The Art Maze – the first-ever art exhibition at the iconic Burj Al Arab Jumeirah’s famous helipad – is being held from March 23 to March 27.
The show offers a new immersive art gallery experience. Hosted by artists Marcus Schaefer and Sacha Jafri, The Art Maze displays 30 oil and acrylic paintings that are inspired by 30 World Heritage Sites. UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
The helipad is suspended 212 metres above sea level and has hosted a number of sporting and cultural events.
‘The Art Maze’ showcases 30 original paintings of Jafri that depict World Heritage Sites in a custom built 12-metre by 12-metre steel labyrinthine designed by Schaefer.
The Art Maze is an invite-only event for VIPs, celebrities, entrepreneurs, HNWI and art collectors.
The launch of the exhibition on the helipad sets off ‘The Art Maze World Tour’. The show will travel all across the globe over the next 24 months.
Schaefer said: “With this heartfelt project, I want to raise awareness, especially in uncertain times with a global pandemic and political instabilities, to remind and honour all people about the beauty of our world, nature, man-made monuments.”
Jafri said: “My vision and inspiration for my artworks for The Art Maze stems from the beauty, the spirit, the history and the anthropology of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Trying to depict the emotion of a culture, a building, a story, a vista, and most importantly, an energy, all inspired me to create this collection which is so special, almost spiritual and otherworldly. It has been an honour for me to celebrate these sites as part of UNESCO’s 50th Anniversary of World Heritage.”
Thinking of taking your celebration to the streets? You might want to double-check your paperwork first. Abu Dhabi Police are reminding residents that prior approval is mandatory for any celebratory parades or public gatherings in the emirate.
The message is clear: while the city loves a celebration, safety and traffic flow come first.
The permit rule: Why it matters
Authorities are stressing that obtaining a permit from the relevant entities isn’t just a formality, it’s about public safety. Proper coordination allows police to:
Maintain security across the district.
Manage traffic to prevent gridlock.
Protect public and private property from damage.
Risky business: What to avoid
The Directorate of Traffic and Patrols has flagged specific behaviours that are strictly off-limits, including:
Passengers leaning out of windows or sunroofs.
Stunt driving or erratic movements.
Blocking traffic flow for photos or videos.
The Cost of Non-Compliance
The UAE’s Federal Traffic Law doesn’t take these violations lightly. If you’re caught in an unapproved parade or driving dangerously, the penalties are steep:
Endangering the public: Driving in a way that puts people at risk carries a Dh2,000 fine, 23 black points, and the impoundment of your vehicle for 60 days.
Unapproved parades: Taking part in a parade without a permit results in a Dh500 fine, 4 black points, and a 15-day vehicle impoundment.
Residents are being urged to act responsibly and report any unauthorised or dangerous activities to the police immediately.
Commuting by water in Dubai just got a lot cooler. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has officially completed the second phase of its marine station upgrades, turning five popular stops into high-tech, comfortable hubs for residents and tourists alike.
Which stations got an upgrade?
The latest round of improvements covers some of the city’s most iconic waterfront spots:
Sheikh Zayed Road
Al Fahidi
Bluewaters
Baniyas
Al Seef
What’s new for commuters?
Forget waiting in the heat. The RTA has focused on physical and psychological well-being by packing these stations with modern perks:
Climate Control: Fully air-conditioned waiting areas and expanded seating.
Stay Connected: Free public Wi-Fi and real-time passenger information screens showing ferry and abra schedules.
Heritage Design: The architecture is inspired by Dubai’s maritime history, blending traditional culture with modern urban vibes.
Safety First: New surveillance cameras and fire alarm systems have been integrated to ensure a secure environment.
Designed for everyone
In line with the Dubai Universal Design Code, the stations have been redesigned for better accessibility. This includes smoother entry and exit points for senior citizens, women, and People of Determination, ensuring that Dubai’s marine transport is inclusive for all.
The project builds on the success of Phase I in Dubai Marina, which saw a massive spike in customer satisfaction last year.
If you rely on the bus to get around Dubai, your daily wait just got a whole lot more comfortable. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has officially finished installing 726 state-of-the-art bus shelters across the city’s busiest neighbourhoods.
This isn’t just about a place to sit, it’s a massive step toward making Dubai one of the most people-centric cities in the world.
Built for the crowd
These aren’t your average bus stops. They are strategically placed in high-density areas to handle a staggering 192 million riders every year. Some of the busiest spots now link up more than 10 different bus routes, which means less waiting time and a much smoother transfer if you’re jumping between buses, the Metro, or a taxi.
Cool, connected, and accessible
The RTA designed seven different models of shelters to fit the specific needs of each area. Here’s what makes them stand out:
Beating the Heat: Many of the larger stations feature air-conditioned waiting areas and shaded seating, a total lifesaver during the UAE summer.
Real-Time Info: No more guessing when the next bus arrives. Integrated screens show live timetables and route frequencies.
Inclusive Design: In line with the My Community… A City for Everyone initiative, the shelters are fully wheelchair-accessible and follow the Dubai Universal Design Code.
As Mattar Al Tayer, Director General of the RTA, put it, this project is about more than just steel and glass. It’s part of a long-term vision to make public transport so attractive and easy to use that more people ditch their cars, helping Dubai hit its sustainability and carbon reduction targets.
Whether you’re a daily commuter or just an occasional rider, the journey across the emirate just got a lot more seamless.
