A Dubai-based student robotics team has put the UAE on the global STEM map after securing a major award at one of the world’s leading robotics competitions and earning an invitation to an elite international event in the US.

Team UFORCE, representing Unique World Robotics (UWR), finished third in the prestigious Inspire Award category at the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) Michiana Premier Event, held in Indiana from June 18 to 21.

The Inspire Award is FTC’s highest judged honour, recognising excellence in robot design, engineering, programming, innovation, teamwork and community impact. Team UFORCE competed against 96 top robotics teams from around the world.

Invited to exclusive global event

Following its strong performance, Team UFORCE also competed at the Multinational Tech Invitational (MTI) in Maryland, an invitation-only competition featuring just 44 of the world’s best FTC teams selected from more than 11,000 active teams globally.

Showcasing UAE STEM talent

The 16-member team includes students from schools across Dubai and Sharjah, highlighting the UAE’s growing talent in robotics and engineering.

“This achievement reflects the dedication, innovation and perseverance of our students and mentors,” said Bansan Thomas George, founder of Unique World Robotics.

Head coach Mohammed Mukhtar said competing on global platforms demonstrates the ability of young innovators from the UAE to excel internationally.

Team captain Aarnav Bhargava described the competitions as a valuable opportunity to develop technical skills, teamwork and confidence while competing against some of the world’s best robotics teams.

About FIRST Tech Challenge

FIRST Tech Challenge is one of the world’s largest youth robotics programmes and is supported by organisations including Google, Amazon and NASA.

The programme also offers students access to scholarships, mentorship opportunities and pathways to leading universities and STEM institutions.

The achievement also reflects the growing impact of firstrobotics.ae, a UAE volunteer-led robotics community that supports students interested in robotics, artificial intelligence and STEM education.

A Dubai-based robotics team has become the first from the UAE to win an international FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) Premier Event, marking a major milestone for the country’s growing STEM and robotics ecosystem.

Team ORBIT secured a historic double victory at the FTC İstanbul Premier Event, held in Türkiye from June 26 to 28, winning both the Valens Division Winning Alliance title and the prestigious Overall Event Winning Alliance championship against 77 of the world’s top robotics teams.

The achievement is particularly notable as Team ORBIT was formed just six months ago. After qualifying through the UAE National Championship, the rookie team travelled to Istanbul and outperformed some of the world’s most established robotics programmes.

“This is a historic moment not only for Team ORBIT but for the UAE robotics community as a whole,” said Banson Thomas, Chief Mentor of Team ORBIT.

“For a rookie team to achieve this on an international stage is a testament to the dedication, talent and determination of our students. We hope this success inspires more young people across the UAE to pursue robotics and innovation.”

The Dubai team

The team comprised students from schools across Dubai, reflecting the emirate’s diverse education landscape. Members included Abhiram Krishna (Al Saad Indian School), Arav Bahuguna (Jumeirah College), Aaron Jain (Dubai International Academy Al Barsha), Amra Marikkar (The Apple International School), Aryan Goyal (Dubai International Academy Emirates Hills), Daniel Bource (Lycée Français International Georges Pompidou), Sai Murugappan (Gulf Modern Academy), Hriday Navin (GEMS Modern Academy), Omar Nabil Lahir (GEMS Modern Academy), Sana Kaushik (Pristine Private School Dubai), Aarav Dewan (Dubai International Academy Emirates Hills) and Chanukya Teketi (Pearl Wisdom School Dubai).

Throughout the competition, ORBIT impressed judges and competitors alike with its engineering design, strategic gameplay and teamwork, delivering consistently strong performances in both the qualification and elimination rounds.

The FTC İstanbul Premier Event is regarded as one of the most competitive competitions on the global FIRST Tech Challenge calendar, bringing together leading teams that have advanced through national and regional championships.

“The UAE has built a strong foundation for STEM education and innovation,” said Ali Abdurahman, Head Coach of Team ORBIT.

“This achievement reflects the opportunities available to young talent in the country and demonstrates that UAE students can compete with the very best in the world.”

The victory was the culmination of months of hard work.

“Six months ago, this team was just an idea. Today, we have created history for the UAE. Our resilience, teamwork and commitment have been extraordinary, and we believe this is only the beginning of an exciting journey ahead,” said the team captain.

The victory marks the first time a UAE team has won an FTC Premier Event, underscoring the country’s growing investment in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education and its ambition to develop the next generation of innovators.

Dubai Police has issued a fresh warning about online scams involving fake Consumer Protection websites designed to steal personal and banking information from unsuspecting victims.

According to the force’s Anti-Fraud Centre, scammers are creating websites that closely resemble official consumer protection platforms before tricking users into sharing sensitive information.

Here’s how the scam works and how you can protect yourself.

How does the scam work?

The fraud typically follows these steps:

Step 1: Victims visit a fake website

People searching online for Consumer Protection services may accidentally land on a fraudulent website that looks genuine.

The fake site asks users to enter:

• Name
• Email address
• Phone number
• Complaint details

Step 2: Scammers call pretending to help

Soon after submitting the information, victims receive a phone call from someone claiming to represent Consumer Protection.

Because the fraudsters already know the complaint details, the call appears convincing and trustworthy.

Step 3: Victims are asked to install remote access software

The caller then instructs the victim to download remote access software onto their phone or computer.

This software allows scammers to remotely view and control the victim’s device.

Step 4: Banking information is stolen

Victims are asked to log into their online banking account while the remote access software is active.

Fraudsters can then:

• View banking credentials.
• Capture passwords and security codes.
• Transfer money.
• Make unauthorised purchases.
• Access other personal information stored on the device.

How can you protect yourself?

Dubai Police advises residents to:

• Use only official Consumer Protection websites and government channels.
• Never click on suspicious links.
• Avoid downloading software requested by unknown callers.
• Never share online banking credentials with anyone.
• Verify the authenticity of websites before entering personal information.

What should you do if you receive a suspicious call?

If someone claiming to represent Consumer Protection asks you to:

• Download an app.
• Install remote access software.
• Log into your bank account.
• Share banking details.

End the call immediately.

Legitimate government authorities will never ask you to install software that gives them access to your device.

How do you report a scam?

Residents who encounter similar fraud attempts are encouraged to report them through:

• Dubai Police’s e-Crime platform.
• Dubai Police’s non-emergency number 901.

Reporting scams helps authorities investigate cybercriminals and prevent others from becoming victims.