Technology & Innovation

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has taken two major steps to enhance its innovation and intellectual property ecosystem: the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), and the launch of a new Human-Machine Collaboration (HMC) classification system for AI-assisted content in Dubai.

UAE-WIPO Agreement to Bolster Intellectual Property Environment

The Ministry of Economy signed a strategic MoU with WIPO on the sidelines of the 66th meeting of WIPO member states in Geneva. The agreement was signed by H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, and WIPO Director General Daren Tang.

The partnership aims to advance the UAE’s legislative and institutional IP frameworks in alignment with international best practices. Key areas of cooperation include IP policy development, digital transformation, knowledge exchange, and capacity building.

According to the Ministry, the initiative supports the UAE’s broader vision under the "We the UAE 2031" strategy, which focuses on developing a competitive knowledge economy and supporting national goals in science, technology, innovation, and the creative industries.

As part of the agreement, a joint working group will be formed to monitor implementation, review progress, and ensure that outcomes are aligned with global trends and national priorities.

Voluntary AI Content Classification Introduced in Dubai

In a parallel development, Dubai launched a voluntary five-level classification system to indicate the degree of machine involvement in the creation of intellectual, academic, or creative content. The Human-Machine Collaboration (HMC) icons were introduced by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and are designed to improve transparency around AI-generated materials.

The classification levels include:

1. All Human – Content fully produced by a human without machine involvement

2. Human-led – Human-generated content enhanced by AI tools

3. Machine-assisted – Collaborative content between humans and AI

4. Machine-led – AI takes the lead with human oversight

5. All Machine – Fully generated by AI without human input

While the use of these classifications is optional for the general public and private sector, it is mandatory for Dubai Government departments and those working directly with them. The Dubai Future Foundation emphasized that the classification is intended to encourage “honest self-assessment and transparency.”

These icons can be freely used on various formats including academic papers, reports, artworks, videos, and social media content. They may be placed in disclaimers, footnotes, or on content covers to clearly signal the level of AI involvement.

Combined Impact

Together, these initiatives reflect the UAE's growing focus on innovation governance. While the WIPO partnership strengthens the legal and institutional backbone of the country's IP sector, the AI classification system addresses the rising need for ethical content labeling in an AI-driven world.

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