The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced on Thursday that Al Maktoum Bridge will be temporarily closed until January 16, 2025, for maintenance works. The bridge will be closed from Monday to Saturday between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m., with a full 24-hour closure on Sundays.

Motorists are advised to plan ahead and use alternative routes to ensure timely travel during this period.

A musical spectacle like no other is heading to Abu Dhabi, as Coldplay brings their record-breaking ‘Music of the Spheres’ world tour to the UAE for an exclusive, must-see performance.

Coldplay is set to make a triumphant return to the Middle East with an exclusive, one-night-only concert in Abu Dhabi, as part of their record-shattering “Music of the Spheres” world tour. Scheduled for January 11, 2025, at the iconic Zayed Sports City Stadium, this highly anticipated performance is the only stop in the region, sending waves of excitement through fans who have long awaited the band’s return since 2016.

The Grammy Award-winning band has taken the world by storm with their current tour, having sold over 10 million tickets globally and smashing attendance records along the way. Following a series of sold-out European stadium shows and newly announced UK dates, Coldplay’s UAE concert promises an unforgettable evening of musical magic.

Presented by Live Nation, the Abu Dhabi show will deliver a spectacular experience, complete with dazzling visuals, lasers, fireworks, and a setlist blending timeless classics like “Yellow,” “The Scientist,” and “Viva La Vida” with hits from their Album of the Year-nominated Music of the Spheres. For fans in the region, this event is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness Coldplay’s unmatched energy and iconic sound live on stage.

Tickets will be available via Live Nation Middle East, with presales starting on September 25 for fans registered on Coldplay’s website, followed by a general sale on September 27. 

The Music of the Spheres tour, which kicked off in March 2022, is also set to travel to Mumbai, Seoul, and Hong Kong in early 2025, highlighting the band’s commitment to reaching fans around the globe.

Coldplay is also focusing on sustainability, reporting a 59 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions compared to their previous stadium tour and planting over nine million trees worldwide as part of their environmental initiatives.

Leading Dubai – based financial advisory firm Corporate Group and PwC Academy Middle East have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), launching a strategic collaboration aimed at empowering the next generation of young professionals by bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world corporate experience. This initiative seeks to provide ambitious students with a clear pathway into the corporate world, equipping them with the skills and hands-on experience necessary to thrive in today’s competitive marketplace.

Mohamed Osman, Chairman and Co-Founder of Corporate Group, said: “Our partnership with PwC marks a pivotal step in shaping the future of our industry by equipping the next generation with practical experience, essential skills, and deep knowledge. Together, we’re committed to fostering talent in the UAE, and we look forward to making a lasting impact on the emerging workforce.”

This partnership leverages Corporate Group’s deep industry expertise and PwC Academy’s exceptional educational platform, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical, dynamic setting.

Taimur Ali Mir, PwC Partner and Professional Qualifications lead at PwC Academy, added: “This collaboration further reinforces our commitment to enabling the workforce of the future with the right knowledge, skills, and mindset required to thrive in today’s dynamic financial landscape. We look forward to working with Corporate Group to deliver impactful and meaningful experiences that support the region’s talent development needs.”

Participants will gain firsthand exposure to real corporate challenges, deepening their understanding of business operations and developing the mindset, confidence, and problem-solving skills required to drive meaningful change.

Unlike traditional academic programs, this collaboration emphasises real-world readiness. Graduates will be fully equipped to enter the workforce as active contributors, ready to make an immediate and impactful difference within their organisations. They will be empowered to tackle complex problems, make informed decisions, and lead with purpose from day one—ultimately contributing to the sustained growth of the region’s business ecosystem.