Manar Abu Dhabi Lights Up Al Ain’s UNESCO World Heritage Oases
Six artists from the UAE and abroad present light works under The Light Compass as the initiative illuminates UNESCO-listed sites in Al Ain for the first time.
Entry is free as Manar Abu Dhabi expands to Al Ain for the first time, activating Al Jimi and Al Qattara oases from November 1st, 2025 until January 4th, 2026. This is the first time the initiative has illuminated sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List, extending its footprint beyond the capital into Al Ain’s historic palm groves. Manar Abu Dhabi is the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi’s public light art exhibition. The Al Ain programme is curated under the theme The Light Compass and features works by six Emirati and international artists: Rafael Lozano-Hemmer, Khalid Shafar, Maitha Hamdan, Abdalla Almulla, Ammar Al Attar and Christian Brinkmann. The installations are staged across the oases, with works designed to be experienced after dark among the centuries-old palms. The opening weekend coincided with the start of Al Ain’s Traditional Handicrafts Festival, adding to visitor activity in and around the heritage sites. Alongside the installations, visitors can find food and beverage pop-ups and photography workshops across the oases. The exhibition runs daily through the season, with entry free to all visitors. Guided tours are available for AED 50 per person.
