Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – 4 November, 2025: Manar Abu Dhabi, a Public Art Abu Dhabi initiative under the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), returned for its second edition, debuting in Al Ain for the first time on 1 November 2025.
Under the theme “The Light Compass,” and curated by Khai Hori (Artistic Director), Alia Zaal Lootah (Curator), Munira Al Sayegh (Curator), and Mariam Alshehhi (Assistant Curator), the Al Ain Cultural sites of Manar Abu Dhabi feature six Emirati and international artists whose light-based installations illuminate Al Jimi and Al Qattara oases, — both part of Al Ain’s cultural sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The exhibition continues its mission to celebrate the emirate of Abu Dhabi as a hub for cultural innovation and contemporary public art, merging creativity, heritage, nature and technology to inspire communities and visitors alike.
During the opening weekend, which coincided with the commencement of Al Ain’s Traditional Handicrafts Festival, visitors in their thousands enjoyed striking immersive light art works by acclaimed artists Rafael Lozano-Hemmer, Khalid Shafar, Maitha Hamdan, Abdalla Almulla, Ammar Al Attar and Christian Brinkmann, with theworks guiding audiences through a sensory journey across light, sound, and space, reflecting Abu Dhabi’s growing influence as a global platform for artistic exchange and innovation in the public realm.
Manar Abu Dhabi opened with a public talk, “Public Art & the Al Ain Landscape,” hosted by Manar Abu Dhabi curator Alia Zaal Lootah, offering attendees insight into the creative vision behind the installations and the role of public art in celebrating the emirate’s cultural heritage.
As part of Manar Abu Dhabi Al Qattara and Al Jimi oases feature food and beverage pop-ups, and host guided tours and photography workshops, creating opportunities for audiences to experience art, culture, and community amid Al Ain’s historic oases.
Manar Abu Dhabi is open daily from 5:30PM to 12:00 AM until 4 January 2026. Entry is free and guided tours are available daily at 7:00PM at a cost of AED50 per person.
For more information, visit paad.ae
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About Manar Abu Dhabi
Organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), Manar Abu Dhabi is a public light art exhibition that aims to foster creativity and celebrate the emirate’s landscapes.
The second edition of the Manar Abu Dhabi under the theme ‘The Light Compass’ will illuminate the archipelagos, mangroves and oases of the emirate of Abu Dhabi from 1 November 2025 to 4 January 2026 (Al Ain) and 15 November 2025 to 4 January 2026 (Abu Dhabi).
Manar Abu Dhabi is part of the Public Art Abu Dhabi initiative, DCT Abu Dhabi’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the emirate’s urban fabric through public art.
For more information about Manar Abu Dhabi and Public Art Abu Dhabi please visit: paad.ae
About the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi:
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) drives the sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi’s culture and tourism sectors and its creative industries, fuelling economic progress and helping to achieve Abu Dhabi’s wider global ambitions.
By working in partnership with the organisations that define the emirate’s position as a leading international destination, DCT Abu Dhabi strives to unite the ecosystem around a shared vision of the emirate’s potential, coordinate effort and investment, deliver innovative solutions, and use the best tools, policies and systems to support the culture and tourism.
DCT Abu Dhabi’s vision is defined by the emirate’s people, heritage and landscape. We work to enhance Abu Dhabi’s status as a place of authenticity, innovation, and unparalleled experiences, represented by its living traditions of hospitality, pioneering initiatives and creative thought.
For more information about the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and the destination, please visit: dct.gov.ae and abudhabiculture.ae