Latest news with #AlMaktoum


Arab News
4 days ago
- Business
- Arab News
Dubai launches world's first human–machine icon classification system
DUBAI: The Dubai Future Foundation has unveiled the world's first classification system to transparently define the role of human and machine collaboration in content creation, research, and publishing, it was announced on Wednesday. Approved by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, crown prince of Dubai, the system is aimed at increasing accountability and clarity in an era of rapidly advancing artificial intelligence. The new Human–Machine Collaboration Icon Classification System will introduce a set of five primary icons to indicate the level of collaboration between humans and intelligent machines, as well as nine additional functional icons that reflect the specific stages of a project where this collaboration occurred, such as ideation, data analysis, and visual design. '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 recognize the growing role of intelligent machines,' said Sheikh Hamdan. 'That's why we launched the world's first Human–Machine Collaboration Icons: a classification system that brings transparency to how research, publications, and content are created.' Sheikh Hamdan also called on researchers, writers, publishers, designers, and content creators around the world to adopt the new system responsibly and use it in ways that serve the public good. Additionally, he directed all Dubai government entities to begin implementing the system in their research and knowledge-based work. The HMC system is intended to give readers, researchers, and decision-makers a clearer understanding of how much human or machine input shaped a particular piece of work. It reflects a growing reliance on intelligent systems such as generative AI, algorithms, automation tools, and robotics across fields like academia, design, media, and scientific research. The five primary classifications range from 'All Human' — denoting no machine involvement — to 'All Machine,' where content is generated entirely by automated systems. Intermediate categories capture varying degrees of collaboration, such as 'Human Led,' 'Machine Assisted,' and 'Machine Led,' depending on which party took the initiative and how the work was validated.


Khaleej Times
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Sheikh Mohammed turns 76: 5 times Dubai Ruler went viral, won residents' hearts
Over the years, Sheikh Mohammed has led Dubai with unwavering conviction and heartfelt compassion — qualities he has consistently demonstrated through countless acts of kindness. As the Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE, he has built a lasting legacy rooted in Emirati hospitality, all while remaining deeply attentive and appreciative of those around him. Time and again, he has shown that he is not only devoted to the well-being of citizens and residents, but also a grounded and approachable leader who cherishes time with his family. Today, as he turns 76, Khaleej Times looks back at just a few of the many moments where the Dubai Ruler touched hearts — mere drops in the vast ocean of his generosity. 1. When he went around town right before his birthday When you think of a royal celebrating their birthday, what stereotypes would come to your mind? Perhaps, a lavish gathering or jetting across the world to bring in the big day. Sheikh Mohammed, however, took many residents by surprise two years ago as he went around town — using the Metro and dining at well-loved restaurants — just ahead of his big day. Take a look at his journey in the Dubai Metro, below: ØµØ§ØØ¨ اÙ�سÙ�Ù� اÙ�Ø´Ù�Ø® Ù�ØÙ�د بÙ� راشد اÙ� Ù�Ù�ذÙ�Ù�Ø� Ù�ائب رئÙ�س اÙ�دÙ�Ù�Ø© رئÙ�س Ù�جÙ�س اÙ�Ù�زراء ØØ§Ù�Ù� دبÙ� (رعاÙ� اÙ�Ù�Ù�)Ø� Ø®Ù�اÙ� ذجÙ�Ù�Ù� Ù�Ù� دبÙ� Ù�سذخدÙ�اÙ� Ù�ذرÙ� دبÙ�. HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, tours #Dubai using #DubaiMetro. — RTA (@rta_dubai) July 14, 2023 2. When he gifted an Iraqi girl a herd of horses Sheikh Mohammed's love for horses is no surprise to anyone. His generosity, combined with his love for the animal, have often made headlines. A viral video tugged at the heartstrings of the Dubai Ruler, in which he saw a young 8-year-old girl crying uncontrollably over the demise of her favourite horse. The girl said that her only horse had recently fallen ill and that she tried to care for it, even though the doctor had advised her to stay away. The UAE royal then gifted her a herd of horses and ordered that a training centre be built for her. 3. Meeting Kuwaiti child who loves Dubai In 2023, Sheikh Mohammed won the hearts of a child and those around him by meeting a Kuwaiti boy who had gone viral for expressing his love for Dubai. Badr, the young boy, earlier gave an interview to a Kuwaiti news outlet, in which he said that he wanted to visit Dubai to see the Burj Khalifa. At the time, he was actually on his way to the emirate for the Eid holidays, excited even though it would not be his first time seeing the tallest building in the world. Take a look at the photograph below: 4. When he appreciated hard-working employees In a moment of warm appreciation, the Dubai Ruler took to his social media platform to praise an immigration officer. Abdullah Al Baloushi stopped a traveller in a wheelchair and asked her son kindly why she was leaving the country. When told she was leaving due to doctors' appointments, Al Baloushi apologised to the son: "Sorry, forgive me, I stopped her because I saw you bidding her farewell and wanted to let you say your goodbyes again. We wanted to ask her to pray for us and to forgive us for any shortcomings. We shall wait for her to return as soon as possible'. The Dubai Ruler retweeted a video of a Radio Jockey talking about the incident and said, 'A salute to whoever brings a smile or joy to a traveller's heart. This is the Dubai we want." In March, he hailed one customer service employee who works at a vehicle inspection and registration centre in Dubai's Al Qusais. The Ruler shared pictures of the "diligent young man" who was "committed to completing transactions efficiently". He noted that customers at the centre expressed their gratitude for his "cheerful" nature and his attitude towards them. 5. Charitable concert Imagine being in the '80s and watching Queen, U2, David Bowie, and Elton John performing simultaneously at London's Wembley Stadium and Philadelphia's John F. Kennedy Stadium. In 1985, Sheikh Mohammed provided the largest single donation to the concert — which was being held to raise funds for Ethiopian famine relief. Nearly 2 billion people tuned in to watch the live stream, making it an incredibly historic event of the time.


Gulf Business
7 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Business
Contracting activities in Dubai: New law issued
Image credit: WAM Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has issued Law No. (7) of 2025, establishing a comprehensive regulatory framework for contracting activities in the emirate. The law marks a major step in enhancing governance and transparency within Dubai's contracting sector and aligns with the emirate's long-term development goals and international best practices, Designed to unify and strengthen oversight, the legislation introduces standardised processes for contractor classification, licensing, accountability, and supervision. It also supports the broader objectives of Dubai's economic strategy and sustainable growth ambitions. New oversight committee formed A central feature of the law is the creation of the Contracting Activities Regulation and Development Committee, which will be formed through a decision by the Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai. Chaired by a representative from The committee will oversee the implementation of the new law, determine the regulatory authority for each contracting activity, and propose new policies or legislation for the sector. It will also mediate jurisdictional disputes between oversight bodies, develop a sector-wide code of ethics, and coordinate efforts with both public and private stakeholders. Additionally, the committee is tasked with reviewing and acting on recommendations from relevant authorities to ensure continuous development of the sector. Scope and exemptions The law applies to all contractors operating in Dubai, including those within special development zones and free zones, such as the Dubai International Financial Centre. However, contracting work related to airports and associated infrastructure is excluded, as are any other activities exempted by the Executive Council based on the committee's recommendations. Digital oversight system Dubai Municipality has been assigned responsibility for developing and managing an integrated electronic system that will serve as a central registry for all contracting activities. The platform will be linked with the 'Invest in Dubai' portal to streamline processes and improve accessibility. The municipality is also charged with classifying contractors involved in construction, building, and demolition work, issuing professional competency certificates, and preparing a code of conduct for technical personnel in the sector. Contractor requirements and penalties Under the new law, contractors must operate within the limits of their approved classification and comply with all relevant legislation. Unauthorised subcontracting or exceeding approved technical or financial capacities is strictly prohibited. Violations may incur fines ranging from Dhs1,000 to Dhs100,000. Repeat offenses within a year could see penalties doubled to a maximum of Dhs200,000. Other disciplinary actions may include temporary suspension from operations for up to one year, downgrading of classification, removal from the official registry, cancellation of commercial licenses, and de-registration of technical staff, including revocation of their professional certifications. Compliance period and enforcement All contractors operating in Dubai at the time the law takes effect must regularise their status within one year. This period may be extended by the committee for an additional year if needed. Contractors whose registrations expire during this transition will be allowed to renew them, provided they submit a declaration pledging compliance with the new law. Any previous legislation that conflicts with Law No. (7) of 2025 will be annulled. The new law will come into force six months after its publication in the Official Gazette.


Arabian Business
7 days ago
- Business
- Arabian Business
Dubai announces major new contracting law
Dubai has announced a new contracting law to regulate activities for businesses in the city and oversee the development of vital industries in the emirate. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, issued Law No. (7) of 2025 regulating contracting activities in the Emirate of Dubai. The law, which represents a significant step forward in strengthening the legal and governance framework of the emirate's contracting sector, supports Dubai's vision to advance the development of vital industries in line with global best practices. Dubai contracts law The new law sets out a unified regulatory framework for contractor classification, oversight, transparency and accountability, supporting Dubai's goals for sustainable growth. It also aligns with the emirate's building codes, planning regulations, and long-term development strategy. A key provision of the law is the establishment of the 'Contracting Activities Regulation and Development Committee', which will be formed by a decision of the Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai. The committee, chaired by a representative from Dubai Municipality, will include members from government authorities and entities concerned with contracting activities. The committee will be responsible for: Approving contracting activities in Dubai Identifying entities responsible for supervising each activity Overseeing the implementation of the law Proposing new policies and legislation for the sector Resolving any jurisdictional disputes that may arise between regulatory entities The committee will also adopt a code of ethics for the sector, coordinate with both public and private stakeholders, and review and act upon recommendations submitted by the authorities. The law applies to all contractors operating in Dubai, including those based in special development zones and free zones such as the Dubai International Financial Centre. Contracting activities related to airports and their associated infrastructure, as well as any other activities exempted by a decision from the Chairman of The Executive Council based on the committee's recommendation, are excluded from the scope of the law. Dubai Municipality has been assigned the responsibility of establishing, operating, and managing an integrated electronic system for all contracting activities in the emirate. This new system will be linked to the 'Invest in Dubai' platform and serve as the central registry for contractors in the emirate. Dubai Municipality is also tasked with preparing a code of conduct for the sector, classifying contractors engaged in construction, building, and demolition activities, and issuing professional competency certificates to technical personnel. The law outlines rules for contractor registration. Contractors must comply with all relevant legislation and operate within their approved classification and capacity. They are prohibited from exceeding their technical or financial limits or subcontracting without prior approval. Penalties for violating the provisions of the law or any related decisions include fines ranging from AED1,000 ($272) to AED100,000 ($27,200). Repeat violations within a year may result in doubled fines, up to a maximum of AED200,000 ($54,400). Additional actions may include suspension from contracting activities for up to one year, downgrading of classification, removal from the registry, cancellation of commercial licenses, and suspension or de-registration of technical staff and revocation of their professional certificates. All contractors operating in Dubai at the time the law comes into force are required to regularise their status within a year. This period may be extended by the Committee for another year if necessary. Contractors whose registration expires during this period will be allowed to renew it upon submitting a declaration pledging to comply with the law's provisions within the given timeframe. Any existing legislation that conflicts with this law will be annulled. The law will be effective six months after its publication in the Official Gazette.


Khaleej Times
12-07-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Dubai: Sheikh Mohammed issues new law to regulate contracting sector
Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has issued a new law to regulate contracting activities across the emirate, Dubai Media Office confirmed. The legislation aims to unify standards and practices within the contracting sector, laying down a clear framework for classifying contractors based on their expertise, qualifications, and capabilities. The move is designed to enhance transparency, streamline coordination between relevant authorities, and better align the sector with Dubai's rapid urban and economic development. This update follows after Dubai Municipality recently announced a major update to its 'Contractors and Engineering Offices Evaluation System'. The authority introduced a new set of performance standards and indicators aimed at improving quality, transparency, and accountability in the construction sector.