Emirates Robotics Competition Opens Registration for Fourth Edition

• University students across the UAE invited to develop intelligent robotics solutions for large-scale libraries

Dubai, UAE – 21 May 2026: Dubai Future Labs, an initiative of Dubai Future Foundation, has opened registration for the fourth edition of the Emirates Robotics Competition, inviting university students across the UAE to design and develop intelligent robotic systems for large-scale libraries.

The competition is organised in partnership with Rochester Institute of Technology Dubai, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Mohammed Bin Rashid Library, and American University of Sharjah. Applications will remain open until 31 May 2026.

This year’s challenge focuses on designing robotic solutions capable of supporting operations in large libraries, including autonomously returning books, encyclopaedias, multimedia materials, and archived content to their designated shelves and storage locations within Mohammed Bin Rashid Library.

The competition will take place in two stages. During the simulation phase, participating teams will develop and test their systems in a virtual environment, where their methodologies, algorithms, and robotic designs will be evaluated. Shortlisted teams will then move to the deployment phase, implementing and testing their solutions on physical robotic platforms at Mohammed Bin Rashid Library.

Khalifa Al Qama, Chief of Research, Development and Innovation at Dubai Future Foundation, said the competition reflects Dubai’s long-term vision to strengthen its position as a global hub for robotics and automation technologies.

He said: “The Emirates Robotics Competition continues to empower university students across the UAE to sharpen their technical skills and transform creative robotics ideas into real-world applications. This aligns with the Dubai Robotics and Automation Programme launched by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to position Dubai among the world’s top 10 cities in robotics and automation within the next decade.”

Dr. Mohammed Salem AlMazrooei, Board Member of Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Library Foundation, said the competition demonstrates how advanced technologies can help redefine the future of cultural and knowledge services.

He noted that the initiative creates a practical innovation platform connecting universities, research institutions, and government entities, while enabling students to convert creative concepts into scalable robotics solutions capable of enhancing operational efficiency and improving user experiences in large libraries.

Dr. Yousef Al-Assaf, President of Rochester Institute of Technology Dubai, said students in the UAE are increasingly demonstrating advanced capabilities in designing intelligent robotic systems capable of addressing real operational challenges.

He highlighted the importance of initiatives such as the Emirates Robotics Competition in strengthening collaboration between academia, research institutions, government entities, and industry partners to accelerate the development of practical robotics applications that support economic and technological advancement.

His Excellency Professor Ebrahim Al Hajri, President of Khalifa University said: “The fourth edition of the Emirates Robotics[NA1]  Competition embodies the importance of employing smart technologies and advanced robotics to develop practical solutions that support various vital sectors, including the library and knowledge sector. This challenge represents a distinguished platform that empowers students to apply their engineering and programming knowledge in real operational environments, and to develop their skills in the fields of autonomous robots, computer vision, artificial intelligence, and smart navigation systems.

“At Khalifa University, we believe that such initiatives contribute to preparing national cadres capable of leading the future of technology and innovation, and strengthen the role of universities in supporting the UAE's priorities in the areas of smart automation, digital transformation, and the knowledge economy, in line with the nation's aspirations towards building smarter and more sustainable cities."

Dr Tod Laursen, Chancellor of the American University of Sharjah, said robotics and automation are now central to building smarter services, stronger economies, and more future-ready societies. He added that this year’s focus on libraries demonstrates the growing role robotics can play in enhancing public services, improving efficiency, and creating more engaging experiences for users, while also giving students the opportunity to apply their technical knowledge to real operational challenges.

The Emirates Robotics Competition aims to develop a new generation of robotics specialists in the UAE by encouraging applied innovation, bridging the gap between simulation and real-world deployment, strengthening expertise in robot operating systems and global development standards, and fostering stronger collaboration between academia and industry.

At the conclusion of the competition, three winning teams will be selected by a panel of experts and specialists. Winners will receive opportunities to join fellowship programmes and strategic initiatives led by Dubai Future Foundation and partner academic and research institutions.