ABU DHABI, 19th May, 2025 (WAM) -- Khalifa University of Science and Technology today announced it will host the eighth edition of the RoboCup Asia-Pacific (RCAP 2025) in Abu Dhabi from 10 to 15 November 2025, a landmark moment for the UAE's rapidly growing robotics ecosystem and a strong endorsement for the University's international leadership in AI and autonomous systems.

At RCAP 2025, hosted in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau, Khalifa University will present a dynamic lineup of technologies through eight leagues, including RoboCupSoccer, RoboCupRescue, RoboCup@Home, RoboCupJunior, RCAP Industry-Sponsored League, and RoboCupIndustrial, with 15 sub-leagues. Additionally, the event will have RCAP Challenges and RCAP Demonstrations.

Also featuring will be 34 competitions across all categories with 14 in the major leagues and 20 in the junior division, spanning soccer, rescue, industrial, and home robotics, expected to attract 1,900 participants.

Featuring a broad spectrum of RoboCup leagues, RCAP 2025 will be in line with the UAE national priorities such as smart mobility, AI for sustainability, and technologies for regional challenges. RCAP 2025 will focus on global themes of 'Sustainability', 'Transforming Industries', 'Energy-Efficient Robotics', 'Sustainable Manufacturing', and 'AI-Driven Sustainable Models', encouraging teams to build eco-friendly robots, use recyclable materials, and apply AI to optimize resource management.

Professor Ebrahim Al Hajri, President, Khalifa University, said, "Hosting RCAP 2025 is a tremendous honour for Khalifa University and the UAE. It reflects Abu Dhabi's rising role as a regional hub for advanced robotics and AI, and accelerates our mission to foster innovation, talent development, and global collaboration. Aligned with the UAE's Year of Community, a national initiative aimed at fostering unity and empowerment across the country, this event also offers a powerful platform to inspire young minds, engage diverse communities, and spotlight the positive impact of robotics and advanced technology on society."

Abu Dhabi's successful bid to host RCAP 2025 builds on Khalifa University's growing international stature, particularly after the Khalifa University Robotics Athletes 'KURA' team achieved second place globally in the Kid-Size Humanoid League at RoboCup 2024 in the Netherlands, marking the University's first-ever participation in the competition.

Beyond competitions, Khalifa University aims to expand STEM engagement through initiatives like RoboCupJunior and is building partnerships with regional and international collaborators from academia, industry, and government to make RCAP 2025 a truly global event.