The UAE is celebrating a landmark achievement after its national robotics team clinched the coveted Gold Medal at the 2025 First Global Challenge, an event often hailed as the Olympics of Robotics. The competition, held in Panama City from October 28 to November 1, brought together young innovators from 193 countries, making Team UAE’s victory even more remarkable.

In a special ceremony held in Dubai on Saturday, the team was honoured for their outstanding performance, showcasing the UAE’s growing strength in STEM education, youth innovation, and global scientific excellence.

The eight-member team –  Riya Mehra (Dubai College), Aarya Parekh (Delhi Private School Sharjah), Aarush Pancholi (GEMS Modern Academy), Aditya Anand (New Millennium School Al Khail), Krithin Satya (Dubai College), Simran Mehra (Dubai College), Sreya Binoy Nair (GEMS Modern Academy), and Aryan Goyal (DIA Emirates Hill) — spent more than 300 hours preparing for the global challenge.

Their training was powered by Unique World Robotics, Team UAE’s official training partner, which supported the students through mechanical design, programming, and strategic problem-solving to compete on the world stage.

“This victory is a testament to the extraordinary dedication and ingenuity of our young innovators,” said coach Muhammed Mukhtar. 

“They have made the nation proud and shown that UAE students can compete at the highest global level.”

A groundbreaking project with global potential

The winning project, STASH, is an innovative bio preservation system that protects endangered plant species, including the UAE’s iconic Ghaf tree, without the need for electricity or freezing. Instead, it uses sodium alginate hydrogels to encase living cells in small, portable beads that remain viable for up to five days.

The system is paired with a 3D-printed field kit and AI-powered viability analysis, creating a low-cost, eco-friendly solution that can be deployed anywhere in the world, especially in remote regions.

The project impressed a distinguished panel of judges that included experts from MIT and scientists from Lam Research, who commended the team for its creativity, sustainability, and global applicability.

Team Captain Aarush Pancholi reflected on the accomplishment: “Winning Gold was the result of countless hours of collaboration and experimentation. We’re proud not just of the medal, but of building something that can make a real difference for biodiversity and communities worldwide.”

A milestone for the UAE’s innovation journey

National Organiser Bansan Thomas George praised the team’s achievement, noting that Team UAE’s success reflects the country’s long-standing commitment to STEM education and youth empowerment.

“Their work on STASH demonstrates not only technical brilliance but also a vision for sustainable solutions that benefit the world,” he said.

With this victory, Team UAE continues to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and problem-solvers, reinforcing the nation’s strategy of investing in future-ready talent.

Several schools across the UAE have rolled out temporary schedule changes from November 17 to 19 to help students gear up for their first-term final exams.

According to circulars, KG and cycle-one students will be heading home at 12pm, while cycle-two and cycle-three students will wrap up at 1 pm.

And mark your calendars: Wednesday, November 19, will be fully remote for all grades, with schools sending out review links and assignments ahead of time.

Administrators are also reminding parents that one unexcused absence will now count as two, a stricter rule put in place to ensure students don’t miss these crucial revision days.

These changes come as schools prepare students for final exams starting Thursday, November 20.

Two recent rulings in Al Ain have sent a powerful reminder that school bullying is not just a playground issue; it’s a legal and moral one. The courts have made it clear: when children cross the line into violence, parents can be held financially and legally accountable.

In both cases, families were ordered to pay a combined total of Dh65,000 in compensation after their children were found guilty of bullying and assaulting classmates, incidents that left the victims physically injured and emotionally scarred.

When cruelty turns costly

In the first ruling, a father was ordered to pay Dh30,000 after his two sons repeatedly bullied, attacked, and even filmed a classmate. What began as taunting escalated into aggression, leaving the victim with deep emotional trauma, fear, mood swings, and lingering distress.

The minors were convicted in a related criminal case, confirming both their misconduct and the harm caused.

In another case, several guardians were told to jointly pay Dh35,000 after their children assaulted a peer with sharp tools, leaving the victim with multiple wounds and temporary disability. The court found the guardians negligent for failing to properly supervise their children.

A message beyond the courtroom

The judgments, grounded in Article 313 of the UAE Civil Transactions Law, reinforce a crucial principle: parents and guardians are responsible for damages caused by minors under their care if proper supervision is not exercised. That duty doesn’t end at home, it extends to school, playgrounds, and any place where a child’s actions can cause harm.

In both cases, the courts drew from criminal findings to establish civil liability, assessing the wrongdoing, the extent of injury, and the appropriate compensation.

Why this matters

These rulings do more than settle legal disputes; they underline a growing concern among educators and authorities, school bullying has long-term consequences. What might seem like “kids being kids” can spiral into trauma, reputational damage, and legal repercussions for everyone involved.

Psychologists warn that victims of bullying often suffer from anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem well into adulthood. But the other side of the equation, accountability, is equally vital. Parents must actively engage in their children’s emotional development, watch for red flags, and ensure they understand empathy and respect.

Change should begin at home

Schools across the UAE have stepped up anti-bullying initiatives, from awareness campaigns and counselling programmes to stricter reporting mechanisms. But these recent rulings make one thing clear: change begins at home.

By holding parents responsible, the courts have amplified a message that resonates far and beyond:  “Bullying doesn’t just hurt, it costs. And the price is often higher than anyone expects.”

As the UAE continues to build a culture of empathy, respect, and responsibility, this landmark verdict serves as a timely reminder, tackling bullying isn’t just about punishment; it’s about prevention.