Abu Dhabi: The Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), the organization driving Abu Dhabi’s research and development ecosystem, has announced the second edition of the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League (A2RL) STEM Competition, held as part of the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Week.
Organized by the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council, the A2RL STEM Competition is a nationwide educational challenge designed to nurture young talent in robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and autonomous systems.
The initiative invites high school and university students from across all seven emirates, including Al Ain and Al Dhafra, to gain practical experience using 1/18th-scale AWS DeepRacer autonomous cars, connecting theoretical learning with hands-on innovation.
This year’s edition has welcomed 140 students, 72 from high schools and 68 from universities, marking a significant increase in participation and geographical diversity. The event builds upon A2RL’s mission to advance innovation in autonomous mobility while promoting equitable access to STEM education and empowering the next generation of engineers, coders, and problem-solvers.
Dr. Ing. Mae Almansoori, Director of R&D Talent Enablement at the Advanced Technology Research Council, said that, “The A2RL STEM Competition challenges students to turn theory into practice, moving from classroom learning to real-world innovation. By programming autonomous vehicles, they are shaping the technologies that will define our future. The initiative reflects Abu Dhabi’s vision to nurture an advanced R&D talent pipeline and empower young innovators to lead in the intelligence age.”
The high school league features students from Cranleigh Abu Dhabi, Sabis International Schools, International Schools of Choueifat, ADNOC Schools, Applied Technology High School, and the Abu Dhabi Vocational Education and Training Institute, with two additional teams nominated through national scholarship offices.
Meanwhile, university participants come from Ajman University, Abu Dhabi Polytechnic, New York University Abu Dhabi, Khalifa University, United Arab Emirates University, American University of Sharjah, Zayed University, Heriot-Watt University Dubai, and Fujairah University. Each team includes five to seven students, forming a total of 22 teams competing across both leagues.
Throughout October 2025, students have undergone online learning and simulation training covering key topics such as Cloud Foundations, Python, and Machine Learning. In early November, they will gather in Abu Dhabi for in-person workshops and hands-on sessions with AWS DeepRacer autonomous cars.
The grand finale will take place on November 15, 2025, at ATRC Headquarters on Yas Island, where teams will compete in time trials, object avoidance challenges, and head-to-bot races.
Launched in 2024, the A2RL STEM Competition serves as a cornerstone of Abu Dhabi’s efforts to bridge education and innovation, sparking students’ curiosity while equipping them with future-ready skills. The inaugural edition featured participants from six high schools, four universities, and three robotics organizations, with Heriot-Watt University emerging as the overall winner.
By offering a structured journey that integrates theory, technology, and competition, A2RL continues to strengthen the UAE’s commitment to autonomous mobility research, R&D leadership, and STEM talent development, laying the foundation for the innovators who will shape tomorrow’s intelligent technologies.
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