Manarat Al Saadiyat – Prices, Opening Hours and More

Set to be a place of enlightenment, Manarat Al Saadiyat is the place for art lovers in Abu Dhabi. It is run by the Department of Culture and Tourism and sits at the very heart of Saadiyat Island, a district shaping Abu Dhabi’s cultural identity for decades to come. This is where you should be if you want to enjoy awe-inspiring art shows or sign up for art programmes.

Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning for a specific exhibition, this guide covers everything you need to know for 2025-2026.

• Opening hours
• Entrance fee
• Year-round events & programs
• Location, nearby attractions & transportation
• Contact Details
• Key Takeaways
• FAQs

Overview

Manarat Al Saadiyat is a well-known exhibition centre for art and culture in Abu Dhabi. It is a modern place with a theatre and interactive shows of local and foreign art. The gallery is an integral part of the art scene in the emirate because it hosts classes, film screenings, selected exhibitions (both permanent and temporary), and more.

The exhibition centre’s main goal is to make a lively, experimental community platform where people can be a part of a cultural experience. This includes art fairs, exhibitions, shows, educational programs, guest artists from around the world, and workshops on a regular basis.

The atmosphere is relaxed, welcoming, and thoughtfully curated. And because many of its exhibitions and installations rotate throughout the year, every visit feels slightly different.

Manarat Al Saadiyat Location

This stunning gallery is located in the Saadiyat Cultural District. More specifically, it is located at Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Highway, Al Saadiyat Island in the cultural district.

Manarat Al Saadiyat Opening Hours

Manarat Al Saadiyat keeps visitor-friendly hours all year round.

Daily Timings:
10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

These hours apply to the three galleries, art studio, and public areas. However, special exhibitions, night events, and festivals tend to run later. Accordingly, it’s always a good idea to check upcoming event timings in advance.

The schedule works well whether you prefer quiet morning visits or relaxed evening strolls through the galleries.

Manarat Al Saadiyat Entrance Fee

Here’s one of the best things about Manarat Al Saadiyat: general admission is free.

You can walk into the main gallery areas, explore installations, wander through the light-filled corridors, and enjoy the outdoor terrace without paying anything. It’s rare to find a cultural institution offering this level of access, especially in such a prime location.

But while the core spaces are free, certain programs do require fees. Here is a quick breakdown.

General Admission

• Price: Free
• Includes: Main galleries, MAS Space, outdoor areas
• For: Visitors of all ages

Ticketed Exhibitions

Some exhibitions require separate tickets. These shows are usually large-scale or immersive, often created in partnership with international cultural organisations.

A major upcoming exhibition in 2026 is The World of Studio Ghibli;

• Date: May 30 – August 20, 2026
• Opening hours:
  • Tuesday to Wednesday: 1 PM – 7 PM
  • Thursday to Sunday: 10 AM – 8 PM
  • Monday: Closed
• Duration: 60 to 90 minutes
• Ticket Price: Starting from AED 125
• What to expect: 16 immersive sets, photo-ops, handcrafted artwork, behind-the-scenes secrets, and

These shows tend to be extremely popular, and tickets often sell out during peak weekends.

Workshops & Creative Programs at Manarat Al Saadiyat

Manarat Al Saadiyat’s Art Studio runs classes throughout the year. Needless to say, prices vary based on the program, duration, and instructor.

• Generally, adult and teen workshops’ prices start at AED 100.
• While junior (aged 6 to 12) workshops’ prices start at AED 75.
• Finally, the children‘s workshop fees start at AED 50.

In December 2025, the workshops available include:

• Pottery wheel
• Painting and drawing classes
• Textile art
• Hand-built ceramic
• Storytelling workshops

Drop-In Studio

Manarat Al Saadiyat also offers Drop-In Studio sessions, which are perfect for anyone who wants to experiment with art in a relaxed, self-paced environment. These sessions are open to all ages and are designed around simple, easy-to-follow activities.

Visitors can explore a wide range of drawing and painting supplies. There are also art books and educational resources available, offering plenty of inspiration whenever you need it. It is worth noting that prior booking is required.

As for pricing, the fees are straightforward:

• Adult & Teen Drop-In Studio: AED 50 for a 2-hour session
• Children’s & Junior Drop-In Studio: AED 30 for a 1.5-hour session

Year-Round Events & Programs

Outside major fairs, there is always something happening. Expect:

• Rotating art exhibitions, showcasing local and global talent.
• Film screenings, including indie films, documentaries, and artistic cinema.
• Community workshops, various ones to suit all skill levels and ages.
• Artist talks and panels for those interested in exploring the creative processes behind the art.
• Live performances, from music to spoken word.
• Urban Market, an outdoor pop-up with local artisans, food stalls, and occasional live entertainment.
• Photography Meet-Ups, biweekly sessions where professional and beginner photographers can share their knowledge and skills.
• Guided tours: Visitors of all ages can enjoy interactive tours. During the tour, Visitor Engagement Specialists talk about important art concepts as they lead you through different shows. You can take a 45-minute live or video walk in English or Arabic.

Nearby Communities

Manarat Al Saadiyat is surrounded by world-class communities. In fact, it’s only minutes away from:

• Al Maryah Island – 8 minutes away
• Fahid Island: 11 minutes away
• Al Reem Island – 16 minutes away
• Al Jubail Island – 16 minutes away
• Yas Island – 18 minutes away

Nearby Attractions

More importantly, the art centre is a stone’s throw away from an array of other entertainment and cultural venues. This means that you can enjoy multiple activities on the same day without worrying about traffic and long drives.

• Louvre Abu Dhabi – 5 minutes away
• Al Maryah Central Park – 10 minutes away
• Abu Dhabi Corniche – 10 minutes away
• Reem Central Park – 15 minutes away
• City of Lights – 12 minutes away

Transportation

Want to know how you can get to the Manarat Al Saadiyat Art Studio easily? It’s smooth and easy to get to the one-of-a-kind art centre. You could take a car or an Uber, but you could also take any bus. Here are some of the nearby bus stops:

• Abu Dhabi, Central Bus Station
• Icad Bus Station
• Abu Dhabi City Terminal
• Al Ittihad Square Bus Stand
• Mussafah Town Bus Terminal

Manarat Al Saadiyat Contact Details

If you have any inquiries or complaints, you can contact the Manarat Al Saadiyat through:

• Phone number: +971 6 561 0095
• Email: manaratalsaadiyat@dctabudhabi.ae 

Key Takeaways

Manarat Al Saadiyat remains one of Abu Dhabi’s most accessible cultural spaces, offering everyone a chance to explore creative expression without any barriers. Its free general admission makes it easy to wander through exhibitions, discover new art forms, or simply enjoy a peaceful, inspiring environment.

What truly sets the venue apart is its dynamic and ever-evolving schedule of workshops, exhibitions, and community events. Whether you prefer structured art classes, drop-in studio sessions, or interactive cultural programs, there’s always something new and exciting to try.

With convenient access, spacious facilities, and thoughtfully curated activities, Manarat Al Saadiyat succeeds in offering a meaningful, enriching visit for anyone looking to connect with art, culture, or community.

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