Dubai has unveiled a global classification system aimed at distinguishing the role of humans and intelligent machines in the creation of research, academic, creative and scientific content, in a move that sets a precedent amid the growing use of AI and automation in content production.

The Human–Machine Collaboration (HMC) classification system, developed by the Dubai Future Foundation, was approved by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees.

“Distinguishing between human creativity and artificial intelligence has become a real challenge in light of today’s rapid technological advances,” Sheikh Hamdan said. “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 called on researchers, writers, designers, and publishers globally to adopt the system “responsibly and in ways that benefit people.”

Sheikh Hamdan also directed all Dubai Government entities to start using the system in their research and knowledge-based work.

Human–Machine Collaboration classification for AI-generated content

The classification introduces five main icons reflecting varying levels of collaboration:

All Human: No machine involvement.

Human led: Human-created content enhanced or checked by machines.

Machine assisted: Collaborative iteration between human and machine.

Machine led: Machine-generated content reviewed by humans.

All Machine: Fully machine-generated with no human input.

It also includes nine function-based icons to indicate where machine interaction occurred — from ideation and data analysis to visuals and design.

While it does not quantify the percentage of machine involvement, the system aims to promote disclosure and encourage content creators to self-identify the nature of collaboration involved.

According to the Dubai Future Foundation, the icons can be used across sectors and formats, including images and videos, and are intended to help audiences better understand the origins of the content they consume.

Read: Why the Turing Test is still the best benchmark to assess AI

Air Arabia Abu Dhabi has added two new Airbus A320 aircraft to its fleet, bringing the total number of aircraft operated by the capital’s first low-cost carrier to 12, the airline announced on Wednesday.

The fleet expansion is part of the carrier’s broader strategy to scale operations and strengthen Abu Dhabi’s role as a growing aviation hub.

The airline also plans to add two more A320s by the end of 2025, which will raise total capacity by 40 per cent.

The increase is intended to support growing demand for travel and aligns with the emirate’s economic and tourism development goals.

Air Arabia Abu Dhabi capacity increase aligned with plans

“The addition of new aircraft and our strategic fleet expansion reflect our ongoing commitment to enhancing operational efficiency and expanding our network reach,” said Adel Al Ali, group CEO of Air Arabia. “The planned capacity increase in 2025 will further contribute to the capital’s broader economic and tourism vision while continuing to offer value-driven air travel to our customers.”

Air Arabia Abu Dhabi, launched in 2020, currently connects the UAE capital to more than 30 destinations across the Middle East, Africa, Central Asia, the Indian Subcontinent, and Eastern Europe.

Its latest route additions include Yerevan, Almaty, and Sialkot.

In today’s volatile global environment, travel risks have become a board-level concern for organisations headquartered in or operating out of the UAE and the Middle East.

Whether responding to geopolitical instability, natural disasters, health outbreaks or climate-related disruptions, businesses must remain agile and informed to safeguard their most valuable asset: their people.

Dubai and the broader UAE have long served as strategic hubs for multinational and regional companies, owing to their connectivity and business-friendly infrastructure.

As a result, many organisations here have employees regularly deployed to — or permanently based in locations with elevated risk profiles. These include areas affected by conflict, civil unrest, health crises or environmental hazards.

Sectors such as energy, construction, government services, NGOs and infrastructure development are especially prone to operating in such complex environments.

While risk is not new, the speed and interconnected nature of today’s crises demand a new level of preparedness.

The UAE advantage – But no room for complacency

Being headquartered in the UAE offers undeniable benefits — political stability, rapid response infrastructure, and strong global connectivity. However, these advantages do not come for granted outside of the UAE, whereby the security context can greatly shift. It’s critical for organisations to recognise that the risk does not disappear at the departure gate. The Duty of Care follows employees wherever they go, and any lapse in preparedness can have legal, financial and reputational consequences.

Thus, a holistic and proactive approach to travel risk management, one that is integrated into corporate strategy and culture, not just compliance checklists is a must.

The new geography of risks and key steps to building resilience

Today’s risk landscape is no longer confined to conflict zones or politically unstable countries. Disruptions can arise suddenly, and from multiple sources: political unrest, public health emergencies, cyberattacks, or extreme weather events.

Managing travel risk effectively requires a multi-layered approach. Based on our global expertise and regional experience, here are four key pillars UAE-based organisations should focus on:

1. Pre-travel planning and risk assessment
   Before sending staff to a new location, particularly those marked as medium to high risk—conduct thorough threat assessments, backed by intelligence from trusted sources.
2. Employee education and preparedness
   Regular training sessions, including crisis simulations, crisis management masterclass and security awareness briefings, equip staff with the knowledge and confidence to respond appropriately in dynamic environments.
3. Real-time monitoring and incident response
   Having access to timely, verified information can be the difference between disruption and disaster. Therefore, having a system or team in place for real time monitoring and incident responses is crucial.
4. Post-incident recovery and policy review
   Once a crisis has passed, it’s vital to review and refine policies, ensuring lessons are incorporated into future planning.

There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to travel risk. Each organisation, each employee, and each destination carries a unique profile that must be addressed with nuance and care.

Whether your teams are deployed for infrastructure projects in remote areas or executive meetings in volatile regions, having the right strategy and plan makes all the difference.

The writer is the GM Middle East, International SOS.

Dubai’s largest provider of paid public parking, Parkin Company PJSC, has announced new subscription plans tailored for students, educators, and multi-storey parking users. The initiative aims to offer more flexible and affordable options to meet daily parking needs across the city.

Read-Abu Dhabi: New paid parking zones announced

Students can now subscribe for just Dhs100 per month, granting access to roadside and plot parking in Zones A, B, C, and D within a 500-meter radius of their educational institutions. Staff members of private educational institutions are also eligible for the same Dhs100 monthly rate, providing cost-effective parking near their workplaces.

In addition, Parkin has introduced a subscription plan for multi-storey parking, starting at Dhs735 per month. This option offers convenient access to parking near homes, offices, and key city destinations, easing daily commutes and supporting urban mobility. The launch of these plans was shared in a post on Parkin’s official X (formerly Twitter) account.

In a related development, Dubai Municipality signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Parkin on July 9, 2025, aimed at boosting the operational efficiency and service quality of the emirate’s public parking infrastructure.

The agreement outlines collaboration in key areas, including the development of planning and regulatory standards, streamlining of permit procedures, and data sharing to enhance service optimization. As part of the MoU, Parkin will also manage selected free public parking facilities currently owned by Dubai Municipality, further expanding its smart parking network, a Dubai Media Office report said.

These initiatives are part of a broader strategy to enhance urban infrastructure and improve the daily commute experience for residents across Dubai.

Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office, has launched a new interactive guide highlighting some of the city’s top indoor sports destinations, encouraging residents and visitors to stay active throughout the summer.

Released under the ongoing #DubaiDestinations summer campaign, the guide features a wide range of family-friendly venues where people of all ages can enjoy sports in air-conditioned comfort. Activities include football, volleyball, basketball, padel, spin cycling, martial arts, yoga, indoor golf, bowling and ice skating.

The initiative aims to reinforce Dubai’s reputation as one of the world’s most vibrant and activity-focused cities—even during its hottest months.

Khawla Al Hashmi, member of the organising committee of the #DubaiDestinations Campaign, said: “Brand Dubai’s latest guide highlights indoor venues designed for all ages, offering opportunities for everyone to enjoy their favourite sports while also featuring destinations that give children more space to make the most of their summer break. The campaign uses these guides to showcase experiences that appeal to a wide audience, helping residents, families and visitors discover fresh ways to enjoy Dubai’s summer offerings. Content creators continue to play a key role in bringing these destinations to life through engaging storytelling, inspiring more people across the UAE and beyond to explore what the city has to offer.”

Indoor destinations

Among the destinations featured are several indoor ice-skating rinks, including popular spots at Al Nasr Leisureland, The Dubai Mall, Sports Society Mall, Galleria Ice Rink at Hyatt Regency Dubai and Emirates Sports Hotel. These venues are a popular draw during the hotter months, offering a cool alternative for sports and leisure.

The guide also lists indoor bowling centres located across the city—ideal for families, groups of friends or casual games in a relaxed setting.

Indoor football remains a top pick for many, with over a dozen air-conditioned venues included. These facilities offer enthusiasts a chance to enjoy the sport year-round in a well-equipped and climate-controlled environment.

Running through the end of July, the #DubaiDestinations campaign continues to spotlight the best experiences the city has to offer during the summer. Community engagement remains a key component, with residents and tourists encouraged to share their own stories, images and tips on how they enjoy an active summer in Dubai.

The indoor sports destination guide is available in both English and Arabic and can be accessed here:
https://dubaidestinations.ae/-/media/2025/july/16-07/03/indoor-sports-destination-guide.pdf