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.

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), in collaboration with multiple government agencies, has carried out more than 1,000 inspections targeting delivery motorcycle riders across the city, as part of an ongoing campaign to boost road safety and enforce regulatory compliance in the fast-growing delivery sector.

The joint effort included participation from Dubai Police, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, Dubai Municipality, and the Dubai Health Authority.

The inspections focused on high-traffic areas such as Downtown Dubai, Jumeirah, and Motor City, according to Ahmed Mahboob, CEO of the RTA’s Licensing Agency.

Key violations detected:

• Riders not wearing protective gear
• Lack of certified training
• Reckless driving
• Operating vehicles without proper documentation

As a result, 19 motorcycles were impounded, and multiple warnings were issued.

To support education and compliance, the RTA also distributed QR codes linking riders to safety videos and training resources in multiple languages.

“It’s essential for delivery companies and riders to strictly follow all safety and licensing rules,” said Mahboob.
“This is not just about regulations, it’s about protecting lives and improving service quality across the emirate.”

Why it matters

With the rise in food delivery and e-commerce, delivery motorcycles have become a common sight on Dubai’s roads, and ensuring rider safety directly impacts everyone who shares the road.

The RTA confirmed that it will continue to run regular joint inspection and awareness campaigns to maintain a safe and sustainable delivery environment.

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.