Free entry announced as Al Ain’s oases light up for Manar Abu Dhabi

Al Ain’s historic oases, Al Jimi and Al Qattara, have been transformed into mesmerizing night-time art destinations as Manar Abu Dhabi, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi’s public light art exhibition, made its debut in the city on November 1, 2025. This marks the first time the initiative has illuminated sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, offering a unique blend of art, heritage, and technology. Curated under the theme ‘The Light Compass,’ the exhibition features light-based installations by six Emirati and international artists: Rafael Lozano-Hemmer, Khalid Shafar, Maitha Hamdan, Abdalla Almulla, Ammar Al Attar, and Christian Brinkmann. Their works guide visitors through an immersive experience of sound, light, and space beneath the ancient palm trees. The opening weekend coincided with Al Ain’s Traditional Handicrafts Festival, adding to the cultural richness of the event. Visitors can also enjoy food and beverage pop-ups, guided tours, and photography workshops, making it a holistic cultural experience. Manar Abu Dhabi runs daily from 5:30 PM to 12 AM until January 4, 2026, with free entry and optional guided tours available for Dh50 per person.