The tranquil oases of Al Ain have been transformed into a radiant open-air gallery as Manar Abu Dhabi made its debut in the city on November 1, 2025. Organized by the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), the acclaimed public light art exhibition expands beyond the capital for the first time, illuminating the Al Jimi and Al Qattara oases in a breathtaking display of art, heritage, and technology.
This marks a milestone for the initiative, as it brings contemporary light art to two of the UAE’s most cherished UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Curated under the theme “The Light Compass,” the Al Ain edition showcases light-based installations by six celebrated Emirati and international artists Rafael Lozano-Hemmer, Khalid Shafar, Maitha Hamdan, Abdalla Almulla, Ammar Al Attar, and Christian Brinkmann.
Their works transform the palm-lined pathways into a sensory journey through sound, shadow, and illumination, highlighting the harmony between innovation and tradition. The installations invite visitors to reflect on the intersection of culture, community, and environment within the oasis landscape that has sustained life in Al Ain for centuries.
The opening weekend coincided with the launch of the Al Ain Traditional Handicrafts Festival, offering visitors a rich cultural experience that extends beyond the art installations. Alongside the luminous displays, guests can enjoy food and beverage pop-ups, guided tours, and photography workshops, creating an engaging and family-friendly atmosphere throughout the oases.
Manar Abu Dhabi Al Ain runs daily from 5:30pm to midnight until January 4, 2026. Entry is free, with optional guided tours available at 7pm daily for AED 50 per person.
The exhibition reaffirms Abu Dhabi’s vision to celebrate creativity and cultural heritage through immersive public art, while shining a spotlight literally on the timeless beauty of Al Ain’s historic landscapes.
