Expo City Dubai and Heriot-Watt University Launch UAE Robotarium

Photo: Dubai Government Media Office

Expo City Dubai and Heriot-Watt University are joining forces to create the UAE Robotarium, a cutting-edge research facility focused on robotics and artificial intelligence (AI). This new center will be located in Expo City and aims to help drive technological advancements while boosting the UAE’s position as a leader in global innovation.

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The Robotarium will bring together experts from both the public and private sectors. It will serve as a hub for robotics and AI startups, where new technologies can be developed, tested, and commercialized. The center will also show how automation can improve urban life in many areas.

As part of this partnership, Expo City Dubai will sponsor PhD students at Heriot-Watt University’s Centre for Doctoral Training. This will ensure a continuous supply of talented individuals who can help create new intellectual property and develop essential skills for this exciting field.

Najeeb Mohamed Al-Ali, the Executive Director of Expo City Dubai, said, “We are excited to work with Heriot-Watt University to establish the UAE’s first Robotarium. This collaboration will help cement Expo City Dubai’s role as an innovation hub. It will also attract top talent to develop groundbreaking solutions that will improve urban living, in line with Dubai’s Economic Agenda (D33) and the UAE’s goal to be a global leader in innovation.”

Professor Dame Heather McGregor, Provost and Vice Principal of Heriot-Watt University Dubai, commented, “This project is an excellent example of collaboration between universities, businesses, and the government. We are proud to contribute to the UAE’s growing leadership in AI and robotics. Heriot-Watt University has been part of the UAE for 20 years, and we are committed to supporting the country’s vision for the future of technology.”

The UAE Robotarium will play a key role in strengthening the UAE’s knowledge-based economy. It will also help the country stay competitive in the fields of AI and robotics, supporting national strategies like the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031 and the UAE Innovation Strategy.

The partnership was officially announced with the signing of an agreement by Najeeb Mohamed Al-Ali and Professor Dame Heather McGregor. The event was attended by important officials, including His Excellency Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, Richard Lochhead, Scotland’s Minister for Business, and Edward Hobart, the British Ambassador to the UAE.

Expo City Dubai is known for its focus on sustainable living and human-centered solutions. This collaboration with Heriot-Watt University builds on the long-standing relationship between the two organizations. Heriot-Watt University has been operating in the UAE since 2005 and previously participated in Expo 2020 Dubai. The partnership also reflects Dubai’s commitment to fostering global innovation, as seen in recent agreements with Korean tech organizations to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship.