The installations will be found across the capital.
Abu Dhabi is about to be illuminated with a lavish light display once. Manar Abu Dhabi is returning to the capital and will kick off this November. If you’re looking for a fun-filled family day out, here’s what you need to know.
Manar Abu Dhabi is part of the Public Art Abu Dhabi programme by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi. This year’s theme, The Light Compass, explores light as a medium and a guide. The experience will engage your senses with sights and sounds, and will feature state-of-the-art installations.
This year, the Manar Abu Dhabi will bring together more than 23 works by 15 international and local artists from over 10 countries. It will take place across Jubail Island and Souq Al Mina, from 1 November to 4 January, and will also head to Al Ain for the very first time. In the Garden City, you’ll be able to see installations on trails across Al Qattara and Al Jimi Oases from 15 November to 4 January.
Al Jimi Oasis Trail
At Al Jimi Oasis Trail, you’ll be able to see five installations that celebrate light and life among palm groves. Ammar Al Attar’s Cycle of Circles turns cycling into meditative illuminated portraits, while Maitha Hamdan’s Breath of the Same Place uses glowing ropes and ribbons that respond to movement. Abdulla Al Mulla’s Guiding Drapes will touch up on Emirati wedding traditions, and Christian Brinkmann’s Floral Resonance will transform plant interactions into digital visuals.
Al Qattara Oasis Trail
Over at Al Qattara Oasis Trail, there will be three light-based artworks reflecting heritage and nature. Rafael Lozano-Hemmer’s Translation Stream will turn Emirati poetry into flowing light, while Pulse Canopy will synchronise with your heartbeats through glowing beams, making the experience immersive. Emirati designer Khalid Shafar’s Sadu Red Carpet will showcase traditional Sadu weaving into a 70-meter light installation.
Jubail Island
Jubail Island will be the main location for Manar Abu Dhabi 2025, with 15 installations placed through its mangroves. Highlights include Pamela Poh’s Eden, which is a glowing landscape of glass and steel, DRIFT’s Unfold, where your biometrics will create evolving flowers and sound, and Shaikha Al Mazrou’s salt-formed Contingent Object. Drone performances by Iregular and installations by international artists will also be showcased at Jubail Island.
Souq Al Mina
At Souq Al Mina, KAWS’ signature character, Companion, will be seen lying on its back, reflecting the moon on its palms. This installation bridges maritime history and contemporary art with the perfect waterfront spot.
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