Under the theme ‘The Light Compass’, Manar Abu Dhabi lit up Abu Dhabi and Al Ain with 22 site-specific artworks across four locations: Jubail Island, Souq Al Mina, Al Qattara Oasis and Al Jimi Oasis.
Manar Abu Dhabi, the public light art exhibition led by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) as part of the Public Art Abu Dhabi initiative, closed its second edition on 4 January 2026. The exhibition returned in November 2025 and attracted more than 800,000 visitors. Residents and tourists gathered to explore the emirate’s islands, mangroves, oases and city spaces through light-based art.
The exhibition brought together 15 Emirati and international artists and collectives from 10 countries. They presented 22 light sculptures, projections and immersive works designed for specific locations. For the first time, the exhibition expanded to Al Ain’s cultural sites, which are listed as UNESCO World Heritage locations. This marked an important step in connecting contemporary art with historic settings.
The curatorial team, led by Khai Hori (Artistic Director), Alia Zaal Lootah (Curator), Munira Al Sayegh (Curator) and Mariam Alshehhi (Assistant Curator), shaped the exhibition around the theme ‘The Light Compass’. The concept drew on the region’s historic relationship with light as a guide and tool. The approach encouraged visitors to engage with the artworks and explore the landscapes in new ways. The exhibition showed how public art can connect people to place and heritage.
Artists featured in the programme included Abdulla Al Mulla, Ammar Al Attar, Christian Brinkmann, DRIFT, Encor Studio, Ezequiel Pini (a.k.a. Six N. Five), Iregular, KAWS, Khalid Shafar, Kirsten Berg, Lachlan Turczan, Maitha Hamdan, Pamela Tan, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer and Shaikha Al Mazrou. Their works appeared across all four sites, with Jubail Island as the main location. The artworks explored themes such as navigation, history and guidance through light, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s role as a cultural centre.
Alongside the installations, Manar Abu Dhabi delivered a wide public programme. Activities included talks on art and technology, live performances by regional and global artists such as EMEL, creative workshops, and sessions focused on climate and wellbeing. The programme also featured WE ARE ONA X Manar Abu Dhabi, a pop-up dining experience that marked WE ARE ONA’s first Middle East appearance.
Manar Abu Dhabi forms part of the wider Public Art Abu Dhabi initiative. The programme supports DCT Abu Dhabi’s aim to enrich public spaces through art. Ongoing projects include the Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial, which links heritage with contemporary creativity.
