Abu Dhabi Hosts RoboCup Asia-Pacific 2025, Showcasing Regional Commitment to AI and Robotics

His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan attended the opening ceremony of the 8th edition of RoboCup Asia-Pacific 2025, organized by Khalifa University of Science and Technology as part of the inaugural Abu Dhabi Autonomous Week. The event marks the first time the competition is being hosted in the MENA region under the theme Artificial Intelligence and Robotics for a Sustainable Future.

The significance of this event extends beyond the competition itself, representing Abu Dhabi's strategic positioning as a global center for technology innovation. His Highness emphasized that investing in artificial intelligence, robotics technologies and autonomous intelligent systems serves as a fundamental pillar in future development. This approach aligns with the emirate's vision of building a knowledge-based economy driven by advanced science and technology.

RCAP 2025 features more than 170 teams and over 700 participants from across the globe, including substantial contingents from Singapore with 22 teams, Egypt with 18 teams, Russia with 18 teams, China with 10 teams, and the UAE fielding 12 teams comprising 44 students. The diversity of participants underscores the event's international appeal and Abu Dhabi's growing reputation as a technology destination.

His Excellency Professor Ebrahim Al Hajri, President of Khalifa University, noted that hosting RCAP 2025 represents a major milestone for both the university and the regional robotics ecosystem. This achievement highlights Abu Dhabi's role as a regional center for advanced robotics and AI research, aligning with both Abu Dhabi's technology leadership ambitions and the broader UAE Vision 2031. The event demonstrates how AI and robotics can transform industries while generating increased interest in STEM education among students.

The competition structure includes eight main competitions and 15 sub-challenges covering Soccer, OnStage and Rescue leagues. RoboCup Junior, as a project-oriented educational initiative, sponsors local, regional and international robotic events for young students through these same league categories. The RoboCup Soccer component features four distinct challenges covering Standard Platform, Humanoid, Simulation 2D and RoboCupJunior leagues.

Alya Al Hosani, Executive Director of Community Affairs at Mubadala Investment Company, emphasized the company's pride in supporting RoboCup Asia-Pacific 2025 as a distinguished platform that underscores the UAE's leadership in innovation and technology. Mubadala's commitment to advancing youth engagement in STEM education and fostering innovation in fields such as robotics reflects the nation's dedication to nurturing the next generation of talent that will continue advancing the UAE as a knowledge-based economy.

Dr Hamad Karaki, General Chairman of RCAP 2025, highlighted that the number of participating teams and competition diversity strongly reflect Abu Dhabi's ability to attract top-tier technology experts competing through the latest AI technologies. The event aims to strengthen and nurture the UAE's robotics ecosystem following government initiatives to create an AI-powered government, including 100 percent digitization of processes and deployment of more than 200 AI solutions.

These coordinated efforts have positioned the UAE as a global magnet for top technology leaders participating in RCAP 2025. Beyond the immediate competition, such major events help attract top global talent in AI and robotics to Abu Dhabi and the UAE while creating fresh talent suitable for future leadership positions across technology sectors.