Government of Ras Al Khaimah and UBTECH Robotics Sign Strategic MoU to Advance Humanoid Robotics Research and Climate Testing

• Strategic agreement establishes a comprehensive framework to test, demonstrate, and practically deploy humanoid robotic systems across industrial, commercial service, elderly care, and cultural tourism scenarios in Ras Al Khaimah.  
• Partnership explores the launch of a dedicated Humanoid Robotics Climate Research Initiative, leveraging Ras Al Khaimah as a platform to develop high-end technologies for the broader Gulf region. 
• Collaboration reinforces the Emirate's position as an agile, real-world sandbox for high technology and gateway for Chinese technology pioneers scaling globally.

SHENZHEN, China, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, witnessed the signing of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the International Relations Office of the Government of Ras Al Khaimah and UBTECH Robotics Limited. The agreement was officially signed by Ms. Alma Au Yeung, Greater China Affairs Advisor at the Office of the Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, and Ms. Claudia Chen, Overseas Sales Director of UBTECH Robotics, and marked the start of a week-long official visit across South China aimed at strengthening bilateral ties in technology, investment, innovation, and trade.

Established in Shenzhen in 2012 and listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, UBTECH Robotics is a pioneering global leader in humanoid artificial intelligence and robotics. The agreement establishes a framework for collaborative advanced research, live field testing, and operational deployment of humanoid robotic systems in the Emirate. Under the MoU, the parties will explore the feasibility of establishing the Ras Al Khaimah Humanoid Robotics Climate Research Initiative, leveraging the Emirate's distinct environmental and operating conditions to validate robotic performance for the UAE and the wider Gulf region.

Under the partnership, UBTECH Robotics will deploy its humanoid robots and specialized engineering teams directly into Ras Al Khaimah to launch live demonstration projects. By testing intelligent automation in day-to-day operations and demanding environments, the initiative will generate vital performance data, further advancing high-tech R&D in the Emirate and expanding the UAE's robotics ecosystem.

Initial applications will test humanoid systems in complex operational environments, spanning automated industrial assembly, intelligent public-facing services, AI-assisted elder care, and cultural spaces. To support these trials, Ras Al Khaimah will provide a live testing sandbox and progressive regulatory frameworks connecting research institutions with industry, complemented by UBTECH's robotic platforms, technical infrastructure, and advanced research capabilities.

Ms. Alma Au Yeung, Greater China Affairs Advisor at the Office of the Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, said of the signing: "It is a great honor to have His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, witness the signing of this strategic agreement during our visit to UBTECH Robotics. This collaboration represents a meaningful step forward in Ras Al Khaimah's journey toward a knowledge-based economy. By bridging world-class technology with local application, we are co-creating solutions that deliver lasting value for our community, our commercial sectors, and the wider UAE."

Ms. Claudia Chen, Overseas Sales Director of UBTECH Robotics, stated: "It is a privilege to formalize our partnership with the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. By combining cutting-edge humanoid robotics research and development with dedicated industry talent development, UBTECH aims to accelerate the region's industrial modernization. Together, we look forward to playing an active role in Ras Al Khaimah's economic transition and supporting long-term technological progress across the UAE."

The initiative further reinforces Ras Al Khaimah's commitment to sustainable technological adoption and economic diversification, positioning the Emirate as an agile living laboratory for pioneering global enterprises.

*ENDS*

About His Highness Sheikh Saud

His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi is a UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah (RAK). Born in Dubai in 1956, he was educated in Ras Al Khaimah before attending the American University of Beirut. He later moved to the University of Michigan, graduating with an Economics Degree.

He returned home in 1978 and was appointed Chief of the Ruler's Court before becoming Chairman of Ras Al Khaimah Municipal Council in 1986. In this period, HH Sheikh Saud founded RAK Ceramics and restructured Julphar Pharmaceuticals and Stevin Rock to ensure both became the industry leaders they are today. 

HH Sheikh Saud was named Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaimah on 14 June 2003. In this role he oversaw the introduction of free zones, efficient business licensing procedures and offshore corporate registration.

On 27 October 2010, after the passing of his father H.H. Sheikh Saqr (May he rest in Peace), HH Sheikh Saud became the Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah. As Ruler, he has continued to expand and diversify Ras Al Khaimah's economic base and improve the quality of its social services, while working hard to make high-quality education and healthcare services available to all the Emirate's population.

HH Sheikh Saud received an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Bolton, UK, in 2010; an Honorary Fellowship of the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research in India, in 2013; and an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Economics from Incheon National University, South Korea, in 2018, a year in which he was also named Visionary Leader of the Year by Arabian Business.

About Ras Al Khaimah

Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), the fourth largest Emirate in the UAE, is known for its nature, rich history and progressive vision under HH Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi. Committed to sustainable development, economic prosperity, social development and innovation, RAK is an ideal place to live, work and invest. 

Strategically located – with one third of the world's population within a four-hour flight – RAK is a gateway to the Middle East and beyond. Its economy is diverse, with no sector accounting for more than 27% of GDP. The Emirate offers a business-friendly environment with competitive operating costs, 100% foreign ownership, zero income tax and low corporate tax. It is home to over 73,000 companies, with RAKEZ and Innovation City supporting growth across industrial, manufacturing and digital sectors, backed by a future-focused economy validated by 'A' range credit ratings since 2008.

Its 0.4 million population comprises 150+ nationalities, each appreciating RAK's high quality of life and accessible luxury living. Its bold hospitality projects involve luxury global brands, such as Wynn, Four Seasons, Nobu, Waldorf Astoria and Ritz-Carlton. RAK Central will redefine the commercial and residential landscape, while RAK's the Emirate's natural beauty (UAE's highest mountain, beaches and deserts) and rich heritage further enhance its appeal.

With year-round sunshine, simple business set-up, a competitive cost of living and great lifestyle, Ras Al Khaimah offers limitless opportunities.    

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Government of Ras Al Khaimah and UBTECH Robotics Sign Strategic MoU to Advance Humanoid Robotics Research and Climate Testing

Government of Ras Al Khaimah and UBTECH Robotics Sign Strategic MoU to Advance Humanoid Robotics Research and Climate Testing

As part of TECNO and artist Angélica Dass's global "100 Portraits of Becoming" project, the new BBC StoryWorks film reveals the personal journeys behind the portraits, bringing to life a shared vision of seeing beyond the image to understand the people behind it.

HONG KONG, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Global innovative technology brand TECNO has jointly produced and released a new film with  BBC StoryWorks to unveil the project of "100 Portraits of Becoming," a two-year global portrait project co-created by TECNO and internationally acclaimed visual artist Angélica Dass which started from Kenya as the first chapter. Building on TECNO's philosophy of inclusive imaging technology and Angélica Dass's distinctive approach to portraiture, the project plans to bring together 100 portraits and personal stories across five countries, moving beyond visual representation to explore the individuality and humanity behind each portrait. Through the personal journeys featured in the film, audiences gain a glimpse into the energy and aspirations of people navigating today's changing world — how they are finding their own paths, shaping new possibilities and imagining who they want to become.

Watch the full film

The film also explores the shared vision behind TECNO's collaboration with Dass. While TECNO's Universal Tone technology seeks to fairly represent the beauty of different skin tones and human diversity, Dass's work has long challenged the labels and assumptions through which we see others. Together, they bring a shared belief to "100 Portraits of Becoming": that being seen is about more than appearance — it is also about being understood for who we are.

Through the film, this idea comes to life in Kenya, where the first chapter of "100 Portraits of Becoming" began. It introduces some of the people behind the portraits, each with a different story of finding their own way forward. For agripreneur Alex Mutua Muli, opportunity wasn't something to seek elsewhere, but something to create at home. By connecting local farmers to wider markets, he is helping build a future in the community where he grew up. Alexander Odhiambo took a different path, turning an uncertain start to his career into a new beginning. From a small apartment in Nairobi, he co-founded a software company that has since grown to serve markets across Africa, opening doors for others along the way. And for Jelimo Cheboi, what began as a small WhatsApp group became something much bigger. As co-founder of GirlSkate Nairobi, she has helped turn a shared passion for skateboarding into a growing community where girls and women can challenge expectations, find belonging, and express themselves on their own terms.

Their stories are different, but each challenges an assumption about what is possible — whether it is where opportunity can be found, what a career can become, or who gets to belong. Together, they offer a glimpse of the people behind the portraits, whose lives cannot be summed up by a single image or label.

"The beauty of this project was the chance to look beyond an image and let people tell their own stories. Through their passions and experiences, every person we met brought a vibrancy and depth to the film that a single portrait may not fully capture. We hope the film will encourage audiences to see people with a little more curiosity and a little more understanding," said Tom Deakin, Director, Content Strategy at BBC StoryWorks APAC.

"100 Portraits of Becoming" is a two-year global project bringing together 100 portraits and personal stories across Kenya, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Brazil. Together, these portraits and stories will form a growing collection that celebrates the many different ways of being human — 100 people, 100 stories and 100 ways to see humanity. Following its first chapter in Kenya, the project will continue its journey to more countries around the world, uncovering new stories, experiences and perspectives on what it means to become. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and the latest updates from "100 Portraits of Becoming" on the BBC StoryWorks project page and "100 Portraits of Becoming" by TECNO and Angelica Dass official website.

About TECNO

As a global innovative technology brand with operations in over 70 markets, TECNO has been committed to revolutionizing the digital experience in global emerging markets, relentlessly pushing for the perfect integration of contemporary, aesthetic design with the latest technologies and AI. TECNO offers a wide range of smartphones, smart wearables, laptops and tablets, smart gaming, HiOS operating systems and smart home products. Guided by its brand essence of "Stop At Nothing," TECNO is committed to unlocking the newest technologies and AI-powered new experiences for forward-looking individuals, inspiring them to never stop pursuing their best selves and their best futures. For more information, please visit TECNO's official site: www.tecno-mobile.com.

About "100 Portraits of Becoming" by TECNO and Angélica Dass

"100 Portraits of Becoming" is a global portrait project created by TECNO together with internationally recognized artist Angélica Dass. Over two years, it will produce one hundred portraits across five countries — Kenya, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Brazil — pairing Dass's portrait methodology with TECNO's Universal Tone inclusive imaging technology. Each portrait moves beyond a face to the person behind it: to lives unfolding across different cultures, generations and moments of social change. One hundred portraits become one hundred ways of seeing humanity — and one growing archive of who we are, told by the people living it. To learn more, please visit: https://www.tecno-mobile.com/100portraitsofbecoming/.

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TECNO and BBC StoryWorks Unveil New Film Exploring the Human Stories Behind "100 Portraits of Becoming"