Latest news with #A2RL
Web Release
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Web Release
Drone Champions League Expands in the UAE with Five-Year Global Growth Plan
Drone Champions League (DCL), the world's leading drone sport and mixed-reality racing platform, has announced the expansion of its operations in the UAE as part of its next phase of global growth. The move follows a major milestone at the A2RL x DCL Autonomous Drone Championship, where elite teams from across the globe competed for a $1 million prize pool and delivered standout performances—including a strong showing in the headline AI vs Human showdown. The expansion marks a strategic step in DCL's five-year roadmap to evolve from elite competition platform to global tech and culture brand—merging racing, content, and talent development across physical and digital worlds. As the league gains global traction, DCL's expansion to the UAE marks a strategic turning point and reinforces its wider five-year plan to evolve from a competitive global league into a cultural and technological movement. Backed by regional innovation partners and a long-term vision already in motion, DCL will lead the next chapter of drone racing anchored by its deepening ties to the UAE. Its roadmap spans competition, education, media, gaming, and fashion—positioning the league not only as a premier sporting platform but as a driving force in youth culture and next-gen technology. 'The UAE is the ideal launchpad for what comes next,' said Markus Stampfer, Executive Chair of Drone Champions League. 'From elite competition to immersive media and real-world tech applications, DCL will shape how the world sees and experiences drones. The vision is not just to push boundaries in speed and performance — but to inspire a generation, build careers, and unlock the full potential of autonomous systems in everyday life.' As DCL charts its next phase in the UAE, future plans include the development of dedicated infrastructure to support elite drone training, community engagement, and real-world innovation. Among the ideas under consideration are large-scale flight arenas, next-generation pilot certification programmes, and interactive learning hubs designed to bring the excitement of drone technology to a wider public. DCL is also expanding its creative and digital footprint through the DCL Media House—its content and storytelling division—aimed at producing cinematic drone footage, behind-the-scenes stories, athlete profiles, and original series in collaboration with extreme sports icons and content creators. At the heart of DCL's vision is a cultural shift: connecting with Gen Z and Gen Alpha through a multi-dimensional ecosystem that merges esports, real-world racing, streetwear, and STEM education. Initiatives in development include global education partnerships, lifestyle collaborations, and industry events that bring together voices from technology, gaming, entertainment, and youth culture. With a growing footprint in the UAE, DCL aims to contribute to the region's momentum in AI and autonomous mobility by creating new professional pathways—from drone engineers to creative technologists—while helping to shape an inclusive, future-ready foundation of skilled professionals.
Mid East Info
20-05-2025
- Automotive
- Mid East Info
World's Largest Autonomous Racing League Returns with USD $2.25M Prize Pool and Global Expansion - Middle East Business News and Information
A2RL Season 2 Car Championship to be held on 15 November at Iconic Yas Marina Circuit Teams from France and Japan Join the Racing League for the First Time A2RL 'SIM-Sprint' Debuts to Accelerate AI Development Abu Dhabi, UAE – May 2025 – ASPIRE, the driving force behind grand challenges and global competitions for Abu Dhabi's Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), today announced the return of its flagship event, the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League (A2RL). The 2025 edition will take place on 15 November at Yas Marina Circuit with a USD $2.25 million prize pool and the launch of a pioneering global virtual racing series. Following a groundbreaking debut in April 2024, which drew over 10,000 spectators and more than 1 million global streaming views, A2RL Season 2 is back with even greater ambition, expanded international participation, and a bold new platform to advance autonomous mobility. The announcement was made during the Make it in the Emirates Forum in Abu Dhabi. The Emirates Autonomous Vehicle (EAV 24), A2RL's upgraded autonomous racecar, represents a significant leap in performance and engineering. Assembled and autonomized in the UAE, the vehicle reflects the nation's growing capabilities in AI, robotics, and high-performance mobility. Built on the proven Super Formula SF23 platform, the EAV-24 has been reengineered to incorporate enhanced sensor arrays, upgraded compute systems, and refined control logic, optimized for the demanding conditions of autonomous racing. This year's league welcomes elite research teams from 10 countries, with the global roster expanding to include France and Japan for the first time, joining a strong line-up of returning teams from the USA, Germany, China, Singapore, Italy, and the UAE. As the world's most advanced competition for autonomous systems, A2RL continues to bridge the gap between simulation and real-world application. A key innovation this season is the launch of A2RL SIM-Sprint. A series of virtual races designed to fast-track algorithm refinement and test AI systems in diverse conditions, the SIM Sprint extends A2RL into a year-round development ecosystem. By offering a consistent and controlled environment for experimentation, the SIM Sprint allows teams to accelerate the development of their autonomous driving algorithms beyond what is possible through real-world testing alone. It is especially valuable for tackling 'edge cases', rare or extreme scenarios that are difficult to replicate on track but are critical for building resilient AI. Over time, A2RL aims to open the SIM Sprint to a wider community of participants, including fans, independent developers, and aspiring teams worldwide. A structured progression system – from Sim Academy to Sim Pro, and eventually to real-world A2RL qualification – will provide new pathways for talent to enter the league and contribute to the future of high-performance autonomy. H.E. Faisal Al Bannai, Advisor to the UAE President for Strategic Research and Advanced Technology Affairs and Secretary General of ATRC, said: 'With A2RL, we're not just testing autonomous technology, we're accelerating its evolution in the most demanding conditions possible. It's a showcase of engineering excellence, but more importantly, a platform for the future of mobility. From high-speed racing to real-world applications, we are demonstrating what's possible when nations invest in deep tech innovation and challenge the world to think faster, build smarter, and compete responsibly.' Stephane Timpano, CEO of ASPIRE, added: 'By combining the physical thrill of racing with the precision of virtual testing, we're enabling the world's best minds to push the boundaries of AI. This year's expanded league reflects Abu Dhabi's commitment to challenge-driven innovation, where real-world impact is engineered at speed and scale.' At the heart of the competition is the Dallara Super Formula SF23, a next-generation open-wheel race car that was autonomized exclusively for A2RL. First unveiled in the inaugural race, the SF23 is built from sustainable bio-composite materials, weighs 690 kg, and is the fastest open-wheel race car in the world after Formula One, reaching speeds of up to 300 km/h. Equipped with advanced braking systems, drive-by-wire throttle control, and a custom-built autonomous stack, the SF23 gives each team a state-of-the-art platform to adapt and optimize their AI driving algorithms in the pursuit of peak performance. Through ASPIRE and under the broader umbrella of ATRC, A2RL continues to position Abu Dhabi as a global leader in high-performance autonomy, transforming the way intelligent systems are developed, tested, and deployed. About Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League: The Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League (A2RL) is a pioneering new series of competition that combines the push for artificial intelligence (AI) innovation through extreme sports. Each year, engineers, programmers, and scientists will come together to develop leading-edge AI for a variety of autonomous vehicles, including cars, drones and buggies, ready to compete in a series of challenges and claim their stake in a multi-million-dollar prize pool. Organized by ASPIRE, the innovation acceleration arm of Abu Dhabi's Advanced Technology and Research Council, A2RL aims to accelerate the global development of autonomous systems and technologies. It is also intended to help make Abu Dhabi a global R&D hub for autonomous vehicle technology while also inspiring the next generation of STEM talent.
Time Out Abu Dhabi
20-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time Out Abu Dhabi
The driverless car race is coming back to Abu Dhabi with a huge cash prize
Start your engines – well, your algorithms – because the world's most advanced driverless car showdown is hitting Yas Marina Circuit once again this November. The Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League (A2RL) is returning on Friday November 15 and it's not just about the glory. This year's prize pool clocks in at a jaw-dropping US$2.25 million (that's over Dhs8 million). If you missed last year's debut, let us catch you up: over 10,000 fans packed the stands while more than a million viewers tuned in from around the globe to watch AI-driven race cars hit top speeds without a human in sight. A2RL is where high-octane motorsport meets cutting-edge robotics and artificial intelligence – and it's only getting bigger. Now entering its second season, A2RL is welcoming top research teams from ten countries, with France and Japan joining the line-up alongside returning powerhouses from the USA, Germany, China, Singapore, Italy and the UAE. The cars? They're built on the Super Formula SF23 chassis – the fastest open-wheel race car outside of Formula 1 – only now, they're entirely autonomous. The upgraded EAV-24, built right here in the UAE, comes loaded with next-gen sensors, smarter control systems and eco-conscious materials. It can hit speeds of up to 300km/h, all with zero drivers on board. But it's not just about track time. New for 2025 is A2RL SIM-Sprint, a global virtual racing series that takes the action online. It gives teams the chance to develop and refine their algorithms year-round and in all kinds of conditions – ideal for testing those pesky edge cases that don't come up often in real life but could be make-or-break moments in a race. In the future, the SIM Sprint will open to a broader crowd, from indie developers to motorsport-loving gamers. Think of it as a talent pipeline from virtual track to real-world race day. H.E. Faisal Al Bannai, Advisor to the UAE President for Strategic Research and Advanced Technology Affairs and Secretary General of ATRC, said: 'With A2RL, we're not just testing autonomous technology, we're accelerating its evolution in the most demanding conditions possible. It's a showcase of engineering excellence, but more importantly, a platform for the future of mobility. From high-speed racing to real-world applications, we are demonstrating what's possible when nations invest in deep tech innovation and challenge the world to think faster, build smarter, and compete responsibly.' Stephane Timpano, CEO of ASPIRE, added: 'By combining the physical thrill of racing with the precision of virtual testing, we're enabling the world's best minds to push the boundaries of AI. This year's expanded league reflects Abu Dhabi's commitment to challenge-driven innovation, where real-world impact is engineered at speed and scale.' Friday November 15, Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi. More things to do in Abu Dhabi Everything happening in Abu Dhabi in 2025 From new openings to big events, this is shaping up to be quite a year It's official: Abu Dhabi Comedy Season is returning for a second edition with some huge names Wow, look at this line-up Abu Dhabi's best restaurants: Everywhere you should eat at least once Your dinner inspo is sorted
Al Etihad
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- Al Etihad
Abu Dhabi: Part of Advanced Technology Research Council, Aspire to host 2nd Autonomous Racing League
19 May 2025 19:47 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)ASPIRE, the driving force behind grand challenges and global competitions for Abu Dhabi's Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), has announced the return of its flagship event, the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League (A2RL). The 2025 edition of Car will take place on November 15 at Yas Marina Circuit with a $2.25 million prize pool and the launch of a pioneering global virtual racing its debut in April 2024, which drew over 10,000 spectators and more than 1 million global streaming views, A2RL Season 2 is back with even greater ambition, expanded international participation, and a bold new platform to advance autonomous year's league welcomes elite research teams from 10 countries, with the global roster expanding to include France and Japan for the first time, joining a strong line-up of returning teams from the USA, Germany, China, Singapore, Italy, and the UAE. As the world's most advanced competition for autonomous systems, A2RL continues to bridge the gap between simulation and real-world application.H.E. Faisal Al Bannai, Advisor to the UAE President for Strategic Research and Advanced Technology Affairs and Secretary General of ATRC, said: 'With A2RL, we're not just testing autonomous technology, we're accelerating its evolution in the most demanding conditions possible. It's a showcase of engineering excellence, but more importantly, a platform for the future of mobility. From high-speed racing to real-world applications, we are demonstrating what's possible when nations invest in deep tech innovation and challenge the world to think faster, build smarter, and compete responsibly.'Stephane Timpano, CEO of ASPIRE, added: 'By combining the physical thrill of racing with the precision of virtual testing, we're enabling the world's best minds to push the boundaries of AI. This year's expanded league reflects Abu Dhabi's commitment to challenge-driven innovation, where real-world impact is engineered at speed and scale.'The announcement was made during the Make it in the Emirates Forum in Abu Dhabi. The Emirates Autonomous Vehicle (EAV 24), A2RL's upgraded autonomous racecar, represents a significant leap in performance and engineering. Assembled and autonomised in the UAE, the vehicle reflects the nation's growing capabilities in AI, robotics, and high-performance mobility. Built on the proven Super Formula SF23 platform, the EAV-24 has been re-engineered to incorporate enhanced sensor arrays, upgraded computer systems, and refined control logic, optimised for the demanding conditions of autonomous unveiled in the inaugural race, the SF23 is built from sustainable bio-composite materials, weighs 690kg, and is the fastest open-wheel race car in the world after Formula One, reaching speeds of up to 300 kmph. Equipped with advanced braking systems, drive-by-wire throttle control, and a custom-built autonomous stack, the SF23 gives each team a state-of-the-art platform to adapt and optimise their AI driving algorithms in the pursuit of peak performance.A key innovation this season is the launch of A2RL SIM-Sprint. A series of virtual races designed to fast-track algorithm refinement and test AI systems in diverse conditions, the SIM Sprint extends A2RL into a year-round development ecosystem. By offering a consistent and controlled environment for experimentation, the SIM Sprint allows teams to accelerate the development of their autonomous driving algorithms beyond what is possible through real-world testing alone. It is especially valuable for tackling 'edge cases', rare or extreme scenarios that are difficult to replicate on track but are critical for building resilient time, A2RL aims to open the SIM Sprint to a wider community of participants, including fans, independent developers, and aspiring teams worldwide. A structured progression system - from Sim Academy to Sim Pro, and eventually to real-world A2RL qualification - will provide new pathways for talent to enter the league and contribute to the future of high-performance autonomy. Through ASPIRE and under the broader umbrella of ATRC, A2RL continues to position Abu Dhabi as a global leader in high-performance autonomy, transforming the way intelligent systems are developed, tested, and deployed.
CairoScene
01-05-2025
- Sport
- CairoScene
DCL Expands UAE Footprint After AI-Powered Championship Success
DCL will launch a free-to-play simulator, pilot certification programmes and STEM-focused media collaborations. May 01, 2025 The Drone Champions League (DCL) - a global leader in competitive drone racing - is expanding its operations in the UAE following a landmark weekend at the A2RL x DCL Autonomous Drone Championship in Abu Dhabi. The April 2025 event, co-organised with the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League (A2RL), saw 14 international teams compete for a USD 1 million prize pool. In a historic moment, an AI-powered drone developed by the Dutch university team MavLab (TU Delft) outperformed a world-class human pilot in a live challenge. As part of a new five-year roadmap for DCL's growth in the UAE, the league will launch DCL: The Game, a free-to-play simulator designed to make drone racing accessible to a global audience. Additional initiatives include pilot certification programmes, STEM-driven media collaborations with extreme sports creators, and the development of interactive learning hubs. 'The UAE is the ideal launchpad for what comes next,' said Drone Champions League Executive Chair Markus Stampfer. 'The vision is not just to push boundaries in speed and performance, but to inspire a generation, build careers, and unlock the full potential of autonomous systems in everyday life.' Plans include flight arenas, virtual tracks modelled on global landmarks, and initiatives merging esports, streetwear, and education to engage Gen Z and Alpha.
