A group of high school students from Abu Dhabi has just made the UAE proud by winning the prestigious Global Robotics Challenge 2025 held in Tokyo, Japan. Their incredible victory has grabbed global attention, not just for their skill, but also for the innovation and purpose behind their creation—a robot designed to save lives during natural disasters.
The team, made up of six bright students from Abu Dhabi International School, was up against more than 80 teams from across the globe. Despite tough competition from countries like the USA, Japan, Germany, and South Korea, these UAE teens managed to take the top spot, marking a major milestone for the country’s growing tech and innovation scene.
A Robot With a Life-Saving Mission
The winning robot, named “ResQBot”, was designed to locate and rescue people trapped during earthquakes, floods, and other natural disasters. Using artificial intelligence and sensors, the robot can scan dangerous areas, detect human movement, and even speak to victims to keep them calm until help arrives.
According to the team’s leader, 17-year-old Fatima Al Marzouqi, the idea came from the students’ shared concern about the increasing number of global disasters and how rescue efforts often fall short.
“We wanted to create something meaningful. Not just a machine—but a robot that can actually help save lives when seconds matter,” Fatima explained.
Their robot also impressed judges with its ability to operate without human control for long periods, making it perfect for risky environments where sending rescue workers could be dangerous.
Hard Work Behind the Scenes
The victory didn’t come overnight. The students spent nearly nine months preparing for the competition, often working after school, during weekends, and even during holidays. Their teacher and mentor, Mr. Omar Khalid, guided them through challenges in coding, mechanical design, and real-world problem-solving.
“They didn’t just build a robot. They learned teamwork, patience, and how to push through failures,” Mr. Omar said with pride.
The team had to go through several rounds of local and regional competitions before qualifying for the global challenge in Tokyo. In each stage, they improved their design, tested new features, and fixed issues—all while balancing their schoolwork and exams.
A Moment That Changed Everything
When the team’s name was announced as the first-place winner at the final ceremony, the room erupted in cheers. Flags were waved, tears were shed, and smiles lit up the faces of students who had worked so hard for this very moment.
Videos of the UAE team’s emotional celebration have since gone viral, with social media users praising their hard work, intelligence, and national pride.
Even UAE leaders and ministers congratulated the students online, with many calling them “the future of Emirati innovation.” The Ministry of Education posted a special message praising the team for inspiring students across the country.
Putting the UAE on the Global Tech Map
This victory has added yet another achievement to the UAE’s growing list of successes in science, technology, and innovation. From launching satellites to planning Mars missions, the country is quickly becoming a hub for future-focused talent—and these students are proof of that progress.
The win also highlights how the UAE’s schools are encouraging students to explore science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) from an early age.
“Winning this challenge shows that we, as students from the UAE, can compete and win on the world stage. It’s just the beginning,” said team member Ahmed Saeed, 16.
What’s Next for the Winning Team?
Now back home, the students are being celebrated with media interviews, school assemblies, and plans for further development of their robot. There’s even talk of turning ResQBot into a real-world rescue tool with the help of local tech companies and government support.
Some team members are planning to study engineering, robotics, or artificial intelligence at university, while others are interested in building their own startups in the future.
“We’ve seen how our ideas can make a difference. That changes everything,” said 15-year-old Noora Al Shehhi, one of the youngest members of the team.
A New Generation of Tech Leaders
This achievement is about more than just winning a trophy. It sends a powerful message to young people across the UAE and beyond: with passion, teamwork, and dedication, anything is possible.
The students from Abu Dhabi have not only made their school and country proud—they’ve inspired a whole new generation to dream big, aim high, and build a better future with technology.
Their journey proves that when young minds are given the right tools and support, they can solve some of the world’s biggest problems—even before finishing high school.
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