar said, “Cricket has an incredible ability to unite and inspire millions across the country. With the ‘6 for 6’ campaign, we are turning every big hit on the field into a step towards a cleaner and a more accessible mobility future.”
She added that VIDA’s expanding fast-charging network and removable battery technology are designed to make EV ownership more convenient and practical for everyday users.
From the franchise’s side, the campaign is also about giving on-field moments a larger purpose. Kolkata Knight Riders chief executive officer Venky Mysore said, “The ‘6 for 6’ campaign exemplifies the potential of sport as a platform for meaningful, real-world impact. By linking every six to the expansion of EV charging infrastructure, this partnership transforms fan excitement into tangible progress.”
As part of the rollout, VIDA has introduced co-branded charging stations in KKR’s signature colours, with a flagship installation unveiled alongside team players. The chargers are designed for quick top-ups, powering VIDA scooters from zero to 80 percent in about an hour, while also being positioned along key highways to support longer journeys.
The initiative also taps into VIDA’s removable battery system, which allows users to charge using standard household plug points, adding flexibility to the charging ecosystem.
By blending the thrill of cricket with the urgency of clean mobility, VIDA and KKR have found a neat way to make every six count twice, once on the scoreboard and again on India’s road to an electric future.
