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’s Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) has issued a fresh investor alert, warning the public about two companies operating without the required licences.
In a statement on Friday, December 12, the authority identified XC Market Limited and XCE Commercial Brokers LLC as unlicensed entities, noting that both firms are conducting financial activities without SCA approval.
The regulator stressed that the companies are not authorised to carry out regulated investment services or offer any related financial products in the UAE. It also clarified that it bears no responsibility for any transactions conducted with the firms.
The warning follows a series of recent alerts as part of the SCA’s ongoing push to combat fraudulent operators. Earlier this month, the authority cautioned investors about Global Capital Securities Trading, which was posing as a licensed trading firm. On December 3, it also flagged an entity calling itself the Gulf Higher Authority for Financial Conduct, which was found using a misleading website and falsely claiming regulatory status.
The SCA reiterated that investors should verify the licensing status of any company before engaging in financial dealings, as the regulator continues monitoring for unlicensed operators and cloned platforms targeting the UAE market.
Private-sector employees across the UAE will enjoy a long weekend to ring in 2026, with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) confirming that Thursday, 1 January 2026, will be an official paid holiday.
The announcement comes in line with the UAE Cabinet’s approved list of public holidays for both government and private-sector workers.
Since New Year’s Day falls on a Thursday, private-sector offices will resume work on Friday, January 2, 2026.
Public sector schedule
The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources has also confirmed the holiday for federal government employees. Federal ministries and entities will be closed on Thursday, with Friday, January 2, 2026, designated as a remote-work day, except for roles that require on-site presence.
Sharjah authorities have also announced the New Year holiday in line with the national schedule.
The unified holiday ensures residents across the UAE can welcome the new year with a mid-week break and extended family time.
The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure has announced a temporary traffic diversion on Emirates Road beginning Thursday, December 11, as part of ongoing development works aimed at improving road efficiency and easing traffic flow in the area.
As part of the plan, the slip road for motorists travelling from Ras Al Khaimah towards Al Dhaid at Interchange No. 7 will be closed for the duration of the project. Traffic will instead be redirected to alternative routes to support smoother vehicle movement and ensure road user safety.
Drivers are advised to use Interchange No. 6 and the new Khorfakkan Road tunnel as substitutes during the closure.
The ministry thanked the public for their cooperation and emphasised the importance of following traffic instructions, adhering to directional signs installed at the site, and maintaining safe driving throughout the diversion period.
