Scotland and UAE Collaborate to Launch Robotics Hub in Dubai
Scotland and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have strengthened their partnership in technology and innovation with the establishment of the first Robotarium in the Middle East. This initiative aims to advance research and development in robotics and artificial intelligence (AI), fostering new breakthroughs and collaboration across academia, industry, and government sectors.
The UAE Robotarium is being developed as part of a strategic alliance between Heriot-Watt University Dubai and Expo City Dubai. The collaboration is inspired by the UK’s National Robotarium, located at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, which serves as a hub for robotics research and development. The UAE Robotarium will provide a dynamic environment for startups to incubate ideas, develop cutting-edge technologies, and explore the practical applications of automation in urban settings.
According to Heriot-Watt University, a key aspect of the initiative will be talent development, with Expo City Dubai committing to sponsor new PhD research positions at the university’s Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Robotics and AI. These research positions are expected to drive innovation in automation and intelligent systems, furthering the UAE’s ambitions in the sector.
Professor Dame Heather McGregor, Vice Principal of Heriot-Watt University Dubai, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “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, underscoring 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.”
This initiative aligns with the UAE’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031, which aims to position the country among the global leaders in AI. The strategy outlines key objectives, including establishing the UAE’s reputation in AI, attracting top tech talent, and advancing research capabilities in targeted industries. Furthermore, the UAE’s National Innovation Strategy seeks to solidify the nation’s position as one of the most innovative countries in the world by institutionalizing innovative practices within government, fostering private sector investment, and upskilling citizens in STEM disciplines.
Najeeb Mohamed Al-Ali, Executive Director for Expo City Dubai Authority, highlighted the significance of the Robotarium in driving technological advancements. “This world-class research center will attract the best talent to drive transformative solutions that benefit communities and improve the quality of urban living. It fully supports Dubai’s Economic Agenda (D33) and reinforces the UAE’s position as a global innovation pioneer,” he stated.
The decision to establish a Robotarium in the UAE follows continued engagement between the UAE and the Scottish Government, particularly after the success of Expo 2020 Dubai. In 2023, the two governments signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing non-oil bilateral trade and promoting cooperation in advanced technology, education, and research.
However, not all aspects of the partnership have been met without scrutiny. Amnesty International has raised concerns regarding the UAE’s track record on human rights, pointing out restrictions on freedom of expression, limited civic space, and insufficient efforts to curb carbon emissions. The organization has called for greater transparency in the Scottish Government’s engagement with the UAE, urging for more consideration of human rights implications in such agreements.
Similarly, Human Rights Watch has reported the UAE’s extensive use of advanced surveillance technologies to monitor public spaces, internet activity, and individuals’ personal communications. These findings have sparked debate on the ethical dimensions of deepening technological ties with the UAE.
Despite these concerns, the Scottish Government maintains that the UAE remains an important strategic partner. Economic collaborations between the two regions have yielded significant benefits, with Scottish firms securing new business opportunities in the Middle East. Additionally, the UAE has made substantial investments in Scotland’s renewable energy sector, reinforcing its role as a key economic ally.
Scottish Business Minister Richard Lochhead emphasized the positive impact of the partnership, stating, “This is a milestone moment for Heriot-Watt and a testament to its global reputation for scientific excellence. 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.”
As the UAE moves forward with its vision for AI and robotics, the launch of the Robotarium represents a significant step in strengthening its technological capabilities. By fostering cross-border collaboration and innovation, the initiative is expected to contribute to the broader goal of making the UAE a hub for cutting-edge research and intelligent automation. With continued investment in talent and emerging technologies, the UAE Robotarium is poised to drive advancements that will shape the future of AI and robotics both regionally and globally.
