Abu dhabi: Following a debut in Al Ain earlier this month, Manar Abu Dhabi, the public light art exhibition organized by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), has fully opened across the emirate for its second edition.
According to Emirates News Agency, the exhibition showcases 15 Emirati and international artists and collectives from 10 countries, featuring 22 site-specific light sculptures, projections, and installations that foster creativity while celebrating Abu Dhabi’s natural and urban landscapes.
This edition unfolds under the theme ‘The Light Compass’, highlighting the Gulf’s ancestral relationship with light. Jubail Island serves as the anchor location, showcasing 15 large-scale installations and performances by artists such as Shaikha Al Mazrou, Iregular, Ezequiel Pini (a.k.a. Six N. Five), and others, introducing bold perspectives and innovative approaches to light-based art.
For the first time, the exhibition extends to the cultural sites of Al Ain, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Visitors can explore seven site-specific works along the Al Qattara and Al Jimi Oasis Trails, with contributions from artists including Maitha Hamdan, Ammar Al Attar, and Khalid Shafar.
At Souq Al Mina, a work by KAWS, in collaboration with AllRightsReserved, takes center stage. The piece features a luminous COMPANION reclining while lifting a glowing moon, exploring light, scale, and imagination.
The exhibition includes a dynamic public program that integrates art, technology, and community, featuring talks, lectures, and workshops led by artists and partners like Fujifilm and Gracia Farms. Performances from international acts and wellness experiences are also part of the vibrant line-up.
In collaboration with WE ARE ONA and Luca Pronzato, an immersive dining experience will be presented by guest chef Solemann Haddad of Michelin-starred restaurant Moonrise. Many of the talks, performances, and workshops are free, complemented by guided tours and food and beverage pop-ups at various locations, offering a fully immersive experience.