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The Hamdan Center for Giftedness and Innovation team, part of the Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences, has claimed the UAE FIRST LEGO League robotics championship title for the 2025-2026 season. The victory came after a comprehensive competitive process at the national level, with the championship witnessing participation from across the Emirates and more than 2,000 students competing throughout the season. This achievement marks one of the largest tournament cycles at the national level and secures the team’s qualification to represent the UAE at the upcoming FIRST LEGO League international robotics championship.
The national finals took place on February 7, 2026, at the American School of Creative Science in Sharjah, according to the foundation. A total of 38 teams from various emirates participated in the final round, competing for the opportunity to represent the country on the international stage.
Path to the UAE Robotics Championship
The Hamdan Center team’s journey to victory began with the Dubai emirate qualifiers, where approximately 80 teams from various schools and educational institutions competed. The center’s team secured first place in the Dubai championship, guaranteeing official qualification to the UAE national finals. This local success set the stage for their subsequent triumph at the national level.
The team maintained its exceptional performance throughout the national finals, ultimately winning the UAE robotics championship for the 2025-2026 season. This victory represents the culmination of the team’s consecutive wins at both the Dubai and national levels, demonstrating consistent excellence in robotics competition.
Educational Approach Behind the Success
Dr. Maryam Al Ghawi, Director of the Hamdan bin Rashid Center for Giftedness and Innovation, attributed the success to a comprehensive educational methodology. According to Dr. Al Ghawi, the victory is the result of an educational approach that positions students as designers, thinkers, and decision-makers rather than passive learners.
She emphasized that participation in the FIRST LEGO League serves as a genuine educational laboratory. In this environment, students learn to confront complex problems, treat challenges as integral parts of the learning process, and transform ideas into practical solutions. Dr. Al Ghawi noted that the team’s qualification to represent the UAE in international competitions confirms that investment in applied learning is the most effective path to preparing a generation capable of innovation and global competition.
International Representation and Future Prospects
The championship victory positions the Hamdan Center team to compete on behalf of the Emirates at the upcoming international FIRST LEGO League robotics competition. This qualification underscores the advanced level that UAE students have achieved and their capacity to compete in regional and international scientific and technical forums.
Additionally, the broad participation of over 2,000 students throughout the season reflects the growing interest in robotics and STEM education across the UAE. The competition serves as a platform for developing critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and practical application of theoretical knowledge among young Emiratis.
Meanwhile, the success of the Hamdan Center highlights the effectiveness of specialized programs in nurturing gifted students. The foundation’s commitment to applied learning methodologies continues to produce results that demonstrate the potential of UAE youth in global innovation competitions.
The team is expected to begin preparations for the international FIRST LEGO League competition in the coming weeks, though specific dates and location for the international event have not yet been confirmed by organizers. The foundation will likely announce further details regarding the team’s international participation as arrangements are finalized.
