Manar Abu Dhabi is Back.
Manar (lighthouse) Abu Dhabi is back, where there are several exhibits showcasing light artworks across the city. This illuminating experience is on from November 15, 2025 to January 4, 2026.
https://abudhabiculture.ae/en/cultural-programmes/public-art-abu-dhabi/manar-abu-dhabi
The exhibits are installed in several parts of Abu Dhabi - Jubail Island, Souq Al Mina, and Al Qattara Oasis Trail and Al Jimi Oasis Trail in Al Ain. Right now, the installations in Al Ain are the last on our list, but I am already looking forward for us to visit Jubail Island. Since it's the one closest to us, we already had the chance to visit the one in Souq Al Mina.
Souq Al Mina is located near the Abu Dhabi port, and is one of the places my friends and I love to visit for coffee and focaccia night out. It is particularly nice to visit it this cool season as there really aren't airconditioned walkways that will make it condusive for a summer stroll.
Anyway, back to Manar... Souq Al Mina hosts one of the exhibits -- yeah, just one giant exhibit.
KAWS: HOLIDAY
There are ample parking spaces around the souq, although it could really be busy at night (which is the time you go to for the best experience, of course). As we entered the souq, there are signs that point to the location of the exhibit.
It is really not hard to spot because it could already be seen from afar when approaching the area.
Nope, that is not the moon you see in the backdrop. That's the Companion.
The KAWS Companion could be best viewed from a platform next to it, where we were almost at the eye level of the moon it is holding. There were ushers deployed around and overall, it was a smooth experience going up and down the platform.
There were not many visitors when we came. We were able to take lots of photos, and did not feel the need to hurry to get off the viewing deck. The photo below would show the KAWS exhibit, the Souq Al Mina, and the city (at the horizon) in one frame.
Age is definitely catching up, and my energy could almost no longer match that of my kiddos. I went down and sat on one of the seating areas at the foot of the installation.
Here it is, holding the moon. Can you see the actual moon in the photo below?
After viewing (or before) this exhibit, you can have dinner in one of the many restaurants here at the Souq Al Mina. There is also a playground where kids can spend the rest of their time until they have exhausted all of their energy. LOL.
Jubail Island hosts more exhibits, and I am looking foward to see them as well. We just need to find the best time to go, especially since our weekends as a family are not entirely free. Let's see. 🤞
All photos are owned by the author unless stated otherwise.
