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.