Manar Abu Dhabi Expands to Al Ain, Illuminating Al Ain’s Cultural Sites, Inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, for the First Time

Manal Saleh

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates –  Manar Abu Dhabi, a Public Art Abu Dhabi

initiative under the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), returned for its

second edition, debuting in Al Ain for the first time on 1 November 2025.

Under the theme “The Light Compass,” and curated by Khai Hori (Artistic Director), Alia Zaal Lootah

(Curator), Munira Al Sayegh (Curator), and Mariam Alshehhi (Assistant Curator), the Al Ain Cultural

sites of Manar Abu Dhabi feature six Emirati and international artists whose light-based installations

illuminate Al Jimi and Al Qattara oases, — both part of Al Ain’s cultural sites inscribed on the UNESCO

World Heritage List. The exhibition continues its mission to celebrate the emirate of Abu Dhabi as a hub

for cultural innovation and contemporary public art, merging creativity, heritage, nature and technology

to inspire communities and visitors alike.

During the opening weekend, which coincided with the commencement of Al Ain’s Traditional Handicrafts

Festival, visitors in their thousands enjoyed striking immersive light art works by acclaimed artists Rafael

Lozano-Hemmer, Khalid Shafar, Maitha Hamdan, Abdalla Almulla, Ammar Al Attar and Christian

Brinkmann, with the works guiding audiences through a sensory journey across light, sound, and space,

reflecting Abu Dhabi’s growing influence as a global platform for artistic exchange and innovation in the

public realm.

Manar Abu Dhabi opened with a public talk, “Public Art & the Al Ain Landscape,” hosted by Manar Abu

Dhabi curator Alia Zaal Lootah, offering attendees insight into the creative vision behind the installations

and the role of public art in celebrating the emirate’s cultural heritage.

As part of Manar Abu Dhabi Al Qattara and Al Jimi oases feature food and beverage pop-ups, and host

guided tours and photography workshops, creating opportunities for audiences to experience art,

culture, and community amid Al Ain’s historic oases.

Manar Abu Dhabi is open daily from 5:30PM to 12:00 AM until 4 January 2026. Entry is free and guided

tours are available daily at 7:00PM at a cost of AED50 per person.