Registration Now Open for the Fourth Edition
University students across the United Arab Emirates can now register for the fourth edition of the Emirates Robotics Competition. The initiative, led by Dubai Future Labs under the Dubai Future Foundation, invites undergraduate teams to design and build intelligent robotic systems tailored for large-scale library operations.
Registration opened on 21 May 2026 and remains open until 31 May 2026. The competition partners include Rochester Institute of Technology Dubai, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, the American University of Sharjah, and the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library.
The Challenge: Service Robotics in Library Settings
This year’s focus centres on developing autonomous robots capable of navigating library environments, locating specific books and materials, retrieving them, and returning items to designated shelves and storage areas. The primary test site is the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library, one of the region’s largest knowledge hubs.
Participants must demonstrate proficiency in navigation, computer vision, artificial intelligence, and smart manipulation within both simulated and physical settings. The competition emphasises real-world applicability, bridging academic learning with practical deployment.
Two-Phase Structure Supports Skill Development
The Emirates Robotics Competition follows a structured two-phase format. Phase one requires teams to develop and test solutions in a virtual simulation environment, where algorithms, system designs, and methodologies undergo evaluation. Shortlisted teams advance to phase two, implementing and demonstrating their robots on physical platforms at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library.
This progression allows students to refine concepts safely before real-world testing, fostering expertise in robot operating systems and industry-standard practices.
Official Perspectives Highlight National Priorities
Khalifa Al Qama, Chief of Research, Development and Innovation at Dubai Future Foundation, noted that the competition empowers students to transform creative ideas into practical applications. It aligns with the Dubai Robotics and Automation Programme, which aims to position Dubai among the world’s top ten cities in robotics and automation within the next decade.
Dr. Mohammed Salem AlMazrooei, Board Member of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Library Foundation, emphasised how the initiative connects universities, research bodies, and government entities to enhance operational efficiency in cultural and knowledge services.
Dr. Yousef Al-Assaf, President of Rochester Institute of Technology Dubai, highlighted growing student capabilities in intelligent robotic systems and the value of collaboration across academia, research, government, and industry.
His Excellency Professor Ebrahim Al Hajri, President of Khalifa University, described the event as a platform for applying engineering and programming knowledge in autonomous systems, computer vision, and smart navigation, supporting the UAE’s goals in smart automation and the knowledge economy.
Dr. Tod Laursen, Chancellor of the American University of Sharjah, stressed the central role of robotics in building smarter services and future-ready societies, with library applications demonstrating broader potential for public services.
Photo by Ben Koorengevel on Unsplash
Timeline Guides Participants Through Key Milestones
The competition timeline provides clear deadlines. Announcement occurred on 15 May 2026. Registration closes on 31 May 2026. Phase one begins on 1 June 2026 and runs until 1 August 2026. Selection of advancing teams takes place around 20 August 2026. Phase two trials occur in October, with the final event scheduled for November.
Teams are encouraged to form groups early and prepare for the simulation phase, with additional details released after registration closes.
Prizes and Opportunities Reward Excellence
Winning teams receive cash prizes and scholarship opportunities at Rochester Institute of Technology Dubai. First place earns AED 15,000 plus 40 percent scholarships for select master’s programmes in engineering fields and 35 percent for others. Second place receives AED 10,000 with 30 percent and 25 percent scholarships respectively. Third place offers AED 5,000 alongside 20 percent and 15 percent scholarships.
Beyond financial rewards, participants gain recognition, networking opportunities, and pathways into fellowship programmes and strategic initiatives led by the Dubai Future Foundation and partner institutions.
Building the Next Generation of UAE Roboticists
The Emirates Robotics Competition contributes to developing specialised talent in robotics and automation. By encouraging applied innovation and collaboration between universities and industry, the programme supports the UAE’s broader vision for technological advancement and economic diversification.
Undergraduate students from any UAE university are eligible, promoting inclusivity across the higher education sector.
Implications for Higher Education and Research
Events like this strengthen ties between UAE universities and national innovation priorities. Institutions such as Khalifa University, RIT Dubai, and the American University of Sharjah gain platforms to showcase student work and attract talent interested in emerging technologies.
The focus on library applications illustrates how robotics can address sector-specific challenges, from knowledge management to user experience enhancement, offering students tangible examples of technology transfer from lab to real environments.
Photo by Ben Koorengevel on Unsplash
Future Outlook and Broader Impact
As the UAE continues investing in robotics and automation, competitions of this nature serve as talent pipelines. Successful participants may contribute to ongoing national programmes, research projects, or industry roles in smart cities and knowledge economies.
The fourth edition builds on previous iterations, expanding scope while maintaining emphasis on practical, deployable solutions.
How to Participate
Interested undergraduate students should form teams and register through the official portal at RIT Dubai’s competition page. Additional resources and updates appear on the Dubai Future Foundation website at dubaifuture.ae.
Early registration allows teams to begin preparation ahead of the simulation phase launch in June.