Dubai Rookie Robotics Team Wins Global Championship

Team ORBIT pulled off a stunning double victory in Istanbul, beating 77 of the world's best robotics teams despite being complete newcomers to competitive robotics.

The Dubai-based squad won both the Valens Division Winning Alliance and Overall Event Winning Alliance titles at the FTC Istanbul Premier Event in June 2026. For a team that didn't even exist a year ago, this wasn't just a win—it was a statement.

The team brought together 12 students from 10 different Dubai schools, proving that collaboration across campuses can create something extraordinary. Students from Al Saad Indian School, Jumeirah College, Dubai International Academy, GEMS Modern Academy, and eight other institutions worked together to build a championship-level robot.

Chief mentor Banson Thomas watched his students compete against programs with years of experience and resources. "Our students have shown that passion, teamwork and innovation can compete with the world's best," he said after the victory.

The competition took place in Turkey from June 26-28, where teams tackle complex engineering challenges using custom-built robots. ORBIT's robot performed flawlessly under pressure, navigating obstacles and completing tasks that stumped more experienced competitors.

The Ripple Effect

This win represents more than one team's success. It signals the UAE's growing strength as a hub for youth innovation and STEM education.

Head coach Ali Abdurahman sees the victory as proof that the country's investment in science and technology education is paying off. "This victory highlights the strength of STEM education in the UAE and proves our students can excel on the global stage," he explained.

The win could inspire thousands of young Emiratis and Dubai residents to pursue robotics and engineering. When students see peers from their own schools achieving at the highest international levels, it transforms what seems possible.

For the 12 team members, the experience offered lessons beyond robotics. They learned to work across cultural and school boundaries, solve problems under pressure, and represent their country on a global stage.

The UAE's robotics community now has its first Premier Event champions, and Team ORBIT has set a new benchmark for what rookie teams can achieve with dedication and collaboration.