Dubai has unveiled plans for a AED 3 billion Robotics and Automation Campus in Dubai South, creating the Middle East's first dedicated industrial zone for robotics manufacturing, R&D, and automation solutions. The campus will host 500+ companies, create 25,000 specialized jobs by 2030, and include partnerships with leading global robotics firms including Boston Dynamics, ABB, and FANUC. Robotics engineers can access Golden Visa through specialized talent pathways.
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Dubai Robotics Campus — Key Facts
AED 3 billion investment. 500+ companies target. 25,000 jobs by 2030. Free Zone incentives. Golden Visa for engineers.
Campus Zones & Facilities
Manufacturing Zone
Advanced manufacturing facilities for industrial robots, drones, and automation systems. Shared production lines for startups.
R&D Labs
Cutting-edge research facilities with testing environments, simulation centers, and prototyping workshops.
Training Academy
Robotics engineering programs in partnership with MIT, ETH Zurich, and KAIST. Certification programs for technicians.
Startup Incubator
Acceleration programs, seed funding, and mentorship for robotics startups. Access to pilot customers in UAE government.
Global Partners Confirmed
| Company | Country | Specialization |
|---|---|---|
| Boston Dynamics | USA | Humanoid & quadruped robots |
| ABB Robotics | Switzerland | Industrial automation |
| FANUC | Japan | Factory automation |
| Universal Robots | Denmark | Collaborative robots |
| DJI | China | Commercial drones |
| Agility Robotics | USA | Warehouse robots |
Free Zone Benefits
🏢 Dubai South Robotics Zone Benefits
- 100% foreign ownership: No local sponsor required
- 50-year tax exemption: Corporate and personal income tax free
- 0% import duty: On robotics equipment and components
- Flexible visa quotas: Based on facility size
- R&D grants: Up to 50% funding for qualifying projects
- Pilot contracts: Priority access to UAE government automation projects
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Golden Visa for Robotics Engineers
Robotics professionals can qualify for 10-year Golden Visa:
Specialized Talent
Robotics engineers, AI specialists, and automation experts qualify under specialized talent category.
Executive Route
AED 50,000+/month salary with bachelor's degree. Most senior engineering roles qualify.
Company Founders
Robotics startup founders with AED 500K+ capital or incubator approval.
Timeline
| Phase | Timeline | Milestone |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | Q3 2026 | R&D labs and incubator operational |
| Phase 2 | Q4 2027 | Manufacturing facilities complete |
| Phase 3 | Q2 2028 | Training academy launches |
| Full Operations | 2030 | 500 companies, 25,000 jobs target |
"The Robotics and Automation Campus is a cornerstone of our industrial diversification strategy. By 2030, we expect this sector to contribute AED 20 billion to Dubai's GDP and position the emirate as a global hub for advanced manufacturing and automation solutions."
— HE Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy, February 2026Start Your Robotics Business
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