Manar Abu Dhabi Location – Uncovering the Neighbourhood’s Key Features

Manar Abu Dhabi is a groundbreaking public art initiative that reimagines the UAE’s capital through the transformative power of light. Part of the Public Art Abu Dhabi program by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), this large-scale exhibition brings together local and international artists to illuminate the city’s landscapes with light sculptures, projections, and immersive installations.

Titled “Grounding Light,” the exhibition runs until January 30, 2024, celebrating Abu Dhabi’s dynamic cultural identity. With installations spread across islands, beaches, and mangroves, Manar Abu Dhabi invites residents and tourists alike to experience art in harmony with nature.

Location and Accessibility

Fahid Island and Eastern Mangroves

A key highlight of Manar Abu Dhabi is its widespread accessibility across the capital’s scenic archipelagos. Fahid Island, located near the Eastern Mangroves, features several installations that merge art, water, and light. Visitors can enjoy immersive experiences set against a tranquil natural backdrop, making this site a perfect blend of environmental beauty and creative expression.

Corniche Road Connection

The Corniche, one of Abu Dhabi’s most beloved landmarks, also serves as a major exhibition site. Installations like “Abu Dhabi Dots” by Carsten Höller — featuring 20 colorful spotlights — engage visitors in playful, thought-provoking interactions.

Main Exhibition Locations:

• Fahid Island – Near Eastern Mangroves
• Corniche Road – Central urban art hub
• Lulu Island – Expansive light art displays
• Saadiyat Island – Home to large-scale projections and sculptures
• Al Samaliyah and Jubail Mangroves – Immersive natural settings

These multiple venues ensure easy access and inclusivity, aligning with Abu Dhabi’s mission to make art an integral part of public life.

Cultural Significance and Art Installations

Public Art Abu Dhabi Initiative

Launched in early 2023 by DCT Abu Dhabi, the Public Art Abu Dhabi initiative aims to nurture a thriving cultural ecosystem. By commissioning global and Emirati artists, it bridges traditional heritage with contemporary innovation.

Manar Abu Dhabi not only enriches the city’s artistic identity but also strengthens Abu Dhabi’s position as a global cultural hub, paving the way for the upcoming Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial in November 2024.

Featured Artists and Installations

The exhibition showcases an extraordinary range of artworks from renowned names such as:

• Carsten Höller – Abu Dhabi Dots (Corniche Beach)
• Jim Denevan – Self Similar, an illuminated masterpiece across the mangroves
• Ayesha Hadhir and Jumairy – Emirati artists exploring local narratives
• Luciana Abait, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer, Nadia Kaabi-Linke, and Shezad Dawood – International talents redefining light as an artistic medium

Each piece transforms familiar landscapes into living canvases of light and reflection.

Highlights and Visitor Experience

Immersive Installations

Manar Abu Dhabi offers an unforgettable journey through light and imagination. From Luciferin Shores by Rawdha Al Ketbi, which radiates ethereal energy, to interactive projections by Rafael Lozano-Hemmer, visitors are drawn into multisensory environments that blur the lines between art, nature, and technology.

Activities and Workshops

The exhibition also includes performances, workshops, and live activations, making it a community-driven experience:

• Performances: Works like “Dawaran” by Shaikha Al Ketbi combine motion, sound, and light.
• Artist Commissions: Collaborations with collectives like Teamlab showcase innovative, site-specific works.
• Workshops: Educational programs for all ages encourage hands-on creativity and cultural learning.

These events deepen the public’s connection to art while inspiring the next generation of creative thinkers.

Tourism and Cultural Impact

Manar Abu Dhabi has become a major attraction in the UAE’s cultural calendar, seamlessly blending art, nature, and tourism. The exhibition encourages visitors to explore Abu Dhabi’s diverse landscapes — from serene mangroves to bustling urban promenades — while supporting local businesses and community engagement.

By transforming the city into a luminous art destination, it reflects the UAE’s broader commitment to sustainable cultural growth and global artistic exchange.

Future of Manar Abu Dhabi

The success of Manar Abu Dhabi has laid the foundation for future art-driven projects across the emirate.
Upcoming plans include:

• The Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial 2024, featuring large-scale, interactive installations.
• New artist commissions that integrate light, nature, and urban life.
• Expanded collaborations with international creatives to further elevate the UAE’s art scene.

Through its ongoing evolution, Manar Abu Dhabi continues to illuminate not only the city’s skyline but also its cultural ambition.

Conclusion

Manar Abu Dhabi stands as a beacon of innovation, creativity, and cultural unity. By transforming the city’s landscapes through the artistry of light, it celebrates Abu Dhabi’s identity as both a modern metropolis and a cultural sanctuary.

With its captivating installations, global collaborations, and vision for the future, Manar Abu Dhabi truly reflects how art can connect communities and redefine public spaces.