Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism has launched the second edition of its public light art event, titled “The Light Compass,” running through January 4, 2026. Curated by a four-person team led by artistic director Khai Hori, the exhibition features 15 installations by international and Emirati artists across multiple sites, including Jubail Island, Souq Al Mina, and Al Ain’s UNESCO-listed oases. Highlights include DRIFT’s biometric dome and drone show, Shaikha Al Mazrou’s salt-crystal sculpture, and KAWS’s 100-foot-long “Companion” figure holding a glowing orb at Souq Al Mina.
This event matters because it reinforces Abu Dhabi’s growing role as a hub for large-scale public art and cultural tourism, aligning with the emirate’s Vision 2030 development strategy. By blending international names like Rafael Lozano-Hemmer with local artists such as Ammar Al Attar, the exhibition fosters cross-cultural dialogue and positions light art as a medium for urban placemaking. It also builds on the success of the inaugural Manar Abu Dhabi, signaling a sustained investment in temporary public art that draws global attention to the region.