Dubai, UAE At GITEX Global 2025, the Future Walks, Talks, and Teaches

Inside the Dubai World Trade Centre, visitors to GITEX Global 2025 are witnessing something extraordinary —

robots moving naturally among humans, teaching, assisting, and interacting with an ease that blurs the boundary between man and machine.

Sanad: The UAE’s AI Teaching Assistant with a Human Heart

Among the many futuristic innovations, one creation has captured the imagination of educators and technologists alike — Sanad, the UAE’s first homegrown teaching robot, built with empathy and intelligence at its core.

Developed by Latifa Alhammadi, Academic Vice Principal at Al Ethaar School (Emirates Schools Establishment) in Abu Dhabi, Sanad was designed to support teachers and make learning more personal for students.

“Sanad in Arabic means support,” Alhammadi explained. “And that’s exactly what this robot does. It supports both
students and teachers in the learning journey.”

Powered by AI, Sanad customizes lessons based on each child’s performance. When a student excels, the robot gradually increases the challenge; when a student struggles, it simplifies the lesson and builds progress step by step. This adaptive approach ensures that every learner advances at their own pace.

Currently programmed to teach English, Sanad’s framework allows it to easily expand into other languages such as French or Chinese. Alhammadi built the prototype during her PhD research in Artificial Intelligence, completing it within just five to six months.

Built in the UAE, Designed for the Classroom

Entirely conceptualized and developed in the UAE, Sanad represents a major milestone in the nation’s drive to integrate AI into education. Alhammadi envisions the robot being rolled out across government schools, beginning with grades 1 to 5, once it receives approval from the Ministry of Education.

Beyond lessons, Sanad also chats with children during breaks, helping them strengthen their conversational and social skills.

“Version two will include more sensors and cameras,” Alhammadi revealed. “By version three, Sanad will recognize students automatically — no logins needed.”

Robots Take Center Stage at GITEX 2025

While Sanad stole hearts, several other groundbreaking robots shared the spotlight at GITEX 2025, each redefining what machines can do.

Booster T1: The Agile Humanoid
Standing 1.2 meters tall and weighing around 30 kilograms, the Booster T1 impressed audiences with its balance, flexibility, and agility. Equipped with 23 degrees of freedom and advanced sensing systems, it can recover from falls, navigate complex spaces, and perform intricate movements.
After competing in RoboCup 2024, Booster T1 is now an official partner of the global robotics competition, a testament to its technological sophistication.

X30 Quadruped Robot: Strength Meets Intelligence
Also turning heads was the X30 quadruped robot, designed for demanding industrial applications such as inspection, mapping, and security. With its ability to climb 45-degree stairways and traverse rugged terrain, it’s engineered for endurance.
Its modular battery system and integrated perception sensors enable it to operate seamlessly in any lighting condition, from dim tunnels to bright outdoor environments.

A Glimpse of Tomorrow

From empathetic teaching assistants to tireless industrial machines, the robots showcased at GITEX Global 2025 aren’t just technological marvels — they’re a preview of a world where AI and robotics enhance daily life.

As Dubai continues to lead the charge in innovation and smart technology, the message from GITEX 2025 is clear: the future isn’t coming — it’s already walking among us.