Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Dubai Future Foundation, has approved the launch of a groundbreaking global initiative. This classification system clearly distinguishes the role of humans and machines in creating creative, scientific, academic, and intellectual content.

A Transparent Approach to the Future of Content Creation

In a statement, Sheikh Hamdan said: “Distinguishing between human creativity and artificial intelligence has become a real challenge in light of today’s rapid technological advances. This calls for a new approach to recognise the growing role of intelligent machines. That’s why we launched the world’s first Human–Machine Collaboration Icons, a classification system that brings transparency to how research documents, publications, and content are created.”

He urged researchers, publishers, writers, designers, and content creators worldwide to adopt this system responsibly and in a manner that benefits society.

As part of the initiative, all Dubai Government entities have been instructed to implement the classification system in their research and knowledge-driven activities.

About the Human–Machine Collaboration (HMC) Classification

Developed by the Dubai Future Foundation, the HMC classification system introduces a new standard for content transparency. It allows users to visually identify the extent of human vs. machine contribution in the creation of any piece of work, from research reports and academic papers to design and digital media.

The classification applies across multiple sectors, including research, publishing, content creation, and design, all of which are increasingly influenced by automation and AI.

The Five Main HMC Icons

The system features five core icons to represent levels of human–machine collaboration:

• All Human – Fully created by a human, no machine involvement
• Human-led – Created by a human with machine assistance for accuracy or improvement
• Machine Assisted – Collaborative creation between human and machine
• Machine-led – Machine-driven content with human verification
• All Machine – Fully generated by machines, without human input

In addition, nine functional icons highlight specific stages where collaboration took place, including ideation, data collection, analysis, interpretation, writing, visuals, and translation.

While the icons don’t quantify the exact level of machine contribution, they offer a transparent, standardised way to disclose collaboration, empowering creators and consumers alike.

A Global Call to Action

The HMC classification is designed to be adaptable across industries and compatible with all types of media, including text, image, and video content.

To learn more about how to use the HMC icons and download the full system, visit: www.dubaifuture.ae/hmc

From complimentary coffee in Dubai and London cafes to touching AI-generated video tributes, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, was honoured across generations and platforms as he marked his 76th birthday on Tuesday, July 15. The day saw a blend of heartfelt gestures, both online and in real life, from local businesses surprising customers with free coffee to family members sharing nostalgic, tech-powered tributes that celebrated his remarkable journey as a leader, father, and visionary.

Marking the occasion, Saddle Cafe, an Emirati brand with branches in Dubai and London, surprised customers by picking up the tab for their drinks. Customers were delighted to find their receipts stamped with the message: “Your coffee is on the house in celebration of the birthday of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.”

The gesture quickly gained attention on social media, where users praised it as a reflection of the UAE’s values of generosity, community, and leadership.

“This is what the UAE is all about,” wrote one X (formerly Twitter) user.
“A beautiful tribute for a beloved leader.”

#MohammedBinRashid trends across social platforms

The birthday of Sheikh Mohammed saw an outpouring of love online. Social media platforms were filled with rare photographs, leadership quotes, and prayers wishing the leader good health and a long life.

Many referred to him as a “dream maker” and “nation builder,” praising his vision, resilience, and lasting impact on the UAE and the wider Arab world.

“May Allah bless our leader, the man who turned Dubai into a global icon,” read one tribute.

A family tribute powered by AI

In a modern twist to traditional celebrations, Sheikh Mohammed’s children and grandchildren honoured him with AI-generated video tributes, creatively blending technology with emotion.

The widely shared videos chronicled Sheikh Mohammed’s journey from childhood and military service to public life and leadership, offering a deeply personal look at his legacy.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, posted a moving video showing AI-rendered moments with his father, from his boyhood to their more recent appearances together. The video struck an emotional chord with thousands across the UAE and beyond.

Created using advanced AI tools, the videos conveyed messages of pride, gratitude, and admiration for a leader who has inspired generations.

A legacy of leadership

According to the UAE Government Portal, Sheikh Mohammed was born in 1949. He began his public service career in 1968 as Head of Dubai Police and Public Security, became the UAE’s first Minister of Defence in 1971, and served as Crown Prince of Dubai from 1995 to 2006. He has been Ruler of Dubai, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE since January 2006.

From free coffee cups to cutting-edge tech tributes, this year’s celebration of Sheikh Mohammed’s birthday reflected not only his profound influence on the UAE’s past and present but also the deep affection and admiration he continues to inspire across generations and borders.

The DP World International League T20 (ILT20) is extending its impact well beyond the cricket pitch, to Madagascar, where children are now proudly wearing official ILT20 merchandise from last season, thanks to a charitable partnership with Gulf for Good, a UAE-based non-profit.

As part of its CSR initiative, the ILT20 has donated over 500 pieces of branded merchandise to children in need through Gulf for Good’s Outreach Programme. The initiative is part of a broader effort to support education and community development projects around the world, with over 2,000 children expected to benefit in the long run.

“This initiative is all about making a small contribution to a much bigger cause,” said David White, CEO of DP World ILT20.
“We’re proud to call the UAE our home, a country that is globally recognised for its generosity. As the region’s biggest cricket league, we are committed to making a positive impact beyond the field.”

Looking ahead: ILT20 Season 4 set for UAE National Day launch

The DP World ILT20 Season 4 will return in style this winter, kicking off with a blockbuster opening on UAE National Day (December 2) and wrapping up with the grand final on January 4, 2026. The six-team, 34-match tournament continues to grow in popularity, drawing international stars and thousands of fans from across the region.