The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is rapidly positioning itself as a global leader in artificial intelligence (AI), and the latest development underscores this ambition: the School of Coding and AI, a pioneering educator from the UK's West Midlands region, is launching a brand-new £3 million campus in Dubai. This expansion marks a significant milestone not just for the institution but for higher education in the UAE, bringing UK-accredited degree programs and specialized AI training to the heart of Dubai Media City. As demand for AI and coding skills surges across the region, this move promises to bridge critical talent gaps and empower the next generation of tech professionals.

Founded in 2017, the School of Coding and AI has grown into Europe's largest provider of coding and AI education, with established campuses in Wolverhampton and Birmingham. Now, with approval from Dubai's Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), the school is set to replicate its success internationally, offering flexible higher education pathways that align seamlessly with the UAE's National AI Strategy 2031. This strategy aims to make AI a cornerstone of the economy, targeting a 14% contribution to non-oil GDP by 2031 through workforce upskilling and innovation hubs.

From West Midlands Roots to Global Ambition

The School of Coding and AI began as a response to the UK's growing need for practical tech skills, starting in Wolverhampton before expanding to a state-of-the-art 12,000 square foot campus in Birmingham's Livery Street. This Birmingham site, opened in early 2025 in partnership with the University of Wolverhampton, features cutting-edge facilities including a £2.5 million tech lab equipped with game design studios, podcast rooms, an in-house research center, and interactive AI avatars. These investments have enabled the school to enroll thousands of students in skills bootcamps and degree-level programs, creating over 100 jobs in STEM education alone.

Affiliated with the University of Wolverhampton, a respected UK institution known for its innovative teaching, the school delivers fully accredited honors degrees. Programs like the BSc (Hons) Computer Science with Foundation Year emphasize hands-on learning in programming, machine learning, and software development, preparing graduates for roles in data analysis, cybersecurity, and AI engineering. Similarly, the BA (Hons) Business Management integrates AI tools for decision-making, while the BSc (Hons) Health and Social Care explores AI applications in healthcare delivery. This foundation year model lowers entry barriers, allowing diverse learners—including career changers and international students—to access higher education without traditional prerequisites.

Founder and CEO Manny Athwal envisions the school as a £1 billion enterprise and a new national university model, focusing on accessible education that combines vocational training with academic rigor. By 2025, the UK campuses were projected to host 2,500 students, demonstrating scalable demand for blended learning approaches.

Unveiling the Dubai Campus: Location, Timeline, and Investment

Situated in Dubai Media City, a vibrant free zone renowned for its cluster of over 3,000 media, tech, and creative firms, the new campus will occupy premium space designed for collaborative innovation. Dubai Media City already hosts AI ecosystems and training hubs, making it an ideal launchpad. Construction and setup are backed by a £3 million investment, with the facility slated to open its doors in March 2026 and welcome its first cohort of students from May 2026.

The campus will target upskilling 2,000 learners annually through short courses, bootcamps, and full degree programs delivered both in-person and hybrid formats. KHDA approval ensures compliance with UAE standards, guaranteeing quality and recognition for qualifications. Initial focus areas include AI fundamentals, Python programming, ethical AI deployment, and advanced topics like neural networks and natural language processing—skills directly transferable to UAE industries such as finance, logistics, and smart cities.

Bridging UK Excellence with UAE's AI Vision

This expansion stems from a UK government-backed trade mission to the UAE, where Athwal connected with regional stakeholders. The Department for Business and Trade provided crucial support, aligning with the UK's International Education Strategy to export tech education. UK Trade Minister Chris Bryant highlighted the partnership's role in fostering growth in AI sectors.

Athwal emphasized: "The Gulf region represents a significant opportunity for us to bring UK excellence in tech education, AI learning, and university pathways to a region hungry for innovation and rapid development." This synergy supports the UAE's UAE AI Strategy 2031, which includes initiatives like the National Program for Coders—aiming to train 100,000 coders by 2031—and AI internships for 120 Emiratis yearly. For more on the strategy, explore the official UAE AI Strategy document.

In UAE higher education, institutions like Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), University of Birmingham Dubai, and Heriot-Watt University Dubai already offer specialized AI degrees. The School of Coding and AI complements these by providing flexible, industry-aligned pathways, potentially partnering for credit transfers or joint research.

Programs Tailored for UAE's Booming AI Job Market

UAE's tech sector is exploding, with AI roles comprising 35-40% of job demand in 2026 per industry reports. Michael Page's UAE Salary Guide notes AI positions rising from three in 2022 to eight by 2026, with salaries for machine learning engineers averaging AED 300,000-500,000 annually. Coding proficiency in Python, TensorFlow, and data analytics is paramount, as firms like G42 and Dubai's AI Campus seek talent for data centers and smart infrastructure.

• Foundation to BSc Computer Science: Covers algorithms, cloud computing, and AI ethics, with projects simulating real UAE applications like predictive logistics.
• AI Skills Bootcamps: 12-16 week intensives on generative AI, automation, and cybersecurity—ideal for upskilling mid-career professionals.
• Business AI Integration: Teaching leaders to leverage tools like ChatGPT for strategy, aligning with Dubai's digital transformation.

Graduates gain globally recognized credentials, boosting employability. For UAE job seekers, check higher-ed-jobs or explore Dubai academic opportunities.

Integration into Dubai's Thriving Tech Ecosystem

Dubai Media City's proximity to DIFC AI Campus and DMCC AI Ecosystem positions the school at the epicenter of MENA's AI innovation. These hubs host G42's initiatives and attract startups, fostering internships and placements. The campus will likely collaborate with local universities, enhancing UAE's goal of training 10,000 AI leaders via programs like Dubai AI Academy.

Students benefit from guest lectures by industry experts, hackathons, and access to 5G-enabled labs—mirroring Birmingham's facilities. This ecosystem approach ensures practical exposure, from developing AI for sustainable tourism to fintech solutions.

Stakeholder Perspectives and Broader Impacts

University of Wolverhampton officials praise the partnership for extending their reach, while UAE educators welcome competition that elevates standards. Emirati students stand to gain from scholarships akin to TDRA's BETHA program, promoting inclusivity.

Challenges include cultural adaptation and visa processes, but flexible online options mitigate these. Impacts ripple to regional universities, inspiring hybrid models and research collaborations. For career advice on entering AI academia, visit higher-ed-career-advice.

Future Outlook: Scaling Innovation Across Borders

Looking ahead, the Dubai campus could pave the way for further Gulf expansions, targeting Saudi Arabia post their recent tour. With UAE aiming for AI-driven GDP growth, institutions like this will be pivotal. Projections show 3,000+ AI jobs created in Dubai hubs alone, underscoring the timeliness.

Prospective students should prepare by building foundational coding skills; resources like free trials on school platforms help. Rate professors and courses at rate-my-professor to inform choices.

Photo by William Hook on Unsplash

Why This Matters for UAE Higher Education

This venture reinforces UAE's status as an education hub, alongside branches like University of Wollongong Dubai's AI programs. It democratizes access, blending vocational and academic paths for underrepresented groups. Actionable insights: Enroll early for May intake, network via university-jobs, and leverage alumni for mentorship.

In summary, the School of Coding and AI's Dubai campus heralds a new era of transcontinental higher education, equipping UAE talent for AI dominance. Explore openings at higher-ed-jobs, career tips at higher-ed-career-advice, and professor reviews at rate-my-professor.