Abu dhabi: H.H. Sheikh Zayed bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has attended the opening ceremony of the 8th edition of RoboCup Asia-Pacific (RCAP 2025), organized by Khalifa University of Science and Technology. The event will run until 15th November 2025.
According to Emirates News Agency, RCAP 2025 is part of the inaugural edition of Abu Dhabi Autonomous Week and is hosted for the first time in the MENA Region under the theme 'Artificial Intelligence and Robotics for a Sustainable Future'. The event features more than 170 teams and over 700 participants, including 22 teams from Singapore with 61 students and 55 officials, Egypt with 18 teams, Russia with 18 teams, China with 10 teams, and the UAE with 12 teams comprising 44 students.
H.H. Sheikh Zayed bin Mohamed toured several competition areas and reviewed robotics projects showcased by student teams from various countries. He emphasized that investing in artificial intelligence, robotics technologies, and autonomous systems will be fundamental in future development. He noted that nurturing young talent and promoting research and development strengthens Abu Dhabi's position as a global platform for innovation and a destination for future industrial sectors, aligning with the emirate's vision of a knowledge-based economy driven by advanced science and technology.
RoboCupJunior sponsors educational initiatives, including local, regional, and international robotic events for young students. RCAP 2025 features eight main competitions and 15 sub-challenges, covering Soccer, OnStage, and Rescue leagues. RoboCup Soccer includes challenges such as Standard Platform, Humanoid, Simulation 2D, and RoboCupJunior leagues.
Professor Ebrahim Al Hajri, President of Khalifa University, highlighted that hosting RCAP 2025 in Abu Dhabi marks a milestone for Khalifa University, the UAE, and the regional robotics ecosystem. It underscores Abu Dhabi's role as a regional center for advanced robotics and AI research, aligning with Abu Dhabi's vision to become a leader in technology and innovation and the UAE Vision 2031. The event aims to generate interest in STEM-related subjects and attract top global talent in AI and robotics to Abu Dhabi and the UAE.
Alya Al Hosani, Executive Director, Community Affairs, Mubadala Investment Company, expressed pride in supporting RCAP 2025, emphasizing the UAE's leadership in innovation and technology. She highlighted Mubadala's commitment to advancing youth engagement in STEM education and fostering innovation in robotics, reflecting a dedication to nurturing talent that will further the UAE's knowledge-based economy.
Dr. Hamad Karaki, General Chairman of RCAP 2025, remarked on the diversity of competitions and the number of participating teams, reflecting Abu Dhabi's ability to attract top-tier technology experts. He noted that RCAP 2025 aims to strengthen the UAE's robotics ecosystem and follows initiatives to create an AI-powered government with digitized processes and over 200 AI solutions. These efforts position the UAE as a global magnet for top technology leaders participating in RCAP 2025.