Scotland and the United Arab Emirates are collaborating to launch the first Robotarium in the Middle East, driving innovation in robotics and artificial intelligence (AI).
The new UAE Robotarium is being created through a strategic partnership between Heriot-Watt University Dubai and Expo City Dubai, an innovation-driven, people-centric community and a platform for groundbreaking ideas that benefit both people and the planet.
Inspired by the successful model of the UK’s National Robotarium, located at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, the UAE facility will unite leaders from academia, industry, and government. Together, they will accelerate breakthroughs in robotics and AI, incubate startups, develop and commercialise cutting-edge technologies, and demonstrate the practical applications and benefits of automation in urban life.
A major focus of the collaboration is talent development. To support this, Expo City Dubai will sponsor new PhD research positions at Heriot-Watt’s Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence.
To formalise the partnership, Heriot-Watt University and Expo City Dubai have agreed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish UAE Robotarium. The agreement was signed by Najeeb Mohamed Al-Ali, Executive Director, Expo City Dubai Authority, and by Professor Dame Heather McGregor, Provost and Vice Principal of Heriot-Watt University Dubai.
Najeeb Mohamed Al-Ali, said: “We are delighted to collaborate again with Heriot-Watt University to establish the UAE’s first Robotarium, cementing Expo City Dubai’s position as an incubator for innovation, a testbed for solutions and a platform for groundbreaking ideas.
“This world-class research centre will attract the best talent to drive transformative solutions that benefit communities and improve the quality of urban living, fully supporting Dubai’s Economic Agenda (D33) and the UAE’s position as a global innovation pioneer.”
Following the signing ceremony, Professor Dame Heather McGregor said: “We look forward to working with Expo City Dubai to drive AI and robotics research.
“For 20 years, Heriot-Watt University has been a leading British higher education institution in the UAE, emphasising our commitment to academic excellence and research. We are proud to support the UAE’s bold vision and contribute to strengthening the country’s leadership in automation and advanced technologies.”
The signing ceremony was attended by His Excellency Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade; Richard Lochhead MSP, Scotland’s Minister for Business; Edward Hobart, British Ambassador to the UAE, and Professor Gillian Murray, Deputy Principal for Business and Enterprise at Heriot-Watt University.
Commenting on the new partnership, Professor Gillian Murray, Deputy Principal for Business and Enterprise at Heriot-Watt University, said: “The success of the UK’s National Robotarium has demonstrated the immense impact that a dedicated centre for robotics and AI can have in accelerating innovation, fostering enterprise, and driving economic growth.
“The UAE Robotarium will build on this proven model, creating a world-class hub where cutting-edge research translates into real-world applications. Through this partnership with Expo City Dubai, we will empower startups, scale businesses, and support industry in developing and commercialising transformative technologies.”
“This initiative will not only strengthen the UAE’s position as a global leader in AI and automation but also forge deeper collaboration between the UK and the UAE.”
In 2023, the UAE Government and Scottish Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the two regions aimed at enhancing non-oil bilateral trade and promoting collaboration in advanced technology, innovation, education and research. Plans to replicate the UK Robotarium in the UAE are a result of continued engagement between the UAE and Scottish Government after Expo 2020 Dubai.
Following the signing ceremony, Business Minister Richard Lochhead said: “This is a milestone moment for Heriot-Watt and recognition of its global reputation for scientific excellence.
“Scotland is well-known for its skills in innovation and tech development and our academic institutions are respected around the world.
“This development is a great example of how Scottish expertise can make a global difference and deepens our economic relations with an important international partner.”
By 2031, the UAE aims to become one of the world’s leading nations in artificial intelligence, as set out in the government’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031. The country’s National Innovation Strategy also aims to establish the Emirates as a global hub for research and innovation, while the UAE Industrial Strategy – known as Operation 300bn – is focused on developing the country’s industrial sector.
The partners said the UAE Robotarium will further these ambitions by advancing the nation’s knowledge-based economy and promoting global competitiveness in AI and robotics.
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