Dubai displays tech reputation with global robotics contest

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – Dubai has hosted the largest-ever international robotics contest this week, challenging young people from 190 countries to find solutions to global ocean pollution.

The contest is part of the city-state’s effort to bolster its image as a forward-looking metropolis.

Event organizers say their selection of Dubai as host reflects a vote of confidence that this oil-rich Emirati sheikhdom can be a global hub for innovation.

They also expressed hope that bringing together tomorrow’s scientists and engineers will help develop technologies to solve the world’s most pressing issues, particularly those related to the environment.

Dean Kamen, founder of FIRST Global Challenge, said the Mideast is a region where “adults have not learned how to play nice with each other” and it was up to young people to fix humanity’s self-inflicted wounds.