Zayed bin Mohammed bin Zayed Witnesses the Opening of the 2025 Asia-Pacific Robotics Cup
Abu Dhabi, November 12, 2025 – His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan attended the inauguration ceremony of the eighth edition of the Asia-Pacific Robotics Cup 2025, hosted by Khalifa University of Science and Technology. The championship will run until November 15 as part of the inaugural Abu Dhabi Autonomous Systems Week, marking the first time this prestigious event is held in the Middle East and North Africa region.
Under the theme "Artificial Intelligence and Robotics for a Sustainable Future," the competition attracted over 170 teams and more than 700 participants from around the world. Notable delegations include 22 teams from Singapore comprising 61 students and 55 supervisors, 18 teams from Egypt, 18 teams from Russia, 10 from China, and 12 teams from the UAE representing 44 Emirati students.
During the opening, His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Mohammed bin Zayed toured several competition categories and examined the innovative robotic technologies designed and presented by the participants. He emphasized that investment in artificial intelligence, robotics, and autonomous intelligent systems is fundamental to future development. Sheikh Zayed highlighted the importance of nurturing young talent and supporting research and development to establish Abu Dhabi as a global hub for innovation and attract future industrial sectors. This aligns with the emirate’s vision of building a knowledge-based economy driven by advanced technology and science.
The Asia-Pacific Robotics Cup features eight main competitions and fifteen subsidiary challenges. Events include rescue robots, robotic performances, and robotic soccer, divided into five distinct categories: humanoid robots, equal-sized robots, adult robots, child robots, and rescue robots.
A prominent feature of the event is the "RoboCup Junior," an educational initiative focused on project-based learning. It nurtures local, regional, and international robotics initiatives for younger students, fostering their technical skills and passion for innovation.
Professor Ibrahim Al-Hajri, President of Khalifa University of Science and Technology, stated, "Hosting the Asia-Pacific Robotics Cup in Abu Dhabi represents a significant milestone for the university, the UAE, and the regional robotics ecosystem. It underscores Abu Dhabi’s leadership as a regional research center for robotics and artificial intelligence, directly supporting the emirate’s ambition to become a pioneer in technology and innovation. This also aligns with the UAE Vision 2031, showcasing the transformative power of AI and robotics across industrial sectors."
He added, "The competitions play a vital role in stimulating student interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines, preparing a new generation to assume leadership roles in the future. They also attract top global minds in AI and robotics to Abu Dhabi and the UAE."
Alya Al Hosani, Executive Director of Community Affairs at Mubadala Investment Company, expressed pride in supporting the event. "Mubadala is dedicated to fostering youth engagement in STEM fields and promoting innovation in robotics. Our support for the Asia-Pacific Robotics Cup exemplifies our commitment to nurturing emerging talent essential for advancing the UAE’s knowledge-based economy."
Dr. Hamad Karki, President of the Asia-Pacific Robotics Cup 2025, noted, "The large number of participating teams and the diversity of challenges demonstrate Abu Dhabi’s capability to attract leading technology experts competing with the latest AI applications. This championship aims to boost the UAE’s robotics ecosystem following pioneering national initiatives including the world’s first government fully operated by artificial intelligence, automating and digitizing 100% of government services, and launching over 200 AI-based digital solutions. These achievements continue to draw top technology innovators to Abu Dhabi for the Asia-Pacific Robotics Cup."
The Asia-Pacific Robotics Cup 2025 not only advances the state-of-the-art in robotics and AI but also reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading international destination for technology, education, and innovation.
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