Shoppers at City Centre Mirdif may now get directions from robots, thanks to a new pilot launched by the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) and Majid Al Futtaim to explore how robotics can improve everyday customer experiences.
The initiative, the first of its kind in the region, places avatar-style robots directly in a live retail environment, rather than in controlled lab settings, to observe real-time interactions with the public.
Testing retail robotics
The pilot is part of the Dubai Robotics and Automation Programme, an initiative aimed at driving the practical use of advanced technologies across the city’s key sectors. At City Centre Mirdif, two humanoid robots are currently assisting visitors with directions and navigation.
“This partnership with Majid Al Futtaim falls under the Dubai Robotics and Automation Programme, which was launched to drive the development, testing, and adoption of advanced technologies across Dubai’s key sectors,” said Khalifa Al Qama, Executive Director of Dubai Future Labs.
“By deploying robotics in high-traffic public spaces, we’re reinforcing Dubai’s position as a regional and global leader in building a future-ready city.”
Enhancing customer experience
Majid Al Futtaim said the pilot aligns with its broader digital transformation strategy to improve services using AI and emerging technologies. The aim is to introduce people-first, AI-enabled solutions across its shopping malls and destinations.
“We are proud to see City Centre Mirdif at the forefront of innovation with this unique robotics pilot in collaboration with Dubai Future Foundation,” said Fuad Mansoor Sharaf, Managing Director of Majid Al Futtaim Shopping Malls in the UAE. “This is a natural next step in our journey to deliver smarter, more responsive retail environments that prioritise people.”
Part of global research
The pilot is also part of a research collaboration between Dubai Future Labs and Osaka University under Japan’s Moonshot Research and Development Programme, supported by the Japan Science and Technology Agency. The programme envisions an “Avatar-Symbiotic Society” by 2050, where people can operate robotic avatars to overcome physical and spatial limitations.
Both organisations are also studying the legal and ethical aspects of robotics in public spaces to ensure responsible, community-aligned integration of technology.
This marks a major step in bringing human-centric robotics into public life in the UAE, potentially reshaping how malls, hotels, and other high-footfall areas serve visitors.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
