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DIFC turns into first-of-its-kind open-air art gallery

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4 years ago

March 9, 2022

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Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), is transforming into an open-air art gallery with the unveiling of DIFC Sculpture Park and bringing together a diverse portfolio of artists showcasing 65 works of art including sculptures and paintings. The exhibition will remain open to the public until June 30, 2022.

The free-to-attend picturesque walk and exhibition run from Gate Building to Gate Avenue in the financial centre with works from well-established galleries such as Leila Heller Gallery, Firetti Gallery and AWC Gallery, as well as independent outlets.

“Over the years, DIFC has been developed into a vibrant urban destination promoting innovation, harmonious living and sustainability,” said Arif Amiri, CEO of DIFC Authority. “As part of our commitment to support Dubai’s art and culture vision, we are transforming DIFC into a unique sculpture park that will continue to shape the emirate’s growing open-air art movement whilst attracting international artists to the Centre.”

Labels on each piece of the art lead visitors on a self-guided tour through pieces including Richard Hudson’s Unwind, where the reflective services absorb their surroundings and encourage visitors to engage with the space and immerse themselves in the artwork; Wim Delvoye’s Le Denicheurdes Aigles, which was made specifically for the Royal Museum of Fine Arts in Brussels; Azza Al Qubaisi’s Alphabet of Life, which allows the viewer to experience walking through a palm oasis representing social solidarity, growth and prosperity; Mert Ege Kose’s Sculpture 1 / 2, a metal statue that helps find the depth of problems and techniques; Ahmet Gunestekin’s Gelene-ek –Horse that brings tradition into the present; and Sacha Jafri’s Lyricism Entwined.

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Dubai-India travel: Security procedures triggered for Emirates flight following bomb threat email, flight lands safely

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1 day ago

December 5, 2025

Michael Gomes

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Authorities at Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport activated full emergency protocols on Friday after receiving a bomb threat email linked to Emirates flight EK526 travelling from Dubai (DXB) to Hyderabad (HYD).

According to GMR officials, the threat email landed in the airport’s customer support inbox around 7.30am on December 5. Despite the alert, the flight continued under strict monitoring and landed safely at 8.30am.

Once on the ground, the aircraft was immediately moved to an isolated bay. Passengers were safely deboarded, and security te

ams carried out standard bomb threat checks. Investigations are currently underway.

Emirates confirmed the incident in a statement to local media, saying authorities had alerted them to a “potential security threat” to EK526.
“All standard security procedures were implemented by the relevant local authorities with full co-operation from Emirates’ ground teams,” the airline said, adding that “the safety and well-being of passengers and crew remain the highest priority.”

Authorities say all threats are being investigated, and extra security measures remain in place at the airport.

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Driving through Abu Dhabi this week? Here are the road closures you need to know about

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1 day ago

December 5, 2025

Michael Gomes

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Abu Dhabi motorists can expect some delays over the next few days, with the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) announcing a series of partial road closures across key routes in the capital. Drivers are being urged to plan, allow extra travel time, and follow diversions to avoid congestion.

Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Street

A major set of phased lane closures will take place near Sheikh Zayed Bridge from Tuesday, December 9 to Monday, December 22, 2025.

Three left lanes will be closed from 12am on December 9 until 10pm on December 15.
Two right lanes will then shut from 10pm on December 15 until 6am on December 22.

Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Street

Another temporary closure is scheduled on Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Street from 5pm on December 5 until 5am on December 8.

Authorities explained that these restrictions are part of ongoing road enhancement projects designed to improve traffic flow and safety across the city. Motorists are encouraged to use alternative routes wherever possible during the maintenance period.

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Sharjah Police give deadline to remove National Day stickers, or face fines

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1 day ago

December 5, 2025

Michael Gomes

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If your car is still sporting National Day decals, it’s time to take them off. Sharjah Police have announced that all vehicle owners must remove their UAE National Day celebration stickers by Saturday, December 6, and those who miss the deadline will face violations.

The reminder follows a crackdown during the 54th Eid Al Etihad celebrations, where authorities impounded 106 vehicles and nine motorbikes for dangerous and irresponsible behaviour on the roads.

According to Sharjah Police, the violations included:

Creating loud noise and disturbing residents
Driving recklessly and endangering others
Operating vehicles without a valid licence

Police officials urged motorists to celebrate responsibly and avoid turning festivities into safety risks.

However, there has been a shift in decorating trends this year. Many residents opted for cleaner, simpler, more elegant designs to showcase their UAE pride ahead of the long weekend, and demand for custom decals surged.

Authorities are now urging residents to ensure all celebratory stickers and decorations are removed by the set deadline to keep roads safe and avoid penalties.