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.”
The UAE has rejected reports claiming it is cancelling workers’ residency visas or providing financial facilities to Iran, calling the claims false and part of what it described as a wider media campaign.
Dr Anwar Mohammed Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to the UAE President, said on Wednesday that the country remains focused on managing regional developments and preparing for the next phase rather than being distracted by misinformation.
In a post on X, Gargash said some platforms were circulating what he described as false information about the UAE while authorities continued to focus on developments on the ground.
He specifically dismissed rumours about the cancellation of workers’ residency visas and alleged financial support for Iran, saying the claims were incorrect.
Gargash said the UAE’s response to such reports would be through “work and achievements on the ground”, arguing that verifiable facts and tangible results were stronger than rumours.
His comments come amid heightened regional tensions and a wave of unverified claims circulating online. The UAE official urged attention to facts and concrete developments rather than what he described as media noise.
Motorists can now use a new bridge connecting Emirates Road to Al Qudra Road, as Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) continues work to improve traffic movement along the corridor.
The newly opened bridge provides a direct connection for vehicles travelling from Emirates Road towards Al Qudra Road, helping improve access to the surrounding areas and ease traffic movement.
The opening is part of ongoing enhancement works on Al Qudra Road aimed at improving the efficiency of Dubai’s road network and supporting growing traffic demand.
The RTA said the latest improvement is expected to help reduce congestion and provide smoother, more efficient journeys for motorists.
Further road development works along the Al Qudra corridor are continuing as part of Dubai’s wider efforts to strengthen connectivity and keep pace with the emirate’s urban expansion.
Motorists in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah should plan this week, with authorities announcing temporary road closures for maintenance and infrastructure works.
Abu Dhabi: E22 to close overnight
Abu Dhabi Mobility will close the E22 Abu Dhabi–Al Ain Road towards Abu Dhabi on the nights of August 19, 20 and 21.
The closure will be in effect from midnight until 6am each night.
Drivers are advised to plan their journeys around the overnight closure and follow traffic signs and approved diversions in the affected area.
Sharjah: Three-day road closure
Meanwhile, Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority has announced a three-day closure on a section of road running from Sheikh Mohammed bin Sultan Bu Alian Square to Saeed bin Obaid Al-Jarwan Square, on the Al-Jazat side.
The closure will run from Wednesday to Friday as authorities carry out road maintenance and infrastructure development works.
Motorists have been advised to use approved alternative routes, follow diversion signs and comply with traffic safety instructions.
Drivers travelling through either emirate are encouraged to allow extra time for their journeys and check road conditions before setting out.
