Manar Abu Dhabi

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Arts & CultureAbu Dhabi
DatesDates TBA · Usually AutumnCheck locally before booking
DurationAutumnEstimate from available data
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forPerformance, exhibitionsManar stands apart from a typical light show
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: AED
CategoryArts & CultureFestival type
The story

Manar Abu Dhabi in Abu Dhabi

Manar Abu Dhabi is DCT Abu Dhabi's public light art festival, part of the wider Public Art Abu Dhabi programme, transforming Jubail Island's mangrove boardwalks and, in a recent expansion, Al Ain's UNESCO-listed Al Jimi and Al Qattara oases into an after-dark trail of illumination, projection and sculpture by artists including DRIFT, KAWS and Rafael Lozano-Hemmer, with free entry.

Manar Abu Dhabi is a large-scale public light art festival launched by the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi as part of its wider Public Art Abu Dhabi programme.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

Manar stands apart from a typical light show by commissioning newly made, site-specific works from a genuinely international roster, including DRIFT, KAWS and Rafael Lozano-Hemmer, rather than recycling generic illuminated displays

02

The mystery stays covered

Its setting across protected mangrove boardwalks on Jubail Island, and more recently the UNESCO World Heritage-listed oases of Al Ain, gives the festival a landscape dimension few urban light festivals attempt

03

The city starts moving

As the seasonal, light-focused counterpart to the longer-running Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial, it also occupies a distinct place in the emirate's public art calendar, drawing repeat visitors curious about each edition's new curatorial theme

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

Symbols

Custom

Manar Abu Dhabi is documented as a recurring arts-culture festival in the Eventisimus atlas.

Participation

Calendar

Some moments are open to visitors; others belong to local participants. Follow barriers, steward instructions, and local etiquette.

Place memory

Place

The strongest version of the event is the one tied to Abu Dhabi, not a generic copy of the same category elsewhere.

The local code

Meaning

Manar stands apart from a typical light show by commissioning newly made, site-specific works from a genuinely international roster, including DRIFT...

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually Autumn

Getting around

Use the city as a planning base, then confirm the exact venue, route, or meeting point close to the date.

What to wear

Layered evening wear suits Abu Dhabi's cooler after-dark temperatures during the festival's winter run, and comfortable closed walking shoes are essential for navigating boardwalks and...

Safety

Keep valuables light, follow local instructions, and watch how residents use the space before joining in.

Where to stay

Stay near the part of Abu Dhabi you will actually use, or choose a transport base with an easy return after peak hours.

Tickets/cost

Check official or local sources for ticketed areas, paid stands, and same-year access rules.

Language/currency

AED

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map24.45 N, 54.40 EOpen in Google Maps

Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Nearest airportAZI — Al Bateen Executive
TransportUse the city as a planning base, then confirm the exact venue, route, or meeting point close to the date.
Stay areaStay near the part of Abu Dhabi you will actually use, or choose a transport base with an easy return after peak hours.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Abu Dhabi via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Abu Dhabi, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for festival season.Compare faresFestival gearLayered evening wear suits Abu Dhabi's cooler after-dark temperatures during the festival's winter run, and comfortable closed walking shoes are essential for navigating boardwalks and uneven oasis pathways in low light.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for United Arab Emirates and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Manar Abu Dhabi?

Manar Abu Dhabi is listed for Not represented as one continuous festival occurrence. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Manar Abu Dhabi take place?

The festival is listed in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

Autumn is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLmediaoffice.abudhabi
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually Autumn
Source statusOfficial source linked
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