One of the region’s most anticipated light-art festivals is returning to illuminate Abu Dhabi and Al Ain with large-scale sculptures, projection art, and immersive installations – Manar Light Festival. Organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), this edition continues its mission to activate the Emirate’s natural landscapes, waterfronts and historic oases through contemporary public art.
- What are the key festival dates and locations?
- What installations and highlights can visitors expect?
- What is the theme of “The Light Compass” about?
- Where are the festival sites in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain?
- How do you get to the different festival locations?
- Practical tips to plan your visit
- Is Manar Abu Dhabi suitable for families?
- Nearby places to explore around the festival sites
- Key Takeaways
- FAQs
What are the key festival dates and locations?
Manar Abu Dhabi spans more than six weeks, giving residents and visitors plenty of time to explore each district at their own pace. The festival’s spread across islands, waterfronts and desert oases creates an experience that changes from one site to another, making a multi-day visit ideal for those who want to see every installation.
Dates
Locations
- Jubail Island (anchor site)
- Souq Al Mina, Abu Dhabi City
- Al Qattara Oasis, Al Ain
- Al Jimi Oasis, Al Ain
Potential supporting venues may include: Corniche, Eastern Mangrove, Lulu Island, Fahid Island, Saadiyat Island and Al Samaliyah Island.
What installations and highlights can visitors expect?
Manar Abu Dhabi 2025 presents a curated selection of large-scale artworks explicitly created for the Emirate’s natural and cultural landscapes. The installations range from giant sculptures to intimate projections, offering moments of reflection and interactive experiences.
The festival offers a curated mix of interactive light sculptures, digital pieces, projection mapping and immersive experiences designed to complement the natural and cultural character of each location.
The artwork highlights include:
- Monumental light sculptures
- Interactive digital installations
- Kinetic structures
- Drone light art
- Projection mapping on natural landscapes
- Family-friendly workshops and live performances
A key highlight this year is KAWS’ “Holiday” installation at Souq Al Mina, a monumental inflatable figure set beneath the moon, blending Abu Dhabi’s maritime heritage with contemporary pop-art expression.
What is the theme of The Light Compass?
The 2025 edition is built around ‘The Light Compass,’ a theme that explores light as both a cultural symbol and a navigational tool deeply rooted in the UAE’s heritage.
Historically, pearl divers, fishermen and desert travellers relied on moonlight, stars and shoreline reflections to move across the land and sea. Many of the installations reinterpret these ideas through contemporary forms, glowing pathways, shifting shadows, motion-activated lights and projection art that responds to the surrounding landscape.
Across Jubail Island and Al Ain’s oases, several works draw directly from nature, using mangroves, water and sand textures as part of the visual experience. Meanwhile, Souq Al Mina’s waterfront installations focus on maritime memory and the rhythm of the harbour.
Where are the festival sites in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain?
Manar Abu Dhabi spans multiple districts chosen for their cultural importance, natural beauty, and accessibility. Each location offers a different experience: Jubail’s mangroves provide a serene setting, and Souq Al Mina brings an energetic waterfront atmosphere.
In contrast, Al Ain’s oases offer a richly historic backdrop for night-time light displays. Understanding the character of each area helps visitors create an itinerary that suits their interests.
- Jubail Island: A nature-focused setting known for its mangroves, wooden boardwalks and quiet forested paths. The installations here lean towards ambient light expressions and environmental storytelling.
- Souq Al Mina: A vibrant waterfront celebrating food, markets and maritime heritage. Expect energetic installations, interactive artworks and a lively evening atmosphere.
- Al Qattara & Al Jimi Oases (Al Ain): These lush, historic oases provide a beautiful backdrop for projection-based works and atmospheric night trails.
How do you get to the different festival locations?
Manar Abu Dhabi is easy to reach by car or taxi, with most locations within 15–25 minutes from central Abu Dhabi. Visitors staying on Saadiyat often start with Jubail Island, while those near the Corniche typically head to Souq Al Mina. Clear roadside signage and dedicated parking zones make navigation simple, even on busy weekend evenings.
Jubail Island
- 15–20 minutes from Saadiyat
- Accessible by car via Sheikh Khalifa Highway
- Parking available
Souq Al Mina
- Minutes from the Corniche
- Taxi and bus access
- Walkable waterfront and food spots
Al Ain Oases
- Short drive from central Al Ain
- Festival signage available
Travel times from central Abu Dhabi districts
Because the festival spans several districts, travel times vary slightly depending on where you are staying. Those based on Reem Island usually take 20–25 minutes to reach Souq Al Mina, while visitors staying on Yas Island often begin their visit at Jubail Island due to its proximity to the mangroves and the highway network.
Travellers from Khalifa City generally have the shortest drive to Jubail Island, with most routes taking under 20 minutes.
The clear connectivity across Sheikh Khalifa Highway, Corniche Road and the E11 makes it easy to plan multiple visits, especially on weekends.
Practical tips to plan your visit
Preparing ahead helps visitors get the most out of the experience. Light installations are best viewed after sunset, and weekday evenings are quieter. Comfortable shoes, light clothing, and a quick check of the daily schedule ensure a smooth, enjoyable evening, especially for families visiting multiple sites.
- Visit after sunset for the best visuals
- Check the official schedule for updated tours
- Wear comfortable walking shoes
- Some workshops require booking
- Weekday evenings are quieter
Is Manar Abu Dhabi suitable for families?
This festival is designed with families in mind, offering safe open-air environments, wide walking paths and activities suited for all ages. Parents often start at Jubail Island, where installations sit along quiet boardwalks, making it ideal for strollers and younger children.
Souq Al Mina tends to appeal to older kids thanks to its interactive digital installations, food stalls, and livelier atmosphere.
In Al Ain, the oases provide shaded walking areas and gentle pathways surrounded by palm trees and historic architecture
Nearby places to explore around the festival sites
Each festival location is surrounded by cultural, leisure, and waterfront attractions, making it easy to plan an entire evening out. Whether you’re exploring Jubail’s mangroves, Mina Zayed’s harbour area or Al Ain’s historic streets, these destinations complement the light-art experience and offer more to see, eat and photograph.
Near Jubail Island
- Louvre Abu Dhabi
- Mamsha Al Saadiyat
- Saadiyat Beach
- Jubail Mangrove Park
Near Souq Al Mina
- Mina Zayed Waterfront
- Fish Market
- Corniche Beach
- Marina Mall
Near Al Ain Oases
- Al Ain Oasis
- Qasr Al Muwaiji
- Al Ain Palace Museum
- Jebel Hafeet
Key Takeaways
Manar Abu Dhabi 2025 transforms the country into a vibrant, illuminated landscape across islands, oases, and waterfronts. With its theme “The Light Compass,” world-class artworks and free public access, the festival offers a memorable winter season for families, art lovers, residents and tourists. Its multi-site format allows visitors to explore Abu Dhabi’s natural and cultural beauty in new and inspiring ways.
FAQs
A: Abu Dhabi runs from 15 November 2025 to 4 January 2026, and Al Ain runs from 1 November 2025 to 4 January 2026.
A: Jubail Island, Souq Al Mina, and Al Qattara & Al Jimi Oases in Al Ain.
A: Yes, all installations are free and open to the public.
A: The 2025 edition is themed “The Light Compass,” exploring light as guidance and artistic expression.
A: Yes. Workshops, performances and interactive installations run across various sites.
A: Evenings, ideally after sunset.
A: Yes. Jubail Island, Souq Al Mina, and the Al Ain oases all offer dedicated parking areas. Some zones may have limited capacity during weekends, so arriving earlier in the evening helps avoid congestion.
A: It’s possible, but spacing between Jubail Island, Souq Al Mina and Al Ain makes it best to limit Abu Dhabi visits to one or two locations per evening. Many visitors split the experience across several nights to fully enjoy each site.
A: Photography is encouraged across all festival sites. Drones are not permitted unless authorised by the relevant authorities.
