Abu Dhabi’s winter calendar just got brighter, literally. Manar Abu Dhabi 2025, the city’s annual light-art festival, is back, and this edition feels significantly more ambitious. Spread across Jubail Island, Souq Al Mina, and two of Al Ain’s most historic oases, the festival turns the cooler season into one long, glowing night out.
Running from 15 November 2025 to 4 January 2026, the new chapter carries the theme “The Light Compass.” It’s a poetic idea that makes perfect sense for the Gulf: a region where people have historically navigated by stars, desert light, and the rhythm of the sea. And today, light becomes the language for public art.
If you enjoyed the city-wide exhibitions like Dubai Light Festival or Alserkal’s outdoor installations, Manar Abu Dhabi has that same community feel, except spread across mangroves, markets, and hidden trails.
A Theme Rooted in Gulf Identity
“The Light Compass” isn’t just a catchy title. It frames light as direction, memory, and emotion. And honestly, anyone who has lived through a UAE summer knows how powerful light can feel here — how it shapes your days, your movement, even your mood.
The curatorial team — led by artistic director Khai Hori — brings together artists from 10 countries, creating 23 artworks that blend technology with storytelling. Some pieces are subtle, others dramatic, but the vibe across the festival is the same: slow down, look closely, and allow the city’s familiar landscapes to feel brand new after dark.
Jubail Island: A Natural Canvas For Light
Jubail Island’s mangrove boardwalks are peaceful on a regular evening. Add glowing sculptures, data-driven artworks, and drone performances, and suddenly the place feels like a movie set.
This year’s installations include:
- Eden by Pamela Poh
A steel-and-glass sculpture that seems to float above water. It feels almost meditative — a quiet spot where the reflections dance depending on how close you stand. - Unfold by DRIFT
One of the festival’s most talked-about installations. It uses your biometric signals to generate digital “flowers” with sound. It’s the kind of piece people stay back to try more than once. - Contingent Object by Shaikha Al Mazrou
A massive, 30-metre circular salt installation that slowly crystallises as the weeks go by. It’s simple but striking — the kind of work you photograph from every angle. - Interactive works by Iregular
Known for their digital magic, their pieces respond to motion, sound and touch. Kids love them. Adults love them. Basically, everyone becomes part of the artwork.
There’s also a drone performance set above the mangroves — a sweeping choreography of light that looks unreal against the night sky.
If you’re someone who enjoys serene evening walks or loves photographing landscapes, this is the spot.
Al Ain’s Oases: Heritage Illuminated
This is the first year Manar expands into Al Ain, and honestly, it’s a brilliant move. Both Al Qattara and Al Jimi oases are already atmospheric — tall palms, narrow walkways, historical textures. Add art, and the spaces transform completely.
Al Qattara Oasis
- Translation Stream by Rafael Lozano-Hemmer
Emirati poetry appears as drifting letters of light, moving gently along a trail. It’s subtle, emotional, and one of the most “quietly beautiful” works this year. - Pulse Canopy
Your heartbeat controls the light above you. It’s playful and a little surreal, and it makes you very aware of your own rhythm walking through the space. - Sadu Red Carpet by Khalid Shafar
A reinterpretation of Sadu weaving — this time with illuminated blocks. It adds a cultural layer to the trail that feels both nostalgic and modern.
Al Jimi Oasis
- Cycle of Circles by Ammar Al Attar
A photographic installation built around movement, repetition and stillness. Displayed in glowing frames along a shaded path, it feels intimate and personal. - Breath of the Same Place by Maitha Hamdan
Light ropes cascading from a tall tree respond when you step closer. Kids end up mesmerised by this piece. - Guiding Drapes by Abdulla Al Mulla
Inspired by Emirati wedding-night drapery traditions — a blend of geometry, fabric and light. - Floral Resonance by Christian Brinkmann
A living plant becomes an instrument. When you touch it, the surrounding installation reacts. Perfect for tech lovers.
Each of these works turns the oases into atmospheric night walks — the kind you’ll want to bring family, friends or even visiting relatives to.
Souq Al Mina: KAWS Steals The Spotlight
If you love street culture or follow global art trends, this one’s a treat.
At the Mina Zayed waterfront, KAWS’ monumental “COMPANION” sculpture has touched down after touring destinations like Shanghai.
The figure reclines along the harbour, holding a glowing moon — playful, photogenic and instantly recognisable. You can spot it from far away. It’s easily one of the most Instagrammed pieces of the festival and a nice contrast to the calmness of Jubail and Al Ain.
Workshops, Performances & Late-Night Vibes
Apart from the installations, Manar offers a full programme of workshops and performances — perfect if you want to make an evening out of it.
- For Kids:
Glow-in-the-dark slime sessions. (Yes, parents, they will be obsessed.) - For Adults:
Fujifilm photography workshops — great for improving night photography, especially with so much creative lighting around. - Live Performances:
A mix of regional and global artists, including Bedouin Burger, Tarek Yamani, Fourmanos, Shilpa Ananth x Beatbox Ray and more.
The energy is relaxed, not festival-chaotic — more like discovering cool music in unexpected pockets of the city.
Plan Your Visit
- Timings: Most installations run from 5:30 PM to midnight.
- Souq Al Mina works are accessible 24 hours.
- Entry: Free across locations.
- Transport Tip: If you’re heading from Dubai, Jubail Island is the easiest starting point before exploring the rest.
And It’s Worth Going
Manar Abu Dhabi isn’t just a “lights festival.” It’s a memory-maker.
It nudges people to slow down, explore quiet corners of the Emirates, and see familiar places with fresh eyes. Whether you’re someone who loves art or someone just looking for something new to do on a winter evening, this festival delivers the kind of calm, magical moments that stay with you.
It’s also the perfect excuse for an Abu Dhabi weekend if you’re based in Dubai; no malls, no crowds, just light, nature, and creativity.
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