Manar Abu Dhabi is set to illuminate the archipelagos and mangroves of the UAE capital from 15 November 2023 to 30 January 2024 with an exhibition of new commissions and site-specific light sculptures, projections, and immersive artworks by local and international artists. A key pillar of the Public Art Abu Dhabi initiative, announced by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) earlier this year, Manar (the Arabic word for “lighthouse”) will offer residents and visitors opportunities to engage with stunning artworks and experience the transformative power of light.
Held under the theme Grounding Light, the inaugural edition of Manar Abu Dhabi is co-curated by Reem Fadda, Director of Abu Dhabi Culture Programming and Cultural Foundation, and Artistic Director of Public Art Abu Dhabi and Alia Zaal Lootah, offering an immersive, multi-sensory experience which celebrates the emirate’s natural beauty, the exhibition will invite audiences to see Abu Dhabi’s coastal areas in a new light. The artworks will be displayed across several key locations throughout Abu Dhabi, including Lulu, Saadiyat, Jubail, Al Samaliyah, and Fahid islands and other coastal areas such as Corniche Road and the Eastern mangroves. Visitors will embark on a 2.3-kilometer art journey through Al Samaliyah, witness a Saadiyat Cultural District museum-inspired drone show on Saadiyat, and explore mesmerizing displays on Lulu.
HE Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi,said, “Manar Abu Dhabi is more than just an art exhibition. It's a testament to our long-standing and continued commitment to public art and the cultural growth of our city. Our vibrant, dynamic city is the canvas, and the light art is a bridge connecting our past, present, and future. While appealing to audiences across the Abu Dhabi community and beyond, we especially aim to inspire the young minds who are our future. Through this immersive experience, we hope to encourage imagination, a sense of wonder, and appreciation for our beautiful natural environment. ”
Rita Aoun, DCT Abu Dhabi’s Culture Sector Executive Director, said, "Culture is at the heart of Abu Dhabi’s identity. With Manar, we are engaging our community in a dialogue that connects the aesthetic, historical, and social values of the city. The magic of light art is its ability to transcend traditional boundaries, bringing together people from all walks of life. This transformative journey speaks to the emirate’s cultural vision anchored in the collective memory of its residents and enhancing the liveability, well-being, and accessibility to all forms of art. We hope that every Abu Dhabi resident and visitor will sense a newfound connection to the city, inspired by the visual narrative woven by exceptionally talented artists."
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