September 22, 2025

Manar Abu Dhabi Confirms New Venues for Dazzling Light Festival

Abu Dhabi is about to shine once again. The city’s celebrated light art exhibition, Manar Abu Dhabi, returns this November with a bigger programme, fresh waterfront venues, and its first-ever edition in Al Ain.

Launched by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi as part of the Public Art Abu Dhabi initiative, Manar (Arabic for 'lighthouse') has redefined the way the capital experiences art. What began as a bold experiment in 2023 has quickly become a cultural highlight, drawing crowds to the shores, islands and skyline of the city.

The 2025 edition will open in Al Ain from November 1 to January 4, before lighting up Abu Dhabi from November 15 to January 4. Under the theme 'The Light Compass', more than 35 works will transform the landscape – from towering light sculptures to dreamlike projections and interactive pieces that invite visitors to step inside the art itself.

This year’s line-up brings together some of the most exciting voices in contemporary art. International heavyweights like teamLab, Carsten Höller and Shezad Dawood will present alongside acclaimed Emirati artists including Ahmed Al Areef Al Dhaheri and Nujoom Alghanem. Together, their work promises to turn the capital into a glowing canvas that feels both global and deeply rooted in place.

Jubail Island will once again serve as the festival’s heart, but new venues across Abu Dhabi and Al Ain will widen its reach, allowing visitors to explore the installations on foot, by boat, or simply by looking out across the night sky. Talks, workshops and live performances will add another layer, encouraging audiences not just to watch but to engage and reflect.

Recent Materials

View All News