Manar Abu Dhabi: Everything to See at the Spectacular Light Fest
The capital’s coasts, islands, and skyline are glowing once again.
Manar Abu Dhabi, the city’s stunning light art exhibition, has returned—and this time it’s brighter, bolder, and more immersive than ever. Featuring a mix of fresh locations, interactive installations, and multi-sensory experiences, the celebrated festival is illuminating the emirate’s shores under the night sky.
Launched by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) as part of the Public Art Abu Dhabi initiative, Manar—which means “lighthouse” in Arabic—is reimagining urban spaces through the lens of contemporary art and light.
Running throughout the winter months, the festival has expanded its reach, gracing Al Ain for the first time this year from Saturday, November 1 to Sunday, January 4, and returning to Abu Dhabi city from Saturday, November 15 to Sunday, January 4.
Under the spellbinding theme of “The Light Compass“, visitors can explore more than 19 incredible light installations, all of which provide stunning backdrops perfect for lighting up your social media feed.
Following its dazzling debut in 2023, Manar 2.0 brings a significantly amplified lineup, featuring over 35 artworks by global and regional talent. World-renowned creatives such as teamLab, Carsten Höller, and Shezad Dawood are joined by influential UAE-based artists like Ahmed Al Areef Al Dhaheri and Nujoom Alghanem, offering a diverse experience that spans continents—from Japan to Mexico and well beyond.
Expect monumental sculptures, whimsical projections, and thought-provoking performances that explore themes of ecology, community, and imagination. Whether meandering along the Corniche, sailing through the mangroves on a dhow, or exploring land-based viewpoints, the festival is structured to engage every angle and perspective.
It’s not just about admiring the artistry. This edition of Manar presents a deeper experience, with an array of talks, hands-on workshops, and live performances, creating dynamic spaces for dialogue and creative collaboration.
In every corner of the exhibition, the message is clear: light connects people, just as it connects the city to the world.
Team V.DIR-EM-UAE
