Expo City Dubai and Heriot-Watt University have partnered to establish the UAE Robotarium, an advanced research and development (R&D) facility focused on robotics and artificial intelligence (AI).
Set to be housed at Expo City, the initiative aims to drive technological advancements and strengthen the UAE’s global leadership in innovation.
The world-class research centre will bring together experts from the public and private sectors to incubate startups, develop and commercialise cutting-edge technologies, and highlight automation’s role in urban life. As part of the partnership, Expo City Dubai will sponsor PhD candidates at Heriot-Watt University’s Centre for Doctoral Training, fostering talent development and intellectual property (IP) creation.
Najeeb Mohamed Al-Ali, Executive Director of Expo City Dubai Authority, emphasized the initiative’s role in supporting Dubai’s Economic Agenda (D33) and positioning Expo City as a hub for innovation.
“The UAE’s first Robotarium will attract top talent and drive transformative solutions to enhance urban living,”
he said.
Professor Dame Heather McGregor, Provost and Vice Principal of Heriot-Watt University Dubai, highlighted the collaboration’s significance, noting that the university remains committed to academic excellence and advancing AI and robotics research.
Aligned with the UAE’s National AI Strategy 2031 and Operation 300bn, the UAE Robotarium will enhance the country’s knowledge-based economy and global AI competitiveness. The agreement was signed in the presence of UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi, Scotland’s Minister for Business Richard Lochhead, and British Ambassador Edward Hobart.
This initiative extends Expo City Dubai’s engagement with international partners, further cementing its status as a hub for sustainable urban innovation.
News Source: Dubai Media Office
