The 8th edition of RoboCup Asia-Pacific (RCAP 2025) opened in Abu Dhabi, marking the first time the prestigious robotics competition has been hosted in the MENA region. Organized by Khalifa University of Science and Technology as part of the inaugural Abu Dhabi Autonomous Week, the event features more than 170 teams and over 700 participants from across the globe, including significant contingents from Singapore with 22 teams and 61 students, Egypt with 18 teams, Russia with 18 teams, China with 10 teams, and the UAE fielding 12 teams of 44 students.
His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan emphasized that investing in artificial intelligence, robotics technologies and autonomous intelligent systems serves as a fundamental pillar in the journey of future development. He noted that nurturing young talent and promoting research and development contributes to strengthening Abu Dhabi's position both as a global platform for supporting the innovation ecosystem and a destination for attracting future industrial sectors, aligning with the emirate's vision of building a knowledge-based economy driven by advanced science and technology.
RCAP 2025 features eight main competitions and 15 sub-challenges covering Soccer, OnStage and Rescue leagues. As a project-oriented educational initiative, RoboCupJunior sponsors local, regional and international robotic events for young students and includes Soccer, OnStage and Rescue leagues. The RoboCup Soccer competition includes four challenges covering Standard Platform, Humanoid, Simulation 2D and RoboCupJunior leagues, showcasing cutting-edge robotics projects from student teams worldwide.
His Excellency Professor Ebrahim Al Hajri, President of Khalifa University, stated that hosting RCAP 2025 in Abu Dhabi marks a major milestone for Khalifa University, the UAE and regional robotics ecosystem. He emphasized that this event highlights Abu Dhabi's role as a regional centre 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 will generate more interest in STEM-related subject areas for students while creating fresh talent suitable for future leadership and help attract top global talent 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 RoboCup Asia-Pacific 2025, describing it as a distinguished platform that underscores the UAE's leadership in innovation and technology. She noted Mubadala's commitment to advancing youth engagement in STEM education and fostering innovation in fields such as robotics reflects their dedication to nurturing the next generation of talent that will continue to advance the UAE as a knowledge-based economy.
Dr Hamad Karaki, General Chairman of RCAP 2025, highlighted that the number of participating teams and the diversity of competitions strongly reflect Abu Dhabi's ability to attract top-tier technology experts to compete through the latest AI technologies. RCAP 2025 aims to strengthen and nurture the UAE's robotics ecosystem following initiatives to create an AI-powered government, including 100 percent digitization of processes and the deployment of more than 200 AI solutions. These efforts have positioned the UAE as a global magnet for top technology leaders participating in RCAP 2025, with the competition theme Artificial Intelligence and Robotics for a Sustainable Future guiding all activities and innovations showcased during the event.
