The Abu Dhabi desert has been transformed into a breathtaking outdoor art gallery as Manar Abu Dhabi opened its doors to the public on Friday, offering free admission to families and visitors. The second edition of this remarkable light art exhibition features 22 stunning artworks that use cutting-edge technology including lasers, mirrors, steel, glass, and fiber optics to create an immersive experience across the natural landscape.
Organized by the Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), this year's exhibition brings together 15 talented Emirati and international artists from 10 different countries. The theme 'The Light Compass' explores the fascinating relationship between light, land, and movement, with installations spread across Jubail Island's sand paths, mangroves, and open spaces, as well as cultural sites in Al Ain.
One of the first installations visitors encounter on Jubail Island is 'Gateway,' created by US-based artist Lachlan Turczan. This striking piece features a row of steel arches equipped with lasers and light planes, with fine mist passing through the structures to make the beams visible, creating shifting sheets of light along the walkway. Turczan explained his vision, saying, 'I designed Gateway as a slow path. The light changes with the wind, so every passage looks different. I want visitors to notice small variations in the air and the environment around them.'
Deeper into the exhibition, visitors discover 'Whispers,' a new commission by Dutch collective DRIFT that features a field of vertical fiber-optic stems that move gracefully with the wind. Set within a crescent-shaped dune, these illuminated stems sway gently, creating ever-changing patterns that transform every few seconds. A DRIFT co-founder emphasized the natural inspiration behind the work, stating, 'Whispers is powered by the wind. We wanted the landscape to lead the artwork, not the other way around. When the breeze changes, the entire field recomposes itself.' Visitors are drawn to walk slowly through the stems, often pausing to observe how a single gust of air completely alters the movement of the lights.
The interactive installation 'Public Squares' by Montreal-based collective Iregular introduces a dynamic element that particularly captivates children and families. Spread across screens and digital surfaces, this installation includes four distinct works: 'As Water Falls,' 'Faces,' 'Control No Control,' and 'Fortunes,' all of which respond to touch and motion through cameras and sensors that track movement. When visitors raise their hands, move their arms, or walk past the screens, the visuals change in real time. Daniel Iregui, founder of the collective, explained the concept: 'The idea is that the audience completes the artwork. When someone interacts, the piece shifts. When people leave, it resets. No moment repeats itself.'
Argentinian artist Ezequiel Pini, known professionally as Six N Five, presents 'Skyward,' a contemplative mirrored installation placed among the mangroves. This piece features a large, tilted mirror that reflects the surrounding trees and sky, with a single sculpted stone positioned at its base. When visitors approach closely, constellations slowly appear on the mirrored surface through an sophisticated LED system. Pini described his intention: 'Skyward is about stillness. The constellations don't come on immediately. They show up after a few seconds, almost like they are responding to how long someone is willing to stand and look.' Visitors often gather quietly around the mirror, patiently waiting for the stars to appear before capturing photographs.
Malaysian artist Pamela Tan's installation 'Eden' offers a more subtle approach, featuring slim powder-coated steel stems topped with glass spheres that catch and reflect light, creating a gentle glow across the sand and nearby plants. Tan explained her minimalist philosophy: 'Eden is meant to frame what is already here. The light in the glass spheres shows the textures of the sand and leaves. It's not about creating something overwhelming. It's about drawing attention to small things people might normally miss.' As visitors walk around the installation, the glow of the glass spheres creates beautiful, gentle reflections across the ground.
Adding a touch of contemporary pop culture to the desert landscape, popular US artist and designer Kaws has created an eye-catching sculpture called 'KAWS:HOLIDAY Abu Dhabi,' featuring his iconic gloved character holding a moon. During nighttime hours, the moon lights up dramatically, producing a breathtaking effect against the Abu Dhabi skyline that creates a striking contrast between day and night viewing experiences.
Manar Abu Dhabi will continue to illuminate the desert landscape until January 4, 2026, with completely free entry for all visitors, making this extraordinary art experience accessible to families and art enthusiasts from around the world. The exhibition represents a unique opportunity to experience how contemporary art can transform natural environments while celebrating the relationship between light, landscape, and human interaction.
