Saudi AI investment presents real opportunity for the UK, says Wolverhampton computer science entrepreneur
Manny Athwal, CEO of Wolverhampton-based School of Coding & AI, has recently returned from a high-level UK trade mission to Saudi Arabia.
The Education Investment Saudi mission was led by Professor Sir Steve Smith, the UK Government’s Special Representative to Saudi Arabia for Education. It brought together investors, regulators and education providers from across both countries.
Saudi Arabia is rapidly integrating artificial intelligence and large language models (LLMs) into its “Vision 2030” economic diversification plan. At the LEAP 2025 tech conference in Riyadh, the Kingdom unveiled a record $14.9 billion in new AI and digital infrastructure investments.
Vision 2030 is a government program designed to increase diversification economically, socially, and culturally within Saudi Arabia and to reduce its economic dependency on oil.
Speaking on his return from Riyadh, Manny said: “During visits to the Saudi Education Conference and the Ministry of Education, I met so many passionate leaders, innovators, and policymakers who are all aligned behind a bold national agenda - empowering young people with the skills, confidence, and global mindset needed for the next chapter of Saudi Arabia’s growth.
“The country is investing at a remarkable pace in digital skills, higher education pathways, and international partnerships, with a genuine and future-focused commitment to creating world-class learning environments.
“What I found was that there is a shared understanding that technology and AI will reshape every industry, and education systems must evolve quickly to prepare the next generation. This aligns directly with the mission of School of Coding & AI.
“Collaboration is the biggest opportunity for UK businesses in the region. The willingness of institutions, public and private, to work with global partners is refreshing. Saudi Arabia wants to not only learn from others but also co-create new models of education.
“As School of Coding & AI continues to expand internationally, Saudi Arabia represents a significant opportunity for us to bring UK excellence in tech education, AI learning, and university pathways to a region that is hungry for innovation and rapid development. Exciting partnerships and possibilities lie ahead.”
Manny’s participation follows a year of exceptional growth for School of Coding & AI, including the opening of a £2.5 million tech lab in Birmingham, the redevelopment of its Wolverhampton HQ, and recognition of Manny as one of The LDC Top 50 Most Ambitious Business Leaders.
