Canadian University Dubai (CUD), through its School of Engineering, organised the UAE’s first university humanoid robot kickboxingshowcase in collaboration with Besomi Electronics. The collaboration will create opportunities for CUD students and faculty to engage more closely with emerging technologies through industry exposure, practical learning and innovation-led experiences.
The showcase featured the Besomi Rangers, the first group of robots of their kind to be introduced in the UAE. Designed to engage with people and explore the human world, the robots demonstrated their movement, interaction and performance capabilities through a live three-round kickboxing match, robot dance performances and supervised audience engagement.
Held at CUD’s City Walk campus, the event brought together students, faculty, industry guests and members of the wider community for an immersive experience combining robotics, artificial intelligence, engineering and live entertainment.
Mr
Buti Saeed Al Ghandi, Chancellor of Canadian University Dubai, said: “The UAE’s vision for a diversified, technology-driven economy requires strong links between education, industry and innovation. This partnership with Besomi Electronics gives our students practical exposure to robotics and artificial intelligence, while creating opportunities for applied learning, industry engagement and future skills development. It reflects CUD’s commitment to preparing graduates who can contribute to the UAE’s priorities in advanced technology and the knowledge economy.
The event featured a three-round humanoid robot kickboxing match, dynamic robot performances, recognition of the robotic competitors, and a networking session for students, faculty, guests, and the Besomi team.
Dr. Karim Chelli, President and Vice-Chancellor of Canadian University Dubai, said: “By hosting the UAE’s first university-based humanoid robot kickboxing showcase, CUD is creating opportunities for students to see emerging technologies in action and to recognize their own potential to shape the future of AI, robotics and automation. Our partnership with Besomi reflects our commitment to learning that is connected to industry, innovation and the evolving needs of society.”
The event included a fireside chat between Dr. Sherif Moussa, Dean of the School of Engineering at CUD, and Mr. Mohamad Besomi, CEO of Besomi Electronics. Their discussion explored the future of human–robot interaction, the practical role of humanoid robotics across sectors and the skills students will need to contribute to this fast-evolving field.
Mr
Mohamad Besomi, CEO of Besomi Robotics & AI, said: “Over the past few years, AI has advanced rapidly in how it thinks, communicates and creates. The next frontier is Physical AI: giving intelligent systems the ability to move, interact and operate in the physical world. Humanoid robotics makes that shift visible and accessible. We are proud to bring this experience to the UAE, a country that continues to set a global example in embracing innovation with purpose. This is not simply a showcase. It is about contributing to a wider vision in which the UAE and the region not only adopt emerging technologies but help build them. Through collaborations like this, we hope to inspire more young people to move from being technology users to becoming the engineers, innovators and founders shaping what comes next.”
The soon-to-be-inaugurated Besomi Robotics & AI Lab at CUD’s City Walk campus is part of the strategic partnership. The facility will give CUD students direct access to robotics and AI technologies, while further strengthening collaboration between the university’s academic community and industry.