Alright, art lovers, stargazers, and people who’ve ever been hypnotized by a lava lamp — buckle up. Because Abu Dhabi is about to light up (literally) with the return of Manar Abu Dhabi, the city’s dazzling public light art exhibition organized by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi).
From 1 November 2025 to 4 January 2026, the capital (and for the first time, Al Ain!) will transform into a playground of shimmering installations, glowing sculptures, and maybe a few “wait, is that moving?” moments. The theme this year? “The Light Compass” — and yes, it’s as poetic as it sounds.
Al Ain: 1 Nov 2025 – 4 Jan 2026
Abu Dhabi: 15 Nov 2025 – 4 Jan 2026
A Beacon of Creativity (With a GPS Upgrade)
Curated by Khai Hori, with co-curators Alia Zaal Lootah, Munira Al Sayegh, and Mariam Alshehhi, Manar Abu Dhabi is all about rediscovering how light guides us — from ancient navigation across the Gulf’s waters to the way your phone’s flashlight saves your life during a power cut.
This year’s lineup features 15 artists and collectives from 10 countries, creating 23 installations that turn ordinary spaces into glowing wonderlands. Think less “museum silence” and more “wow, this is what the future feels like.”
Jubail Island: Nature, Meet Neon
Let’s start with Jubail Island, the anchor location — a slice of paradise tucked between Yas and Saadiyat Islands. Normally a serene mangrove haven, it’s about to get a glow-up worthy of a sci-fi movie.
Here’s what’s waiting for you:
- EDEN (Pamela Poh, Malaysia) – A field of steel and glass spheres that shimmer like trapped moonlight. Basically, nature’s disco ball.
- UNFOLD (Studio DRIFT, Netherlands) – Step into a dome where your heartbeat turns into flowers and sound. Who knew data could be romantic?
- WHISPERS (Studio DRIFT) – Tiny lights that dance with the wind. It’s like the mangroves are gossiping.
- WIND OF CHANGE – Hundreds of drones choreographed across the sky — think synchronized swimmers, but in the clouds.
- CONTINGENT OBJECT (Shaikha Al Mazrou, UAE) – A massive salt circle that changes with the tide. Art, but make it alive.
- Iregular Studio (Canada) – Four tech-heavy installations using sensors and AI to turn your movements into art. It’s like playing tag with light.
And that’s not even all — other artists from Spain, Germany, the US, and Switzerland will be adding their creative spark too. Basically, Jubail’s boardwalks are about to become an open-air light maze you’ll never want to leave.
Al Ain: The Oasis Awakens
For its first-ever appearance in Al Ain, Manar Abu Dhabi is venturing into the Al Qattara and Al Jimi Oases — lush, palm-filled sanctuaries powered by ancient irrigation systems. But don’t worry, the only thing flooding this time will be your camera roll.
Al Qattara Oasis Trail
Expect a serene stroll through history and light:
- Rafael Lozano-Hemmer (Mexico/Canada) returns with TRANSLATION STREAM, where Emirati poetry literally flows as a river of glowing letters.
- His PULSE CANOPY installation lets you watch your heartbeat come to life as light beams. (Talk about wearing your heart on your sleeve.)
- Khalid Shafar (UAE)’s SADU RED CARPET reimagines traditional weaving as a pixelated light tapestry — heritage meets high-tech.
Al Jimi Oasis Trail
Meanwhile, over at Al Jimi, things get cozy and a little bit mystical:
- Ammar Al Attar (UAE) turns cycling into meditation with CYCLE OF CIRCLES — five glowing self-portraits in motion.
- Maitha Hamdan (UAE)’s BREATH OF THE SAME PLACE transforms a tree into an interactive, light-breathing companion.
- Abdulla Al Mulla (UAE)’s GUIDING DRAPES celebrates wedding joy with glowing fabrics that shimmer like happiness itself.
- And if you’re into nature-meets-tech moments, Christian Brinkmann (Germany) brings FLORAL RESONANCE, where your touch makes plants sing. Sort of.
Souq Al Mina: Moonlight and Maritime Magic
And then there’s Souq Al Mina — where urban energy meets ocean breeze. Picture this: ships docked, the scent of the sea in the air, and an enormous illuminated sculpture by none other than KAWS.
His world-famous character COMPANION lies back, gazing at a lit moon — a modern-day sailor dreaming under the stars. It’s poetic, it’s Insta-worthy, and it’s impossible to miss.
A Light That Connects Us All
Manar Abu Dhabi isn’t just an art show — it’s an experience. One that stretches across landscapes and generations, blending nature, technology, and human curiosity into one glowing trail.
And if that wasn’t enough, there’ll also be talks, workshops, and performances throughout the exhibition. (Because you can’t just see light — you’ve got to talk about it, make it, and maybe even dance under it.)
So grab your friends, your phone, and maybe a pair of comfy shoes. Whether you’re wandering the mangroves of Jubail Island or exploring the palm-lined trails of Al Ain, Manar Abu Dhabi 2025 promises one thing:
You’ll never look at light the same way again.
