Abu Dhabi’s public light art exhibition, Manar Abu Dhabi, returns for its second edition this winter, illuminating the capital and Al Ain with a dazzling collection of large-scale light sculptures and immersive installations.
Organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), the new edition builds on the success of its 2023–24 debut, which transformed the city’s beaches, islands, and mangroves into glowing works of art.
This year’s theme, The Light Compass, draws inspiration from the Gulf’s historical relationship with light as a guiding force — both as a tool for navigation and as a symbol of hope and discovery.
Running from 1 November 2025 to 4 January 2026 in Al Ain, and 15 November 2025 to 4 January 2026 in Abu Dhabi, Manar Abu Dhabi 2025–26 brings together 15 Emirati and international artists and collectives from 10 countries, featuring 23 site-specific light sculptures, projections, and installations.
A Celebration of Art, Light, and Nature
This year’s exhibition will span four key locations — Jubail Island, Souq Al Mina, and, for the first time, Al Ain’s Al Qattara and Al Jimi Oases. Each site offers a unique encounter with light art, connecting natural landscapes with creative innovation.
Jubail Island serves as the exhibition’s anchor, where large-scale light sculptures and interactive works by Pamela Poh, DRIFT, Shaikha Al Mazrou, and Montreal-based studio Iregular will merge art, technology, and nature. The installations are designed to respond to the island’s tranquil mangrove ecosystem, reflecting the exhibition’s commitment to sustainability and the environment.
In Al Ain, the lush Al Qattara and Al Jimi Oases will glow with illuminated art trails exploring the theme of water as life’s source. Emirati artists Ammar Al Attar, Khalid Shafar, Maitha Hamdan, and Abdulla Al Mulla will present new works alongside internationally acclaimed names Rafael Lozano-Hemmer and Christian Brinkmann, creating a dialogue between heritage, ecology, and contemporary expression.
Meanwhile, Souq Al Mina promises one of the season’s most anticipated highlights — KAWS:HOLIDAY Abu Dhabi, presented by renowned artist KAWS in collaboration with AllRightsReserved. The monumental illuminated sculpture depicts KAWS’s signature COMPANION figure gently lifting a glowing moon, a poetic symbol of reflection and connection under the night sky.
Grab a fabulous preview here (press to play):
Timing and Locations for 2025-26 Manar Abu Dhabi
Daily from 5:30 pm to Midnight at the following locations/dates:
| Location | Dates | Featured Artists |
|---|---|---|
| Al Qattara Oasis, Al Ain | 1 November 2025 – 4 January 2026 | Khalid Shafar, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer |
| Al Jimi Oasis, Al Ain | 1 November 2025 – 4 January 2026 | Abdulla Al Mulla, Ammar Al Attar, Christian Brinkmann, Maitha Hamdan |
| Jubail Island, Abu Dhabi | 15 November 2025 – 4 January 2026 | Christian Brinkmann, DRIFT, Encor Studio, Ezequiel Pini, Iregular, Kirsten Berg, Lachlan Turczan, Pamela Poh, Shaikha Al Mazrou |
| Souq Al Mina, Abu Dhabi | 15 November 2025 – 4 January 2026 | KAWS |
Connecting Communities Through Public Art
In addition to the installations, Manar Abu Dhabi will host a series of public talks, workshops, and performances, inviting residents and visitors to engage directly with the artists and their creative processes. Full programme details will be announced in the coming weeks.
Curated by Khai Hori, with co-curators Alia Zaal Lootah, Munira Al Sayegh, and Mariam Alshehhi, Manar Abu Dhabi: The Light Compass continues to expand the reach of Public Art Abu Dhabi, a DCT initiative dedicated to integrating art into the city’s public spaces and celebrating the UAE’s creative spirit.
By lighting up some of Abu Dhabi’s most beautiful natural and urban settings, Manar Abu Dhabi offers an inspiring way to experience the capital this winter — where art and environment meet under the guiding glow of “The Light Compass.”
Pop back here if you want to see some of the standout exhibits from the last event in 2023-24!
More Art & Culture in Abu Dhabi this Winter
The city is rapidly transitioning from summer mode to the brisk pace of winter, with a multitude of events taking place across the city over the next few months, ranging from food festivals to motor sports and everything in between. If you’d like to do more exploring, we suggest you read next:
- Abu Dhabi’s Top Cultural Attractions You Need to Visit – Abu Dhabi City & Al Ain
- Best Parks and Outdoor Spaces in Abu Dhabi
- The Sheikh Zayed Festival in Al Wathba (November to March)
- Mother of the Nation Festival – Al Ain, Western Region & Abu Dhabi Corniche
- Liwa International Festival – Liwa Desert (12 December to 3 January)
- Christmas & Festive Season Celebrations in Abu Dhabi
- November Guide to Abu Dhabi
- December Guide to Abu Dhabi
- January Guide to Abu Dhabi
Before you go… Important things to consider when planning a trip to Abu Dhabi
- Pop into our essential planning information page; it includes everything you need to know about getting around Abu Dhabi, a handy guide on what to pack and top tips for first-timers on the dos and don’ts, laws, and customs in the UAE.
- Start planning your itinerary around the 60+ top places to visit in Abu Dhabi.
- Don’t forget to pack your travel insurance!
- Discover the best places to stay in Abu Dhabi.
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