Manar Abu Dhabi 2025 to Illuminate Abu Dhabi and Al Ain with Light Art
The second edition of Manar Abu Dhabi is set to take place from November 2025 to January 2026, marking its inaugural expansion to Al Ain. This public light art exhibition, organized by DCT Abu Dhabi, will showcase more than 19 new works by both Emirati and international artists, centered around the theme 'The Light Compass.' Curated by Khai Hori, with assistance from Alia Zaal Lootah, Munira Al Sayegh, and Mariam Alshehhi, the installations will be displayed across various locations, including mangroves, urban edges, gardens, and sandbanks, with Jubail Island as the focal point. In Al Ain, exhibits will be located at the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Al Qattara and Al Jimi Oases starting November 1, aligning with the Traditional Handicrafts Festival. The exhibition will delve into the Gulf's historical ties with light, emphasizing navigation and poetic wisdom, and will feature a public program of talks, workshops, and performances.
Key facts
- Manar Abu Dhabi 2025 runs from 1 November 2025 to 4 January 2026 in Al Ain and 15 November 2025 to 4 January 2026 in Abu Dhabi.
- The exhibition is organized by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi).
- The theme is 'The Light Compass'.
- Over 19 newly commissioned works will be presented, including light sculptures, projections, and immersive installations.
- Artistic Director Khai Hori previously worked at Palais de Tokyo, Singapore Art Museum, and National Heritage Board.
- Co-curators are Alia Zaal Lootah, Munira Al Sayegh, and Mariam Alshehhi.
- Jubail Island is the centerstage; Al Ain is included for the first time.
- Al Ain installations are at Al Qattara and Al Jimi Oases, UNESCO World Heritage sites.
- Al Ain installations start November 1, coinciding with the Traditional Handicrafts Festival.
- A public programme of talks, workshops, and performances will accompany the exhibition.
Entities
Artists
- teamLab
- Khai Hori
- Alia Zaal Lootah
- Munira Al Sayegh
- Mariam Alshehhi
- Christian Brinkmann
- Ezequiel Pini
- Six N. Five
- Kirsten Berg
- Lachlan Turczan
- Pamela Poh
- Shaikha Al Mazrou
- KAWS
- Khalid Shafar
- Rafael Lozano-Hemmer
- Abdulla Al Mulla
- Ammar Al Attar
- Maitha Hamdan
- Carsten Holler
- Shilpa Gupta
- Jim Denevan
- Khai Kori
Institutions
- Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi)
- Palais de Tokyo
- Singapore Art Museum
- National Heritage Board
- Public Art Abu Dhabi
- UNESCO
- Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi
- National Heritage’s Curatorial Development department
- Louvre Abu Dhabi
- Dirwaza Curatorial lab
- NYUAD’s art gallery
- DCT Abu Dhabi
- National Heritage Board of Singapore
Locations
- Abu Dhabi
- Al Ain
- Jubail Island
- Al Qattara Oasis
- Al Jimi Oasis
- United Arab Emirates
- Paris
- France
- Singapore
- Souq Al Mina