Government of Ras Al Khaimah and UBTECH Robotics Sign Strategic MoU to Advance Humanoid Robotics Research and Climate Testing

• Strategic agreement establishes a comprehensive framework to test, demonstrate, and practically deploy humanoid robotic systems across industrial, commercial service, elderly care, and cultural tourism scenarios in Ras Al Khaimah.  
• Partnership explores the launch of a dedicated Humanoid Robotics Climate Research Initiative, leveraging Ras Al Khaimah as a platform to develop high-end technologies for the broader Gulf region. 
• Collaboration reinforces the Emirate's position as an agile, real-world sandbox for high technology and gateway for Chinese technology pioneers scaling globally.

SHENZHEN, China, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, witnessed the signing of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the International Relations Office of the Government of Ras Al Khaimah and UBTECH Robotics Limited. The agreement was officially signed by Ms. Alma Au Yeung, Greater China Affairs Advisor at the Office of the Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, and Ms. Claudia Chen, Overseas Sales Director of UBTECH Robotics, and marked the start of a week-long official visit across South China aimed at strengthening bilateral ties in technology, investment, innovation, and trade.

Established in Shenzhen in 2012 and listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, UBTECH Robotics is a pioneering global leader in humanoid artificial intelligence and robotics. The agreement establishes a framework for collaborative advanced research, live field testing, and operational deployment of humanoid robotic systems in the Emirate. Under the MoU, the parties will explore the feasibility of establishing the Ras Al Khaimah Humanoid Robotics Climate Research Initiative, leveraging the Emirate's distinct environmental and operating conditions to validate robotic performance for the UAE and the wider Gulf region.

Under the partnership, UBTECH Robotics will deploy its humanoid robots and specialized engineering teams directly into Ras Al Khaimah to launch live demonstration projects. By testing intelligent automation in day-to-day operations and demanding environments, the initiative will generate vital performance data, further advancing high-tech R&D in the Emirate and expanding the UAE's robotics ecosystem.

Initial applications will test humanoid systems in complex operational environments, spanning automated industrial assembly, intelligent public-facing services, AI-assisted elder care, and cultural spaces. To support these trials, Ras Al Khaimah will provide a live testing sandbox and progressive regulatory frameworks connecting research institutions with industry, complemented by UBTECH's robotic platforms, technical infrastructure, and advanced research capabilities.

Ms. Alma Au Yeung, Greater China Affairs Advisor at the Office of the Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, said of the signing: "It is a great honor to have His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, witness the signing of this strategic agreement during our visit to UBTECH Robotics. This collaboration represents a meaningful step forward in Ras Al Khaimah's journey toward a knowledge-based economy. By bridging world-class technology with local application, we are co-creating solutions that deliver lasting value for our community, our commercial sectors, and the wider UAE."

Ms. Claudia Chen, Overseas Sales Director of UBTECH Robotics, stated: "It is a privilege to formalize our partnership with the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. By combining cutting-edge humanoid robotics research and development with dedicated industry talent development, UBTECH aims to accelerate the region's industrial modernization. Together, we look forward to playing an active role in Ras Al Khaimah's economic transition and supporting long-term technological progress across the UAE."

The initiative further reinforces Ras Al Khaimah's commitment to sustainable technological adoption and economic diversification, positioning the Emirate as an agile living laboratory for pioneering global enterprises.

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About His Highness Sheikh Saud

His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi is a UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah (RAK). Born in Dubai in 1956, he was educated in Ras Al Khaimah before attending the American University of Beirut. He later moved to the University of Michigan, graduating with an Economics Degree.

He returned home in 1978 and was appointed Chief of the Ruler's Court before becoming Chairman of Ras Al Khaimah Municipal Council in 1986. In this period, HH Sheikh Saud founded RAK Ceramics and restructured Julphar Pharmaceuticals and Stevin Rock to ensure both became the industry leaders they are today. 

HH Sheikh Saud was named Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaimah on 14 June 2003. In this role he oversaw the introduction of free zones, efficient business licensing procedures and offshore corporate registration.

On 27 October 2010, after the passing of his father H.H. Sheikh Saqr (May he rest in Peace), HH Sheikh Saud became the Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah. As Ruler, he has continued to expand and diversify Ras Al Khaimah's economic base and improve the quality of its social services, while working hard to make high-quality education and healthcare services available to all the Emirate's population.

HH Sheikh Saud received an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Bolton, UK, in 2010; an Honorary Fellowship of the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research in India, in 2013; and an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Economics from Incheon National University, South Korea, in 2018, a year in which he was also named Visionary Leader of the Year by Arabian Business.

About Ras Al Khaimah

Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), the fourth largest Emirate in the UAE, is known for its nature, rich history and progressive vision under HH Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi. Committed to sustainable development, economic prosperity, social development and innovation, RAK is an ideal place to live, work and invest. 

Strategically located – with one third of the world's population within a four-hour flight – RAK is a gateway to the Middle East and beyond. Its economy is diverse, with no sector accounting for more than 27% of GDP. The Emirate offers a business-friendly environment with competitive operating costs, 100% foreign ownership, zero income tax and low corporate tax. It is home to over 73,000 companies, with RAKEZ and Innovation City supporting growth across industrial, manufacturing and digital sectors, backed by a future-focused economy validated by 'A' range credit ratings since 2008.

Its 0.4 million population comprises 150+ nationalities, each appreciating RAK's high quality of life and accessible luxury living. Its bold hospitality projects involve luxury global brands, such as Wynn, Four Seasons, Nobu, Waldorf Astoria and Ritz-Carlton. RAK Central will redefine the commercial and residential landscape, while RAK's the Emirate's natural beauty (UAE's highest mountain, beaches and deserts) and rich heritage further enhance its appeal.

With year-round sunshine, simple business set-up, a competitive cost of living and great lifestyle, Ras Al Khaimah offers limitless opportunities.    

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SOURCE Government of Ras Al Khaimah