Abu Dhabi captivated residents and tourists alike with the second annual Manar Abu Dhabi, a stunning public light art exhibition that illuminated the capital’s diverse landscapes from November 14, 2025, to January 4, 2026. The event, organized by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), featured 22 site-specific installations created by 15 Emirati and international artists from 10 countries, transforming islands, mangroves, and urban spaces into a radiant spectacle.
The exhibition aimed to inspire visitors and foster a deeper connection with art and the environment, according to curators. This year’s edition, curated by Khai Hori with co-curators Alia Zaal Lootah, Munira Al Sayegh, and Mariam Alshehhi, focused on the theme of “The Light Compass,” drawing inspiration from the historical significance of light sources in Gulf culture.
Jubail Island: The Heart of Manar Abu Dhabi
Jubail Island served as the primary location for the Manar Abu Dhabi installations, becoming a focal point for art enthusiasts. The island’s unique natural setting, with its mangroves and waterways, provided a compelling backdrop for the artworks. The location was specifically chosen for its ability to minimize external noise, enhancing the immersive experience for viewers.
Among the featured artists was Shaikha Al Mazrou, whose “Contingent Object” – a pool of illuminated water and salt – offered a secluded and contemplative experience. Other notable installations included DRIFT’s “Whispers,” a kinetic sculpture of glowing strands, and works by Iregular, Ezequiel Pini (a.k.a. Six N. Five), Encor Studio, Pamela Tan, Lachlan Turczan, Christian Brinkmann, and Kirsten Berg. Curator Alia Zaal Lootah emphasized the importance of the artwork’s relationship to its environment, noting that technical considerations, such as durability and visibility, were crucial in the selection process.
Expanding Beyond Jubail Island
While Jubail Island hosted the majority of the installations, public art extended to other areas of Abu Dhabi. At Souq Al Mina, a large-scale installation by American artist KAWS, featuring the COMPANION figure holding a glowing moon, drew significant attention. The installation is currently one of only two active KAWS HOLIDAY displays globally, alongside the San Francisco exhibit. Additional artworks were placed along the Corniche and within smaller urban spaces, integrating art into the everyday lives of residents.
Christopher Joshua Benton’s collaborative “Where Lies My Carpet Is Thy Home,” located in a carpet souq, showcased a hand-woven carpet featuring designs inspired by Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India. The project involved collaboration with local carpet merchants, who also produced merchandise based on the artwork’s patterns. Curator Carmen Hassan explained that Benton’s use of an 8-bit video game aesthetic was intended to acknowledge the artistry inherent in carpet making.
Abu Dhabi Art Fair 2025: A Complementary Event
Running concurrently with Manar Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi Art fair further enriched the city’s cultural landscape. The annual event, which concluded on November 23, 2025, featured over 150 galleries and showcased a diverse range of contemporary and modern art. This year’s fair included a special focus on art from the Gulf region, Nigeria, and Türkiye, as well as collector’s items.
Galleries like Robilant+Voena reported positive reception to their debut presentation at the fair, building on existing relationships with institutions like the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the National Museum in Oman. The fair provided a platform for both established and emerging artists, contributing to the growth of the art market in the region.
As Manar Abu Dhabi concludes its run in early January 2026, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi will likely assess the event’s impact and begin planning for the third edition. Future iterations may explore new themes and locations, continuing to position Abu Dhabi as a leading destination for public art and cultural innovation. The continued success of these initiatives will depend on ongoing investment and collaboration between artists, curators, and the community.
