Organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), the programme features a rich line-up of talks, workshops, experiences and performances accompanying the emirate’s celebrated light art exhibition.
- Manar Abu Dhabi 2025 presents eight engaging talks that explore the intersections of art, technology, and public space.
- A dynamic line-up of performances includes Syrian-Lebanese duo Bedouin Burger, Korean electronic duo Haepaary, Napoli percussion trio Ars Nova Napoli, Tarek Yamani Trio and more.
- University keynote lectures with Manar Abu Dhabi artists including Lachlan Turczan and Rafael Lozano-Hemmer, alongside artist led workshops.
- Community creative and educational workshops with partners Fujifilm, The Knot, Gracia Farms and The Slime Lab will inform and delight Manar Abu Dhabi visitors.
- Partner programmes exploring climate, wellness, and connection with nature includes breathwork and meditation with artist Kirsten Berg, a Guided Nature Walk with Kayan Experiences and Sanctum, and sustainability-focused activities with the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi.
- Manar Abu Dhabi talks, performances and a number of workshops and events are offered free of charge.
- Guided tours will be available at both Jubail Island and Al Ain locations.
- Jubail Island, Al Qattara Oasis and Al Jimi Oasis will all host exclusive food and beverage pop-ups and experiences.
- Organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), the second edition of the Manar Abu Dhabi will take place in Al Ain from November 1, 2025 to January 4, 2026 and Abu Dhabi from November 15, 2025 to January 4, 2026.
- Manar Abu Dhabi is part of the Public Art Abu Dhabi initiative, DCT Abu Dhabi’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the emirate’s urban fabric through public art.
Abu Dhabi, UAE – October 24, 2025: Manar Abu Dhabi, the acclaimed public light art exhibition, returns for its second edition to illuminate the emirate with a new constellation of artworks inspired by the Gulf’s ancestral relationship with light. Organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), Manar Abu Dhabi will bring together 15 Emirati and international artists and artist collectives from 10 countries, including Emirati sculptor Shaikha Al Mazrou, multidisciplinary studio DRIFT, artist Pamela Poh, and more. Under the theme ‘The Light Compass’, the exhibition presents 23 site-specific light sculptures, projections, and immersive installations, exploring light as both guide and medium in bridging its navigational and poetic dimensions. Curated by Khai Hori, Artistic Director, and co-curated by Alia Zaal Lootah (Curator), Munira Al Sayegh (Curator), and Mariam Alshehhi (Assistant Curator), Manar Abu Dhabi 2025 will take place across Jubail Island, Souq Al Mina, and for the first time, Al Ain, with trails through the Al Qattara and Al Jimi Oases that celebrate Abu Dhabi’s unique ecosystems and cityscapes.
Alongside the exhibition, a dynamic public programme of talks, workshops, experiences and performances invites audiences to engage with the artworks and the guiding ideas behind them.
Talks
Manar Abu Dhabi 2025 presents a compelling series of eight talks that explore the intersections of art, technology, and public space. The programme opens with a conversation in Arabic on Public Art & the Al Ain Landscape, featuring artists Ammar Al Attar, Maitha Hamdan, and Khalid Shafar, moderated by Alia Zaal Lootah, followed by Let’s Talk About Manar Abu Dhabi 2025, which brings together the curatorial team—Khai Hori, Alia Zaal Lootah, Munira Al Sayegh and Mariam Al Shehhi—to reflect on the vision behind this edition.
Other sessions examine the evolving relationship between art and technology: The Future of Art Without AI: Is It Possible?, moderated by Dr Elizabeth Churchill, considers the role of artificial intelligence in creative practice with Khai Hori and Giulia Bini, Head of Arts at CERN. Art, Tech, & Human Connection with Manar Abu Dhabi artists Ralph Nauta of Studio Drift explores how technology can foster meaningful engagement. Art at the Intersection of Nature & Technology, led by Ulrich Schrauth, Artistic Director of UBD Digital Art Museum, with Manar Abu Dhabi artists Christian Brinkmann and Dr Brigitte Howarth, and Light, Motion, & Perception, moderated by Munira Al Sayegh with Manar Abu Dhabi artists Lachlan Turczan and Ezequiel Pini, explore how contemporary artists experiment with natural environments, perception, and movement to transform experience and understanding.
In partnership with Abu Dhabi Art, the Manar Abu Dhabi talks series also emphasises the physical presence of art in public spaces. Reimagining Space Through Sculpture, moderated by Sara bin Safwan with Manar Abu Dhabi artists Kirsten Berg and Shaikha Al Mazrou, and Designing Public Art for Presence & Space, moderated by Alia Zaal Lootah and featuring artists Pamela Poh and Abdalla Al Mulla, examine how sculpture and design shape interactions within the UAE’s landscapes. Together, these talks invite audiences, artists, and enthusiasts to engage deeply with contemporary practice, consider the evolving role of art, and reflect on its impact across Abu Dhabi and beyond.
Performances
Manar Abu Dhabi presents a dynamic line-up of performances celebrating creativity and cross-cultural dialogue. Bedouin Burger, the duo of Syrian vocalist Lynn Adib and Lebanese multi-instrumentalist Zeid Hamdan, blends classical and Arabic folk music with jazz and minimalist electronica, creating rhythms and voices that resonate with both Bedouin nomads and modern audiences. Haepaary (pronounced he̞pʰa̠ri), featuring vocalist Minhee Park and electronics manipulator Hyewon Choi, reinterprets centuries-old Korean Confucian melodies with ethereal electronic textures, earning acclaim including Best Electronic Album at the 2022 Korean Music Awards. Presented by Berklee Abu Dhabi and Manar Abu Dhabi acclaimed jazz pianist Tarek Yamani will present Afro-Tarab Jazz Conceptions, a performance that journeys from early 1900s Egypt to contemporary New York.
Love and Revenge returns with Agmal layali, a tribute to Oum Kalthoum that fuses archival imagery and Arab musical heritage with electronic soundscapes. In partnership with the Italian Cultural Centre and Embassy of Italy, Ars Nova Napoli channels the vibrant spirit of southern Italy, combining accordion, fiddle, trumpet, mandolin, gaita bagpipes, and frame drums to bring Neapolitan and Mediterranean traditions to life. Alongside the main stage at Jubail Island, Manar Abu Dhabi at Souq Al Mina will also play host to vibrant weekend performances by Fourmanos, Amjad Shakir and Shilpa Ananth X Beatbox Ray.
Learning, Engagement and Outreach
As part of its commitment to learning and engagement, Manar Abu Dhabi offers a special programme for universities in Abu Dhabi, featuring keynote lectures by participating artists—including Lachlan Turczan and Rafael Lozano-Hemmer. These sessions will engage students directly with the exhibition’s themes, exploring the intersection of contemporary art, technology, and artificial intelligence, while providing insights into the artists’ creative processes. By bringing internationally acclaimed voices into an academic context, the initiative aims to inspire a new generation of creatives and foster dialogue on the evolving role of digital media in art.
Additionally, participating artists including Maitha Hamdan will lead public workshops, offering hands-on opportunities for participants to engage directly with the creative process and explore contemporary light art practices.
Partner Programmes
Climate and Wellness
Manar Abu Dhabi features a dedicated programme exploring climate, wellness, and connection with nature. The Environment Agency Abu Dhabi will host three special at Jubail Island under its Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initative including kayaking and citizen science activities. Visitors can also experience breathwork and meditation with Manar Abu Dhabi artist Kirsten Berg, who, in addition to exhibiting a large sculpture on Jubail Island, is an Ashtanga Yoga instructor; offering a unique opportunity to connect with both her art and practice. In collaboration with global wellness brand Sanctum, Kayan Experiences will guide participants on a 120-minute Guided Nature Walk through the serene landscapes of Jubail Island, pausing at light installations to inspire movement, reflection, and connection.
Creative and Education
In collaboration with a range of partners, Manar Abu Dhabi will offer a rich programme of community workshops and immersive experiences for all ages. Fujifilm presents five photography and videography workshops, focused on varying themes and techniques, held at Jubail Island and in Al Ain. The Knot will offer creative craft workshops, while Gracia Farms will activate the exhibition every weekend, engaging the public in puppet-making and paint and plant activities, all designed to foster environmental consciousness and community participation. The Slime Lab invites children to explore creativity and science through Glow-in-the-Dark slime workshops, using safe, non-toxic materials that come alive under UV light.
Manar Abu Dhabi Presenting Partner – Jubail Island
As the anchor location, and an official partner, for Manar Abu Dhabi ‘The Light Compass’, Jubail Island serves as the location for the majority of Manar Abu Dhabi’s public programmes. A rare natural sanctuary, Jubail Island provides a unique backdrop where art, nature, and community converge. As Presenting Partner- Jubail Island of Manar Abu Dhabi, Jubail Island invites visitors to explore its serene landscapes while engaging with contemporary light art.
Discover the full public programme for Manar Abu Dhabi 2025 and register via the links outlined below. Additional performances and events will be announced and updated online.
###
About Manar Abu Dhabi
Organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), Manar Abu Dhabi is a public light art exhibition that aims to foster creativity and celebrate the emirate’s landscapes.
The second edition of the Manar Abu Dhabi under the theme ‘The Light Compass’ will illuminate the archipelagos, mangroves and oases of the emirate of Abu Dhabi from 1 November 2025 to 4 January 2026 (Al Ain) and 15 November 2025 to 4 January 2026 (Abu Dhabi).
Manar Abu Dhabi is part of the Public Art Abu Dhabi initiative, DCT Abu Dhabi’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the emirate’s urban fabric through public art.
For more information about Manar Abu Dhabi and Public Art Abu Dhabi please visit: paad.ae
About the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) drives the sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi’s culture and tourism sectors and its creative industries, fuelling economic progress and helping to achieve Abu Dhabi’s wider global ambitions.
By working in partnership with the organisations that define the emirate’s position as a leading international destination, DCT Abu Dhabi strives to unite the ecosystem around a shared vision of the emirate’s potential, coordinate effort and investment, deliver innovative solutions, and use the best tools, policies and systems to support the culture and tourism.
DCT Abu Dhabi’s vision is defined by the emirate’s people, heritage and landscape. We work to enhance Abu Dhabi’s status as a place of authenticity, innovation, and unparalleled experiences, represented by its living traditions of hospitality, pioneering initiatives and creative thought.
For more information about the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and the destination, please visit: dct.gov.ae and abudhabiculture.ae
About Jubail Island
Jubail Island is Abu Dhabi’s rare natural sanctuary — a community where modern living is designed in harmony with nature. Spanning 40 million square meters, the island offers one of the lowest construction ratios in the UAE, ensuring privacy, space, and a lifestyle rooted in wellbeing.
Developed by LEAD Development L.L.C., the island’s comprehensive masterplan features six villages: Marfaa Al Jubail, Nad Al Jubail, Seef Al Jubail, Souk Al Jubail, Ain Al Jubail, and Bada Al Jubail. Together, they create a unique environment where community, nature, and progress converge.
Residents enjoy a rich mix of amenities, including the Jubail Island Mangrove Park, Spinneys supermarket at Souk Al Jubail, sports facilities, cycling and jogging paths, and upcoming themed community centres. Future milestones include the Redwood Center of Excellence Nursery (2026) and the region’s first Gordonstoun School (2027).
Offering villas, townhouses, apartments, and mansion plots, Jubail Island will welcome more than 10,000 residents, redefining wellbeing-driven living in the UAE.
Jubail Island, Space to Grow.
For more information, please contact:
Diana Shubair, Memac Ogilvy
Annex A- Full Public Programme and Registration Details
GUIDED TOURS | |||
Manar Abu Dhabi Jubail Island Guided Tours (buggy tour) | Manar Abu Dhabi Entrance Pavilion, Jubail Island | 18 November to 4 January Three tours per day: 6:00-7:30 PM 8:00-9:30PM 10:00-11:30PM | AED 50 per person, AED 150 for a group of four Registration will open (online and onsite) in November |
Manar Abu Dhabi Al Ain Guided tours (walking tour) | Manar Abu Dhabi Info Point, Al Qattara Oasis | 2 November to 4 January Offered daily: 7:00-8:00 PM | AED 50 per person, AED 150 for a group of four Registration will open (online and onsite) in November |
TALKS PROGRAMME | |||
Public Art & the Al Ain Landscape (in Arabic) | House 17, Al Jimi Oasis, Al Ain | 2 November 2025 5:00 PM | Free of Charge No registration required |
|
Let’s Talk About Manar Abu Dhabi 2025 |
Manar Abu Dhabi Stage, Jubail Island | 16 November 2025 6:00 PM | Free of Charge No registration required |
The Future of Art Without AI: Is It Possible? | Manar Abu Dhabi Stage, Jubail Island | 16 November 2025 7:00 PM | Free of Charge No registration required |
Art, Tech, and Human Connection | Manar Abu Dhabi Stage, Jubail Island | 17 November 2025 6:00 PM | Free of Charge No registration required |
Art at the Intersection of Nature and Technology | Manar Abu Dhabi Stage, Jubail Island | 19 November 2025 6:00 PM | Free of Charge No registration required |
Light, Motion, and Perception: A Conversation between Lachlan Turczan and Ezequiel Pini | Manar Abu Dhabi Stage, Jubail Island | 19 November 2025 7:00 PM | Free of Charge No registration required |
Reimagining Space through Sculpture | Abu Dhabi Art, Manarat Al Saadiyat. Saadiyat Island | 20 November 2025 2:00 PM | Free of Charge Access to Abu Dhabi Art requires registration at https://tickets.abudhabiart.ae/buy-tickets.html?statisticalGroup=B2CAF |
Designing Public Art for Presence and Space | Abu Dhabi Art, Manarat Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island | 20 November 2025 2:00 PM | Free of Charge Access to Abu Dhabi Art requires registration at https://tickets.abudhabiart.ae/buy-tickets.html?statisticalGroup=B2CAF |
PERFORMANCES PROGRAMME | |||
|
Fourmanos |
Manar Abu Dhabi, Souq Al Mina |
21 November 2025 8:15 PM | Free of Charge No registration required |
Bedouin Burger | Manar Abu Dhabi Stage, Jubail Island | 22 November 2025 8:15 PM | Free of Charge No registration required |
Afro-Tarab Jazz Conceptions by Tarek Yamani Trio Presented by Berklee Abu Dhabi and Manar Abu Dhabi | Manar Abu Dhabi Stage, Jubail Island | 23 November 2025 8:15 PM | Free of Charge No registration required |
Haepaary | Manar Abu Dhabi Stage, Jubail Island | 29 November 2025 8:15 PM | Free of Charge No registration required |
Love and Revenge • Agmal Layali Tribute to Oum Kalthoum | Manar Abu Dhabi Stage, Jubail Island | 10 December 2025 8:15 PM | Free of Charge No registration required |
Ars Nova Napoli In partnership with the Italian Cultural Centre and Embassy of Italy | Manar Abu Dhabi Stage, Jubail Island | 13 December 2025 8:15 PM | Free of Charge No registration required |
Amjad Shakir | Manar Abu Dhabi, Souq Al Mina | 19 December 2025 8:15 PM | Free of Charge No registration required |
Shilpa Ananth & Beatbox Ray | Manar Abu Dhabi, Souq Al Mina | 26 December 2025 8:15 PM | Free of Charge No registration required |
Additional Manar Abu Dhabi performances to be announced in due course | |||
WORKSHOPS PROGRAMME | |||
Reflections of Light, artist-led workshop with Maitha Hamdan | Manar Abu Dhabi Workshop Space, Jubail Island | 14 December 2025 6:00 PM | Free of Charge Registration will open in November |
Fujifilm; Serenity of Manar with Altamash Javed | Manar Abu Dhabi Workshop Space, Jubail Island | 22 November 2025 4:30 PM | Free of Charge Registration will open in November |
Fujifilm; Motions of Manar (Video storytelling) with Jared Martinez | Manar Abu Dhabi Workshop Space, Jubail Island | 29 November 2025 4:30 PM | Free of Charge Registration will open in November |
Fujifilm; Future of Manar (Photography basics for youth) with Mark Anthony Agtay | Manar Abu Dhabi Workshop Space, Jubail Island | 6 December 2025 4:30 PM | Free of Charge Registration will open in November |
Fujifilm; Visuals of Manar (Aesthetic perspectives) with Preet Uday | Manar Abu Dhabi Info Point, Al Qattara Oasis, Al Ain | 13 December 2025 4:30 PM | Free of Charge Registration will open in November |
Fujifilm; Facades of Manar (Architecture) with Hussein Al Moosawi | Manar Abu Dhabi Workshop Space, Jubail Island | 20 December 2025 4:30 PM | Free of Charge Registration will open in November |
Gracia Farms Puppet Making workshop | Manar Abu Dhabi Workshop Space, Jubail Island | 29 November 2025 9:00 PM 13 December 2025 6:00 PM 27 December 2025 9:00 PM | AED 75 per person Payment to be made onsite via cash or card Registration required at |
|
Gracia Farms Paint and Plant |
Manar Abu Dhabi Workshop Space, Jubail Island | 22 November 2025 9:00 PM 6 December 2025 9:00 PM 20 December 2025 9:00 PM 3 January 2026 6:00 PM | AED 50 per person Payment to be made onsite via cash or card Registration required at |
The Knot: Talli Medal Charms workshop | Manar Abu Dhabi Workshop Space, Jubail Island | 23, 24 and 25 November 2025 6:00 PM | AED 80 per person Drop in participation; payment to be made onsite |
The Slime Lab- Glow in the Dark Slime drop in workshop | Manar Abu Dhabi Community Hub, Jubail Island | Every Saturday from 22nd November Operating between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM | AED 35 per person Drop in participation; payment to be made onsite |
CLIMATE AND ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME | |||
Environment Agency Abu Dhabi: Walk & Talk plus Manar Abu Dhabi tour | Jubail Mangrove Park Jubail Island | 30 November 2025 4:00 PM | Free of Charge Registration will open in November |
Environment Agency Abu Dhabi: Mangrove Kayaking plus Manar Abu Dhabi tour | Jubail Mangrove Park, Jubail Island | 7 December 2025 4:00 PM | AED 130 per person, payment to be made onsite Registration will open in November |
Environment Agency Abu Dhabi: Citizen Science Mangrove Monitoring Session plus Manar Abu Dhabi tour |
Jubail Mangrove Park, Jubail Island | 14 December 2025 4:00 PM | Free of Charge Registration will open in November |
MOVEMENT AND WELLNESS PROGRAMME | |||
Polishing the Lens: Cultivating Clarity breathwork and meditation with Kirsten Berg |
Manar Abu Dhabi Stage, Jubail Island | 18 November 2025 5:00 PM | Free of Charge Registration will open in November |
Motion/Stillness: Anchoring presence through form breathwork and meditation with Kirsten Berg | Manar Abu Dhabi Stage, Jubail Island | 21 November 2025 5:00 PM | Free of Charge Registration will open in November |
Kayan Experiences X Sanctum: Walking the Light at Manar Abu Dhabi | Manar Abu Dhabi Entrance Pavilion, Jubail Island | 12 December 2025 5:00 PM | Free of Charge Open to Kayan Wellness Festival community- registration required |