Zayed Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Opens RoboCup Asia-Pacific 2025 In Abu Dhabi
H.H. Sheikh Zayed bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan attended the opening of the 8th RoboCup Asia-Pacific (RCAP 2025), organised by Khalifa University of Science and Technology. This event, part of Abu Dhabi Autonomous Week, is being hosted in the MENA Region for the first time under the theme 'Artificial Intelligence and Robotics for a Sustainable Future'. It will run until 15th November 2025.
The event features over 170 teams and more than 700 participants. Notably, Singapore has sent 22 teams comprising 61 students and 55 officials. Egypt and Russia each have 18 teams, China has 10, and the UAE is represented by 12 teams with 44 students. H.H. Sheikh Zayed toured various competition areas to observe innovative robotics projects from student teams worldwide.
H.H. Sheikh Zayed highlighted that investing in AI, robotics, and autonomous systems is crucial for future development. He stressed that nurturing young talent and promoting research strengthens Abu Dhabi’s global position as a hub for innovation. This aligns with the emirate’s vision of building a knowledge-based economy driven by advanced science and technology.
RoboCupJunior is an educational initiative sponsoring robotic events for young students locally, regionally, and internationally. It includes Soccer, OnStage, and Rescue leagues. RCAP 2025 features eight main competitions and 15 sub-challenges across these leagues. The RoboCup Soccer competition includes four challenges: Standard Platform, Humanoid, Simulation 2D, and RoboCupJunior leagues.
Professor Ebrahim Al Hajri, President of Khalifa University, stated that hosting RCAP 2025 in Abu Dhabi marks a significant milestone for both the university and the UAE's robotics ecosystem. He noted that this event highlights Abu Dhabi's role as a regional centre for advanced robotics research. It aligns with Abu Dhabi's vision to lead in technology innovation and supports UAE Vision 2031.
Alya Al Hosani from Mubadala Investment Company expressed pride in supporting RCAP 2025 as it underscores the UAE’s leadership in innovation. She emphasised Mubadala's commitment to advancing youth engagement in STEM education to nurture future talent that will propel the UAE as a knowledge-based economy.
Strengthening Robotics Ecosystem
Dr Hamad Karaki, General Chairman of RCAP 2025, remarked on the diverse participation reflecting Abu Dhabi’s ability to attract top technology experts using cutting-edge AI technologies. He mentioned that RCAP 2025 aims to strengthen the UAE’s robotics ecosystem through initiatives like creating an AI-powered government with fully digitised processes and deploying over 200 AI solutions.
These efforts have positioned the UAE as a global magnet for leading technology experts participating in RCAP 2025. The event also aims to generate interest among students in STEM subjects while attracting top global talent in AI and robotics to Abu Dhabi and the UAE.
The comprehensive focus on AI and robotics at RCAP 2025 not only showcases technological advancements but also fosters an environment conducive to innovation. By hosting such events, Abu Dhabi continues to solidify its status as a leader in technology-driven economic growth within the region.
With inputs from WAM
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