Khalifa University Hosts The 8th RoboCup Asia-Pacific In Abu Dhabi From November 10 To 15, 2025

Khalifa University of Science and Technology has announced it will host the eighth RoboCup Asia-Pacific (RCAP 2025) in Abu Dhabi from 10 to 15 November 2025. This event marks a significant milestone for the UAE's burgeoning robotics sector and highlights the University's global leadership in AI and autonomous systems.

The RCAP 2025 will feature a wide array of technologies across eight leagues, including RoboCupSoccer, RoboCupRescue, RoboCup@Home, RoboCupJunior, RCAP Industry-Sponsored League, and RoboCupIndustrial. These leagues will be divided into 15 sub-leagues. The event will also include RCAP Challenges and Demonstrations.

A total of 34 competitions are planned, with 14 in major leagues and 20 in the junior division. These contests will cover soccer, rescue, industrial, and home robotics. The event is expected to draw around 1,900 participants from various regions.

Alignment with National Priorities

RCAP 2025 aligns with UAE national priorities such as smart mobility and AI for sustainability. It aims to address regional challenges through technology. The event will focus on themes like ‘Sustainability’, ‘Transforming Industries’, ‘Energy-Efficient Robotics’, ‘Sustainable Manufacturing’, and ‘AI-Driven Sustainable Models’. Teams are encouraged to create eco-friendly robots using recyclable materials while applying AI for resource management.

Professor Ebrahim Al Hajri, President of Khalifa University, stated: "Hosting RCAP 2025 is a tremendous honour for Khalifa University and the UAE. It reflects Abu Dhabi’s rising role as a regional hub for advanced robotics and AI, and accelerates our mission to foster innovation, talent development, and global collaboration."

Inspiring Future Generations

Aligned with the UAE’s Year of Community initiative aimed at fostering unity across the country, this event provides a platform to inspire young minds. It engages diverse communities while highlighting the positive impact of robotics on society.

Abu Dhabi's successful bid to host RCAP 2025 builds on Khalifa University's growing international reputation. This follows their Robotics Athletes 'KURA' team securing second place globally in the Kid-Size Humanoid League at RoboCup 2024 in the Netherlands.

Beyond competitions, Khalifa University seeks to enhance STEM engagement through initiatives like RoboCupJunior. They are forming partnerships with regional and international collaborators from academia, industry, and government to ensure RCAP 2025 is a truly global event.

With inputs from WAM