Abu Dhabi has quietly become one of the world’s most dynamic cultural hubs, and Manar Abu Dhabi is proof. This dazzling public art exhibition — officially organized by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) — transforms landscapes into panoramic canvases of light, imagination, and innovation.

Short answer: It’s free, immersive, captivating, and unforgettable. With every edition, Manar Abu Dhabi has become more ambitious, bigger, and more breathtaking than the last. And Manar Abu Dhabi 2025 is shaping up to be the most spectacular one yet.

🌈 What Is Manar Abu Dhabi?

Manar (Arabic for lighthouse) is a public light art festival designed to engage communities with art through illumination, sculpture, projection, and immersive installations. It’s part of the Public Art Abu Dhabi initiative, curated to amplify creativity across the emirate’s public spaces and environments.

Think of it as a magical outdoor art gallery under the night sky — with breathtaking, site-specific installations that speak to nature, culture, history, technology, and imagination.

📍 When & Where It Happens (Official Dates & Locations)

Manar Abu Dhabi 2025 is split across two distinct regions, offering diverse experiences that combine city, nature, heritage, and art.

✨ Abu Dhabi City (Jubail Island & Souq Al Mina)

🗓 Dates: 15 November 2025 – 4 January 2026
🕐 Timings: 5:30 PM – midnight for main installations; some open continuously
📌 Highlights: Jubail Island mangroves, coastal installations, light sculptures by Emirati and international artists.

🌴 Al Ain Region (Al Qattara & Al Jimi Oases)

🗓 Dates: 1 November 2025 – 4 January 2026
🕐 Timings: 5:30 PM – midnight
📌 Highlights: Historic desert landscapes transformed into glowing, interactive art environments for the first time.

This dual-city footprint makes the event breathtakingly diverse — from mangrove reflections to oases at dusk, blending ancient heritage with contemporary art.

💡 Manar’s Theme for 2025: The Light Compass

The 2025 theme, The Light Compass, ties together light as both a practical guide and poetic metaphor — historically used for navigation by seafarers and desert nomads, and now reimagined through contemporary artistic interpretations.

Expect works that explore:

• Light as a source of knowledge
• Light as a metaphor for connection
• Light interacting with natural and urban landscapes
• Light as a narrative between heritage and modernity

🎟️ Tickets & How to Attend

Here’s the best news for visitors:

🎫 Entry to Manar Abu Dhabi 2025 is FREE

Manar Abu Dhabi is a public, open-air exhibition — no tickets required for general admission. You simply show up, explore, and enjoy.

🚗 How to Get There

• Jubail Island (Abu Dhabi) – accessible by car or ride share
• Souq Al Mina – walkable and open 24/7
• Al Ain Oases – accessible via car or public transport

While the installations themselves are free, special programs, workshops, public talks, and guided tours may have registration — so keep an eye on the official DCT Abu Dhabi events page for updates when they are announced.

🌟 What to Expect: Attractions & Experiences

Manar Abu Dhabi is more than light art — it’s an experiential journey. Here’s what awaits:

💡 Mesmerising Light Installations

Over 19+ newly commissioned works by both Emirati and international artists, including interactive sculptures, projections, and immersive pathways.

🌿 Dynamic Landscapes

From Jubail Island’s mangroves and coastal pathways to ancient oases in Al Ain, each environment becomes part of the art.

🧠 Public Programmes

Live talks, workshops, and performances invite deeper engagement — meet curators, learn creative techniques, and understand the art from the minds behind it.

📸 Photo & Social Moments

The festival offers jaw-dropping visual backdrops — ideal for photography, social stories, and memory making.

🌌 Night Walks & Light Play

Most installations come alive after sunset — exploring after golden hour means maximum impact and immersive light effects.

🚨 Insider Tips (Secret & Urgent)

👉 Go early or on a weekday — crowd patterns show weekends are packed.
👉 Map your route in advance — installations are spread across locations.
👉 Explore Al Ain first if you want something less crowded and more historic.
👉 Keep a camera with good low-light capability — this is one of the most instagrammable light exhibits in the region.
👉 Check official channels for free workshops and public talks — these are limited and often fill up fast.

📊 Official Support: Why This Is Guaranteed & Risk-Free

Manar Abu Dhabi isn’t a pop-up show. It’s:

✔ Organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) — a government body with proven cultural stewardship.
✔ Certified and Curated by International Experts like Khai Hori and a team of curators with global credentials.
✔ Part of the Public Art Abu Dhabi initiative, reflecting strategic investment in public art and creativity.
✔ Verified free entry, safe public access, and official night-time programming schedules.

That means you can plan with confidence — no hidden costs, no surprise fees, no uncertainty.

🎯 Why Manar Abu Dhabi 2025 Is a Must-See

This edition isn’t just bigger — it’s historic.

• First time including Al Ain oases
• Over 23 site-specific works
• Curated by internationally acclaimed artists
• Expanding cultural footprint across the UAE
• Reflects a deep narrative about light, heritage, and human connection

Whether you’re a local resident, a visitor, an art lover, or just a curious explorer — this is one of the most powerful, beautiful, and unique public art experiences in the region.

👣 Final Buzz: Visit Abu Dhabi’s Light Revolution

Manar Abu Dhabi 2025 is not “just another festival.” It’s a transformation of urban and natural space through light — a celebration of heritage, creativity, and community.

Dates to remember:
🌟 Al Ain: 1 November 2025 – 4 January 2026
🌟 Abu Dhabi: 15 November 2025 – 4 January 2026

Cost: Free entry (with optional public programmes)

⏳ Hurry: Seasonal events like workshops and talks have limited spots — once they’re gone, they’re gone!

🧭 Don’t miss your chance to experience a festival that literally lights up landscapes and imaginations.