City-wide light art exhibition is poised to illuminate the archipelagos and mangroves of the UAE capital from November 15

Abu Dhabi's cityscape is going to be transformed into a dazzling canvas of light and craftsmanship. Manar Abu Dhabi, a city-wide light art show, is set to brighten the UAE capital's archipelagos and mangroves from November 15, 2023 until January 30, 2024. This spectacular event will include a stunning display of new commissions and site-specific light sculptures, projections, and immersive artworks created by both local and international artists.

Manar, which means "lighthouse" in Arabic, pays respect to the emirate's rich legacy of bright festivals that have always lit its evenings. It is a key component of the Public Art Abu Dhabi concept, which the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) presented earlier this year. Manar promises to provide residents and tourists with an unparalleled opportunity to interact with these breathtaking artworks and witness the transformational power of light.

The inaugural edition of Manar Abu Dhabi, themed "Grounding Light," is curated by Reem Fadda, Director of Abu Dhabi Culture Programming, Director of the Cultural Foundation, and Artistic Director of Public Art Abu Dhabi. Alia Zaal Lootah works as a co-curator. The stunning artworks will be prominently displayed around Abu Dhabi, including Lulu, Saadiyat, Yas, Jubail, Al Samaliyah, Fahid Islands, and other coastal sites including Corniche Road, Mina Zayed, and the Eastern Mangroves. Visitors will travel 2.3 kilometres through Al Samaliyah, watch a museum-inspired drone show on Saadiyat Island, and be enthralled by mesmerising displays on Lulu.

Manar Abu Dhabi will feature more than 35 site-specific artworks by artists from across the world in a variety of mediums, including light projections, sculptures, installations, and performances. These recognised artists from Argentina, Belgium, France, Japan, India, Mexico, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, Tunisia, the UAE, the United Kingdom, and the United States will enchant audiences with their works.

Along with the intriguing artworks, a vigorous public programme involving discussions, workshops, and art performances will take place across Manar Abu Dhabi. This ground-breaking show is a continuation of Public Art Abu Dhabi's continued commitment to commissioning public art for the emirate. Other long-term components include the Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial, which will debut in November 2024, and artist commissions.

Public Art Abu Dhabi has continued to strengthen DCT Abu Dhabi's efforts to enhance spaces of historical, aesthetic, architectural, social, scientific, and technological value, all while celebrating the city's vibrant cultural legacy and looking forward to a promising future.