A high-tech run through the town
Dubai, the city famous for its extravagance, had another “only in Dubai” experience recently. A human-like robot was seen running down a road in the direction of Emirates Tower, attracting the notice of motorists, pedestrians, and now the whole internet. In one such viral video, the robot-like creature trots along a sidewalk with ease, followed by the human being who seems to control it, remote in hand.
The video, which was first posted by Nazish Khan and then picked up by Dubai Post, looks like a vision straight out of a science fiction movie. But this was all too real and occurred in broad daylight on one of the city’s main streets.
Social media responds: Jokes, wonder, and futuristic feel
Instagram users took a field day responding to the now-viral clip. One joked, “Only in Dubai where the future walks among us!” Another chimed in, “Dubai never fails to amaze me.” Others embraced the joke, saying, “Is it late for a job interview?” or “Trying to escape the heat? Run, baby, run!”
The robot, with its smooth pace and constant rhythm, appeared more like a determined jogger than a test-exercising machine. Most of the viewers couldn’t help but wonder whether to be amazed, entertained, or slightly unsettled.
#فيديو | روبوت يركض في شوارع #دبي #صحيفة_الخليج pic.twitter.com/T7ekXm7AXd
— صحيفة الخليج (@alkhaleej) July 31, 2025
What is a humanoid robot, anyway?
Humanoid robots are designed to look and move like humans. Nvidia calls them general-purpose machines meant to help with tasks such as picking up objects, unboxing, or handling containers. Those robots tend to be created to work alongside humans and increase productivity in sectors from logistics to customer support.
Catching a glimpse of one strolling down a Dubai street casually? That’s new for most.
Independent incident: When technology sulks
While one robot charmed its way into headlines, another took a darker turn. In a separate video making the rounds online, a humanoid robot is seen malfunctioning violently flailing its limbs while suspended from a construction crane. Two men nearby look on in confusion and concern. The video sparked some serious conversations about what can go wrong when machines don’t behave as expected.
Dubai’s tomorrow is already here
This isn’t the first high-tech experiment Dubai has welcomed to the public space, nor likely to be the last. Whether it’s flying cars, robot police, or AI assistants, the city is making it obvious that the future isn’t just on its way it’s out for a stroll.
ALSO READ: China’s Humanoid Robots Wow Shanghai While Tesla’s Optimus Remains Caged At Tech Expo
