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.”
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.
Motorists using Al Marabea’ Street in Al Quoz can expect smoother journeys after Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) completed a series of road upgrades aimed at easing congestion and improving traffic flow.
The project covered a 1.1-km stretch between the Al Khail Road exit and Al Asayel Street, increasing road capacity by 30% and cutting journey times by up to 30% during peak hours.
The improvements are part of RTA’s wider programme to expand Dubai’s road network and respond to rising traffic linked to the emirate’s rapid urban growth.
Congestion cut by 50%
As part of the works, an intersection was expanded with an additional lane for vehicles travelling from Al Marabea’ Street towards Street 16A.
The extra lane has reduced congestion and vehicle queues at the intersection by 50%, according to the RTA.
New modern lighting poles have also been installed to improve visibility and road safety, particularly at night.
More upgrades coming
RTA is continuing work on Al Marabea’ Street, with a new service road and continuous pedestrian walkway planned to serve the neighbouring industrial area.
The ongoing project also includes a new access point at the beginning of the Al Khail Road exit towards Al Marabea’ Street, designed to improve access and safety.
The remaining works are expected to be completed by the end of August 2026.
Al Marabea’ Street is an important route through Al Quoz, connecting Al Khail Road and Al Asayel Street while providing access to industrial, commercial and residential areas. The corridor also serves traffic travelling to and from Al Quoz, Al Meydan, Business Bay and Downtown Dubai.
