News DeskDubai, UAE – The UAE has made history by securing second place at the prestigious First Global Challenge (FGC) 2024, often referred to as the “Olympics of Robotics.” Competing against 193 countries in Athens, Greece, from September 26th to 29th, Team UAE not only earned the silver medal in the world rankings but also claimed multiple awards, including the First Global Grand Challenge Award, Social Media Award, and International Enthusiasm Award.
This is the first time since its inception that the UAE has reached the podium at the FGC, underscoring the country’s growing emphasis on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education. The achievement is seen as a reflection of the UAE’s strategic vision for technological leadership and innovation, positioning the nation as a future leader in science and technology.
The team, comprised of exceptionally talented young students—Dhriti Gupta, Soham Lalwani, Arnav Mehta, Vian Garg, Riti Paghdar, Aryan Chamoli, Prashanth Venkatesh, Samarth Murthy, and Arjun Bhatnagar—was guided by coaches Ahilan Sundararaj, Mohammed Mukhtar, and Allan D’Couth. Their success followed nine months of rigorous preparation, supported by Unique World Robotics.
HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, lauded the team’s success, emphasizing the importance of innovation for the future. “Innovation is the key to the future,” he remarked, adding that success is a journey driven by hard work.
Bansan Thomas George, CEO of Unique World Robotics and National Organizer of FGC UAE, expressed immense pride in the team’s achievements, highlighting that the victory is a monumental milestone for the UAE on the global stage.
This accomplishment showcases the UAE’s dedication to fostering young talent in STEM fields, aligning with the government’s vision through initiatives such as the UAE Robotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy. The nation is heavily investing in STEM education, with a focus on preparing students for the tech-driven future. According to the Ministry of Education, more than 75% of future jobs will require STEM skills, and the demand for STEM graduates is projected to double by 2030.
The theme of this year’s FGC centered around environmental sustainability, challenging teams to create innovative robotic solutions to address global climate issues. Team UAE’s performance not only demonstrated their technical prowess but also their ability to engage with a global audience, evident in their wins for social media engagement and enthusiasm.
As the UAE continues to invest in its youth, this victory sets a new standard for future innovators, solidifying the country’s position as a global leader in robotics and technology.
