Robotics Competition ‘FIRST® LEGO® League’ Challenge Round Hosted by ATLAB to Kick Off in UAE
The much-awaited ‘FIRST® LEGO® League (FLL)’ Challenge round, hosted by ATLAB—a subsidiary of Centena Group—will officially launch tomorrow. The competition, organized in partnership with FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) and LEGO® Education, will hold regional rounds across Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi, culminating in the UAE Finals on February 8 and 9, 2025, at Raffles World Academy, part of the Innoventures Education group.
Enhancing STEM Education Across the Emirates
Now in its ninth year in the UAE, the FLL Challenge continues to inspire young minds, offering students aged 4 to 16 hands-on, interactive experiences in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). By fostering creativity, leadership, and problem-solving skills, the program prepares students for future STEM careers.
ATLAB has partnered with renowned UAE institutions, including ASCS from Bukhatir Group, Nord Anglia International School, Royal Grammar School Guildford, Aldar Schools, and GEMS Education, to amplify student participation.
Diverse Categories for Young Innovators
The FIRST® LEGO® League caters to varying age groups through three categories:
- Discover (Ages 4–6): Encourages early interest in STEM through playful, team-based challenges.
- Explore (Ages 6–10): Develops critical thinking, coding, and design skills through STEM-based tasks.
- Challenge (Ages 9–16): Empowers students to tackle real-world problems using robotics and advanced STEM applications.
ATLAB's Vision for the Future
Nilesh Korgaonkar, CEO of ATLAB, highlighted the program’s transformative impact:
“FIRST® LEGO® League inspires students to think critically, collaborate effectively, and explore their creative potential. By participating, students gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge educational tools, fostering problem-solving and leadership skills. To support this journey, ATLAB provides official FLL and LEGO Education kits, available on our e-commerce platform atlabshoponline.com.”
Global Recognition for UAE’s Talent
The winners of the UAE FLL Challenge will represent the country at international festivals in the USA, Australia, Norway, and Europe. The UAE team previously earned global acclaim by securing the ‘Best Robot Performance Award’ during the 2023-24 season.
Supporting UAE’s Educational Vision
The FLL Challenge aligns with the UAE’s strategic initiatives, including the ‘UAE Centennial 2071’, ‘Vision 2021’, and the ‘National Innovation Strategy.’ These programs focus on fostering innovation, enhancing STEM education, and equipping students with future-ready skills. The competition also supports the ‘UAE Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031’ and the ‘UAE Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy,’ which aim to elevate the nation’s educational standards.
Through practical, mentor-driven programs, the competition emphasizes the integration of robotics, artificial intelligence, and educational technology (EdTech) into K-12 education, reinforcing the UAE's commitment to cultivating a knowledge-based economy.
