A2RL’s Stephane Timpano on how UAE is a global hub for autonomous innovation

The A2RL x DCL Championship held in Abu Dhabi recently marked a milestone in the evolution of autonomous flight, where AI-powered drones went head-to-head in the world’s most advanced autonomous race.

In this interview with Gulf Business, Stephane Timpano, CEO of ASPIRE and A2RL, reflects on how this high-speed, high-stakes event is accelerating AI innovation across aviation, logistics, emergency response — and even the future of urban air mobility.

Timpano also discusses the technologies transforming autonomy, the role of young talent, and why the UAE is emerging as a global leader in next-gen mobility.

What made the A2RL x DCL Championship such a pivotal moment in the advancement of autonomous flight?

The A2RL x DCL Championship was a turning point for autonomous flight. We witnessed the most advanced and high-speed autonomous drone race ever attempted, 14 global teams competing for a $1m prize in front of hundreds of spectators. What made it groundbreaking was seeing a fully autonomous drone outperform one of the world’s top human pilots. That moment was proof that autonomous systems are not only viable but capable of excelling in real-world, high-stakes environments. It sets a new global bar for AI in aerial navigation.

Which AI capabilities stood out during the competition, and how do they translate into real-world use cases?

The standout capability was the drones’ ability to process, decide, and act, all onboard and in real time. That’s exactly the kind of performance you need for urban air mobility, where drones or air taxis must handle chaotic, dense environments safely. What’s fascinating is that every team used the same computer module – the NVIDIA Jetson Orin NX. The only difference? The algorithms. MavLab’s winning drone from TU Delft (Netherlands), for example, flew two laps and cleared 22 gates in just 17 seconds. Equally impressive was TII Racing (UAE), which triumphed in the multi-drone challenge, showcasing advanced coordination, collision avoidance, and team-based AI strategy. These same decision-making skills are vital in cargo delivery, emergency response, and next-gen aviation, where precision under pressure is non-negotiable.

How do developments like this help move the needle for autonomy in industries such as aviation, logistics, and emergency response?

Real progress in autonomy comes from pressure-testing AI in complex, real-world settings. The lessons we learn in racing are directly transferrable to real-life scenarios like delivering medical supplies in a crisis or coordinating fleets in logistics. In these situations, you will need models that have been trained on complex visual environments and which are capable of adapting quickly. Our track was built to simulate those conditions, fast speeds, limited visual markers, tricky lighting. A2RL is more than a competition; it’s an accelerator for autonomy readiness in critical industries.

How is the UAE positioning itself as a leader in autonomous technology and smart mobility on the global stage?

The UAE is acting with urgency and vision. Beyond investment, the country is building a full-stack innovation ecosystem through platforms like A2RL, research initiatives from ATRC, and strategic partnerships with global leaders. Whether it’s autonomous vehicles, AI infrastructure, or cargo drones, the UAE is showing how proactive governance and collaborative R&D can fast-track adoption. It’s a model the world is watching.

Why was it important to integrate local STEM students into this initiative, and how do you see their role evolving in this ecosystem?

We’re not just advancing technology, we’re building a pipeline of local talent. That’s why we brought local students into the A2RL x DCL programme. Through our Drone STEM Program with UNICEF and ATRC, over 100 Emirati students trained on autonomous systems, and more than half earned professional certifications. Remarkably, 24 students achieved perfect scores — clear evidence that these aren’t just future engineers, they’re already demonstrating world-class capability.

What’s equally inspiring is that over half of the participating students were young women, many of whom ranked among the top performers. That speaks volumes about the depth of talent here in the UAE, and the importance of creating opportunities that are inclusive by design. Ultimately, there’s little point in developing the technology if the talent lags behind. By immersing young people in real-world testing environments now, we’re helping develop the next generation of global leaders in autonomy.

In your view, how do platforms like A2RL help bridge the gap between R&D, real-world testing, and policy development?

A2RL is a live lab. It’s where theory meets execution. We’re generating insights under real conditions, unpredictable lighting, human competitors and live audiences. That’s invaluable for researchers, regulators, and industry leaders alike. The data we gather informs better policy, safer design standards, and faster commercialization.

We’re also working closely with the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and other entities under the Advanced Technology Research Council to develop air corridor mapping and regulatory frameworks for piloted and autonomous air taxis and cargo drones. This partnership aims to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework that ensures safety and operational efficiency, directly supporting the evolution of regulatory frameworks for autonomous aerial systems. We’re building a feedback loop that benefits the entire autonomy ecosystem.

What key learnings from the drone championship are shaping plans for the upcoming autonomous car racing series?

Two big takeaways: perception and explainability. The best teams weren’t just fast, they built AI that could interpret and react to the course in real time. That’s a skill we’re doubling down on for the next A2RL car racing series. Just as important is making those AI decisions transparent. Whether it’s a regulator or a fan, people want to understand what the system is doing and why. We’re designing tools that let you see into the AI’s decision process, building trust and insight at the same time.

How do you see autonomous systems evolving over the next few years, both in the UAE and worldwide?

We’re moving into an era of more adaptive, context-aware autonomy. Systems that can learn and make decisions in dynamic, real-world environments, beyond static rules or rehearsed paths. In the next few years, we’ll see autonomy more embedded in daily life: air taxis, automated deliveries, even infrastructure monitoring.

Here in the UAE, we’re not just preparing for that future, we’re building it. Abu Dhabi is on track to become one of the most advanced global testbeds for AI-driven autonomy by 2030. And that’s not a forecast, it’s a roadmap in motion.