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.”
Residents in the UAE could be in for one of the longest breaks of the year as Eid Al Adha approaches in 2026.
Based on current astronomical predictions, the holiday is expected to begin with Arafat Day on Tuesday, May 26, followed by Eid celebrations from May 27 to May 29. When combined with the weekend, this could mean a break of up to six days—making it an ideal time for travel, relaxation, and family gatherings.
Eid Al Adha, one of the most significant festivals in Islam, is traditionally marked by special prayers, acts of charity, and time spent with loved ones.
While official dates will be confirmed closer to the time through moon sighting, many residents are already expected to start planning ahead for the extended holiday.
Looking further ahead, the UAE calendar will also feature other key public holidays, including the Islamic New Year in June and National Day celebrations in December.
The Ministry of Interior has issued a warning against vehicles that produce disturbing noises, stating that such behaviour causes anxiety and inconvenience to residents.
In a statement shared on X, the ministry stressed that offenders will face legal consequences. It added that making unauthorised modifications to a vehicle’s engine or chassis is considered a traffic violation.
Authorities confirmed that violators will face:
A fine of Dhs1,000
12 black points on their driving record
Vehicle impoundment for 30 days
The ministry noted that these penalties fall under Article 73 of the Schedule of Violations outlined in Ministerial Resolution No. 178 of 2017 on traffic rules and procedures.
Officials are urging drivers to comply with regulations and help maintain a safe and peaceful environment for all residents.
Authorities in the UAE have urged residents in areas affected by unstable weather to prioritise safety and perform Friday prayers at home. The decision comes as rain alerts have been issued across much of the country, with heavier showers expected from Thursday evening.
Mosques have been instructed to announce “Pray in your homes” after the call to prayer in affected areas. If mosques remain open, imams may combine prayers depending on weather conditions.
Officials are also advising motorists to drive carefully, reduce speed, and follow safety guidelines during the rainy conditions.
The move aims to protect public safety while ensuring religious practices can continue without risk.
