Season 2 of the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League (A2RL) Drones is officially open. The race to redefine what’s possible with AI-powered aerial vehicles is back! Following the huge success of Season 1, ASPIRE is once again bringing together top talent in artificial intelligence, robotics, and aerospace to compete in the world’s most advanced autonomous drone racing competition.
Building on a Breakthrough Season
In April 2025, A2RL Drones held its first-ever championship, marking a milestone in autonomous aerial racing. Hosted at ADNEC in Abu Dhabi, the event brought together top global teams to demonstrate cutting-edge AI, real-time decision-making, and high-speed flight in a fully autonomous format. One of the most memorable moments of the season was Team MavLab’s AI drone outperforming a professional human pilot in the much-anticipated Human vs AI Challenge — a clear signal of how far autonomous systems have advanced.
Now, for Season 2, the challenge evolves. While speed dominated the focus last year, the 2026 edition will shift toward agility and precision. Teams will face a more technically complex track featuring dynamic obstacles and mission-style tasks that test perception, planning, and adaptive navigation under pressure.
From flight path optimization to obstacle avoidance, the race is no longer just about how
fast you go — but also how intelligently you fly.
A Platform for Real-World Impact
More than just a race, A2RL Drones serves as a global testbed for next-generation autonomous systems. The algorithms developed for competition are transferable to critical domains — from disaster response to urban mobility and deep-space robotics.
By competing in A2RL Drones, teams accelerate their R&D, gain international visibility, and join a community shaping the future of autonomous flight.
Looking Ahead
The A2RL Season 2 will take place in January 2026 in Abu Dhabi. With expanded technical challenges and broader participation, this year’s race promises to be more impactful than ever!
Applications are now open.
If you’re ready to race at the edge of innovation — this is your moment.
