Building on the success of its inaugural edition, the second edition of 'Manarat Al Saadiyat' saw a qualitative expansion that, for the first time, included cultural sites in the city of Al Ain, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This marked a pivotal milestone that enhanced the dialogue between contemporary artistic expression and the emirate's historical environments, adding a deeper dimension to the exhibition's experience and cultural content.
Under the artistic vision of Kai Hori (Artistic Director), Aliya Al Zaabi (Artistic Curator), Muna Al Saadi (Artistic Curator), and Maryam Al Shamsi (Assistant Artistic Curator), this year's 'Manarat Al Saadiyat' exhibition, titled 'Your Guide is the Star Canopus', drew inspiration from the connection that ancestors in the Arabian Gulf region had with light, exploring its role as both a tool for guidance in astronomy and an artistic medium.
'Manarat Al Saadiyat', the annual public art exhibition dedicated to light art and organized by the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi, as well as the main pillar of the 'Public Art Abu Dhabi' initiative, concluded its second edition, which has seen wide attendance from residents and visitors since its return in November 2025.
Attracting over 800,000 visitors and bringing together diverse segments of the community in an immersive artistic experience that reimagined islands, forests, ghaf trees, oases, and urban landscapes from a new creative perspective, the exhibition highlights the diversity of the emirate of Abu Dhabi and the beauty of its natural and urban scenery.
The exhibition featured 15 artists and art groups from the UAE and around the world, representing 10 countries, who showcased 22 innovative artworks, including sculptures, installations, light shows, and immersive interactive experiences designed specifically for the sites.
