Abu dhabi: Khalifa University of Science and Technology is gearing up to host the RoboCup Asia-Pacific (RCAP) 2025 from 10th to 15th November 2025. This event is being organized with the support of the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council (SASC) as part of the inaugural Abu Dhabi Autonomous Week (ADAW).
According to Emirates News Agency, this marks the first time that RCAP will be held in the Middle East and North Africa region. The eighth edition of the event will take place at the ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi and is expected to draw up to 1,900 participants worldwide. These participants will engage in a series of AI-driven robotics challenges across eight leagues and 15 sub-leagues throughout the week.
RCAP 2025 will feature a total of 34 competitions, including 14 in the major leagues and 20 in the junior division. These competitions will cover categories such as soccer, rescue, industrial, and home robotics, with leagues including RoboCupSoccer, RoboCupRescue, RoboCup@Home, RoboCupIndustrial, and RoboCupJunior. The six-day program will also incorporate the RCAP Industry-Sponsored League, alongside a variety of RCAP Demonstrations and RCAP Challenges.
Dr. Hamad Karaki, Associate Professor of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering at Khalifa University and General Chairman of RCAP 2025, expressed the university's privilege in organizing the event during ADAW 2025. He emphasized its role in knowledge-economy diversification, underscoring the innovative and competitive spirit among participating teams. Dr. Karaki stated that RCAP 2025 and ADAW would highlight the UAE's growing status as a global hub for innovation in AI and robotics systems.
The event will focus on global themes like Sustainability, Transforming Industries, Energy-Efficient Robotics, Sustainable Manufacturing, and AI-Driven Sustainable Models. Participating teams will be encouraged to design eco-friendly robots, incorporate recyclable materials, and apply AI for optimized resource management.
ADAW will bring together industry leaders, innovators, policymakers, and investors, aiming to shape the development and accelerate the adoption of autonomous solutions. The week-long program will kick off on 10th November with the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Summit organized by SASC, providing a platform for high-level dialogue, policy development, and investment opportunities in autonomous systems.
The inaugural ADAW will also present the DRIFTx exhibition from 10th-12th November and the 2nd Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League (A2RL) on 15th November. These events will showcase Abu Dhabi's commitment to fostering a competitive, collaborative, and innovation-driven ecosystem, reinforcing its role as a global leader in the safe and sustainable deployment of smart systems and advanced mobility technologies.