#Abu Dhabi #UAE #Public Art Abu Dhabi #Manar Abu Dhabi #Khai Hori

Manar Abu Dhabi 2025: Illuminating Art and Culture

The Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi has announced an exciting update for art lovers in the region with the return of Manar Abu Dhabi, a light art exhibition set to run from November 15, 2025, to January 4, 2026. Under the creative direction of Khai Hori, this two-yearly event will embrace the Emirate’s stunning landscapes while celebrating the theme, “The Light Compass.”

This upcoming edition marks a significant expansion as it includes the Al Ain region, in addition to the vibrant Abu Dhabi cityscape. Attendees will have the opportunity to experience the installations in public spaces starting November 1, 2025, leading up to the official exhibition launch.

A Celebration of Creativity

With 19 brand-new light installations by both local and international artists, Manar Abu Dhabi aims to evoke a sense of creativity that mirrors the Emirate's unique nature. Each piece is designed to explore the relationship between light and various forms of expression, both natural and technological. Hori remarks, “Light serves as both a guide and a medium, reflecting the ancient navigation traditions of seafarers and desert nomads while sparking poetic forms of knowledge.”

The show will ideally turn the multiple landscapes of Abu Dhabi—including mangroves, sandy shores, and urban sites—into a living map of art and reflection. The Jubail Island will serve as the centerpiece, making it a symbolic venue that enhances the visibility of the exhibition.

Engaging the Public

In addition to the installations, a diverse public program will provide visitors with opportunities to engage more deeply with the art. This includes various talks, workshops, and performance art that bring audiences closer to the creation and conceptualization of each artwork.

As part of the Public Art Abu Dhabi initiative, this exhibition seeks to enrich the urban fabric of the Emirate, reinforcing the commitment to integrate public art into daily life.

The Al Ain region, renowned for its lush oases and UNESCO World Heritage sites, presents a contrasting landscape characterized by rich cultural heritage. The unique terrains of the Al Qattara and Al Jimi oases will become a focal point for specific installations that highlight the interplay of water, land, and life in the desert.

Closing Thoughts

With the first edition having received a warm welcome, the anticipation for Manar Abu Dhabi 2025 is palpable. This festival not only aims to spotlight creativity but also to foster interpersonal connections within the community through shared experiences of art. As we gear up for the event, we can only imagine the dynamic interplay of light and landscape that will emerge as Abu Dhabi showcases its artistic endeavors on a grand scale.

For more information on the event, programming, and artists involved, stay tuned for further announcements from the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi.