#Abu Dhabi #United Arab Emirates #Manar Abu Dhabi #Light Art

Manar Abu Dhabi Unveils Exciting Artist Lineup for 2025 Edition

Abu Dhabi is poised to welcome the second edition of Manar Abu Dhabi, a public art exhibition organized by the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi. This year, the exhibition aims to celebrate the diverse landscapes of the emirate while promoting creativity through stunning light art installations. From November 1, 2025, to January 4, 2026, art enthusiasts will experience a captivating display featuring both local and international talent.

This year's exhibition showcases 15 artists and artist collectives from the UAE and ten other countries. A total of 23 artworks will be presented, comprising site-specific light sculptures, projections, and immersive installations. Curated by Khai Hori, alongside Alia Zaal Lootah, Munira Al Sayegh, and Mariam Alshehhi, the exhibition explores light as both a guide and a medium, connecting its navigational and poetic dimensions.

Locations and Highlights

The Manar Abu Dhabi exhibition will be set in four significant areas: Jubail Island, Souq Al Mina, and Al Ain's oases of Al Qattara and Al Jimi. Each locale offers a unique experience, immersing visitors in art while highlighting the emirate's rich heritage.

Jubail Island

As the anchor site of Manar Abu Dhabi 2025, Jubail Island is known for its natural beauty and biodiversity. Visitors can stroll along extensive boardwalks through mangroves, unveiling 15 enchanting installations. Highlights include:

• - EDEN (2025) by Malaysian artist Pamela Poh, which features large-scale outdoor installations made of steel and illuminated glass orbs.
• - UNFOLD (2025) by the interdisciplinary studio DRIFT from the Netherlands, which transforms visitors' biometric data into ephemeral flowers and soundscapes.
• - CONTINGENT OBJECT (2025) by Emirati sculptor Shaikha Al Mazrou, a 30-meter-long land art installation that evolves as water crystallizes into a salt disc over time.

Digitally interactive works will also be showcased by Montreal-based studio Iregular, including installations that utilize AI, sensors, and data visualization.

Al Ain's Oases

Making its debut, Al Ain will transform the Oases of Al Qattara and Al Jimi into an artistic landscape with specially designed light installations. The Al Qattara Oasis Trail will feature:

• - TRANSLATION STREAM (2023) by Rafael Lozano-Hemmer, merging poetry with a flowing stream of letters.
• - PULSE CANOPY (2025), a floating light canopy reacting to visitors' heartbeats.
• - SADU RED CARPET (2025), a reimagining of a traditional weaving technique by Emirati designer Khalid Shafar.

As visitors venture along the Al Jimi Oasis Trail, they will encounter five distinctive pieces, including works by Emirati artists Maitha Hamdan and Ammar Al Attar, capturing the oases' landscapes.

Souq Al Mina

Set against the backdrop of Mina Zayed's skyline, KAWS will present KAWSHOLIDAY Abu Dhabi, featuring a illuminated COMPANION statue in whimsical repose, symbolizing playfulness and contemplation.

Conclusion

Manar Abu Dhabi, organized by the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), serves as a platform for creativity, reinforcing the emirate's status as a cultural beacon in the region. By uniting local and global artists, the exhibition encapsulates the essence of Abu Dhabi as a vivid tapestry of innovation, authenticity, and unmatched experiences. Further details can be found at DCT Abu Dhabi's website.

The exhibition not only seeks to enchant but to educate and engage audiences, drawing them into a dialogue about the enduring impact of art and culture. Don't miss the opportunity to witness this striking confluence of creativity and nature, and be part of the artistic odyssey that is Manar Abu Dhabi 2025!