If you’re into tech, speed, or just curious about the future, you might want to head to Abu Dhabi this weekend. On April 11 and 12, ADNEC Marina Hall is turning into a buzzing hub of drone action as the A2RL x DCL Autonomous Drone Championship kicks off — bringing with it something the world hasn’t seen before: drones racing with zero human control.
These drones aren’t being piloted by people. Instead, they fly all on their own, guided by artificial intelligence. Each one is powered by NVIDIA Jetson Orin NX tech, built to think and react in real time — navigating sharp turns and racing at high speeds without a single joystick in sight.
The event includes four intense races over the two days. One of the most talked-about is the “AI vs Human” showdown, where the smartest drones go head-to-head with some of the world’s top human drone racers in first-person view (FPV). It’s a rare chance to see how advanced AI has become — and whether it can out-fly human reflexes.
But there’s more than racing happening here. Visitors can explore live performances, DJ sets, interactive gaming, and all kinds of family-friendly attractions designed to entertain and introduce people to cutting-edge tech. It’s a packed schedule meant to inspire as much as it thrills.
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The event is happening alongside A2RL Summit 2.0, a gathering of experts and innovators from the worlds of AI, gaming, mobility, and motorsports.
Best of all, it’s free to attend. Just make sure to pre-register online, since spots are limited and the buzz around this event is building fast. For registration and full event info, check the official A2RL website.
