Manar Abu Dhabi 2025: Explore Highlights of the Public Art Exhibition

Overview of Manar Abu Dhabi 2025

The highly anticipated public light art exhibition, Manar Abu Dhabi 2025, is set to illuminate the UAE capital from November 15, 2025, to January 4, 2026. This year’s edition promises an engaging experience, featuring a parallel program in Al Ain, which began earlier on November 1. The exhibition is themed “The Light Compass,” emphasizing the Gulf’s deep-rooted relationship with light.

A Global Artistic Collaboration

Manar Abu Dhabi 2025 showcases the works of 15 Emirati and international artists, alongside artist collectives from ten different countries. With a total of 23 unique artworks including site-specific light sculptures, projections, and immersive installations, this exhibition aims to highlight contemporary interpretations of traditional themes.

The event has been thoughtfully curated by Artistic Director Khai Hori, with contributions from co-curators Alia Zaal Lootah, Munira Al Sayegh, and assistant curator Mariam Alshehhi. The exhibitions will be spread across various locations including Jubail Island, Souq Al Mina, and Al Ain, with additional displays in Al Qattara and Al Jimi oases.

Planning Your Visit

Exhibition Timings and Locations

Manar Abu Dhabi 2025 will be part of several cultural events in the UAE this season. The main exhibition in Abu Dhabi city will open its doors from November 15, 2025, to January 4, 2026. The Al Ain segment commenced on November 1.

Timings:

• In Al Ain, visitors can explore the exhibition daily from 5:30 PM to midnight.
• Jubail Island will also operate daily from 5:30 PM to midnight, while the Souq Al Mina venue remains accessible 24 hours.

As the primary site, Jubail Island will host the majority of activities, making it essential to refer to the event’s official platform for specific event details and programming.

How to Attend

Visitors can find comprehensive details about event timings and the locations of talks, workshops, and public art installations on the event’s website. Entrance to much of the event is free, although certain workshops will have entry fees and require advance registration.

Exhibition Highlights

The theme of Manar Abu Dhabi 2025 revolves around the Gulf’s ancestral connection with light, reflected in a variety of contemporary artworks, performances, lectures, and workshops.

Key Installations on Jubail Island

Jubail Island will be a focal point, showcasing 15 installations and live performances by artists. Attendees will have the opportunity to wander through the mangroves, experiencing each large-scale artwork firsthand. Notable installations include:

• “Eden” by Pamela Poh: This piece features ethereal steel structures adorned with suspended glass spheres, creating a mesmerizing visual experience.

• “Unfold” by DRIFT: This multidisciplinary studio from the Netherlands offers an innovative installation that converts visitors’ biometric data into a fusion of flowers and soundscapes via a generative algorithm.

• “Contingent Object” by Shaikha Al Mazrou: This installation is a 30-meter circular piece that evolves as saltwater crystallizes into a distinct disc, offering a unique perspective on transformation and natural processes.

Engaging Performances and Workshops

In addition to visual art, Manar Abu Dhabi 2025 will host an array of performances, talks, and workshops designed to deepen visitors’ engagement with the works and themes presented. These activities are crafted to provide insights into the artists’ creative processes and the cultural narratives that shape their art.

Visitors are encouraged to participate in these enriching experiences, which aim to foster a greater understanding of the relationship between contemporary art and traditional themes in the Gulf region.

Conclusion

Manar Abu Dhabi 2025 promises a vibrant celebration of light and art, bringing together a diverse group of artists and audiences. With its innovative installations and engaging programming, this exhibition seeks to captivate and inspire, highlighting the unique cultural landscape of the UAE.

Published on 1763241309 • Category: Art Exhibitions, Middle East, Artists