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DTSTART:20230101T000000
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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260203
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260216
DTSTAMP:20260418T160512
CREATED:20260203T113350Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260203T114602Z
UID:10013383-1770076800-1771199999@magpie.ae
SUMMARY:Sharjah Light Festival
DESCRIPTION:magpie has long been a fan of the Sharjah Light Festival\, the 14th edition of which runs 3 to 15 February. By contrast with the newer Manar Abu Dhabi and Dhai Dubai light art festivals\, SLF generally takes a more conventional approach – which typically means illuminating iconic cultural (and some natural) landmarks\, albeit with active light shows. \nThis year’s Sharjah Light Festival features light shows in 13 locations\, and there’s clearly been a deliberate effort to spread them beyond Sharjah City. Locally there are shows at Dr Sultan Al Qassimi Center near University City Hall\, Al Majaz Waterfront\, Kalba Waterfront\, the General Souq at Al Hamriyah\, Al Jada\, and the House of Wisdom. And it should be worth making the trips to Al Rafisah Dam\, Al Dhaid Fort\, Khorfakkan Waterfall\, the Hanging Gardens in Kalba\, Dibba’s AlTayari Mosque\, and Sharjah Fort in Al Hisn.  \nThere’s also the Light Village in front of the University City Hall building\, which will have around 55 F&B and retail vendors plus entertainment and activities. That stays open till 22 February. \n 
URL:https://magpie.ae/event/sharjah-light-festival/
LOCATION:[various Sharjah locations]
CATEGORIES:Festival,Light,Public art
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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260104
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260105
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CREATED:20251110T143156Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251110T143307Z
UID:10013047-1767484800-1767571199@magpie.ae
SUMMARY:LAST CHANCE Manar Abu Dhabi 2025
DESCRIPTION:Manar Abu Dhabi returns for its second edition with the theme The Light Compass\, presenting 19 newly commissioned light-based artworks by Emirati and international artists Key locations include Jubail Island\, Souq Al Mina\, and\, for the first time\, Al Ain’s Al Qattara and Al Jimi Oases. Guided tours will be available at both Jubail Island and Al Ain location; Jubail Island\, Al Qattara Oasis and Al Jimi Oasis will all have F&B pop-ups and “experiences”. The website will have a map indicating locations. \nCo-curated by Alia Zaal Lootah\, Munira Al Sayegh and Mariam Alshehhi\, the project forms part of Public Art Abu Dhabi\, a DCT Abu Dhabi initiative that champions art in public spaces and sustained engagement with the city’s environment.
URL:https://magpie.ae/event/last-chance-manar-abu-dhabi-2025/
LOCATION:[various Abu Dhabi locations]\, Abu Dhabi
CATEGORIES:Art,Light,Performance
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20251115
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20251116
DTSTAMP:20260418T160512
CREATED:20251110T143041Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251119T110317Z
UID:10013018-1763164800-1763251199@magpie.ae
SUMMARY:Manar Abu Dhabi 2025
DESCRIPTION:Manar Abu Dhabi returns for its second edition with the theme The Light Compass\, presenting 19 newly commissioned light-based artworks by Emirati and international artists – including some very big names: \nAbdulla Almulla (UAE)\nAmmar Al Attar (UAE)\nChristian Brinkmann (Germany)\nDRIFT (Netherlands)\nEncor Studio (Switzerland)\nEzequiel Pini (Argentina)\nIregular (Canada)\nKAWS (USA)\nKhalid Shafar (UAE)\nKirsten Berg (USA)\nLachlan Turczan (USA)\nMaitha Hamdan (UAE)\nPamela Poh (Malaysia)\nRafael Lozano-Hemmer (Mexico)\nShaikha Al Mazrou (UAE) \nThe locations include Jubail Island and Souq Al Mina in Abu Dhabi (gone is the experiment of scattering installations around the city: they are all concentrated in those two locations) and\, for the first time\, Al Qattara and Al Jimi Oases in Al Ain. Jubail Island\, Al Qattara Oasis and Al Jimi Oasis will all have F&B pop-ups and “experiences”. The website has a map indicating locations; there are guided buggy tours of the artworks on Jubail Island at AED 50 per person or AED 150 for a group of four\, with tours at 6pm\, 8pm and 10pm. There’s also an Al Ain tour through the Al Qattara and Al Jimi Oases at 7pm; prices are the same. Tours run daily until 4 January. \nManar Abu Dhabi isn’t just the roster of light installations – check the website for details and see our summary below\, but there’s a programme of artist led workshops; talks that explore the intersections of art\, technology\, and public space; performances including the Syrian-Lebanese duo Bedouin Burger\, Korean electronic duo Haepaary\, Napoli percussion trio Ars Nova Napoli\, and Tarek Yamani Trio; and set of partner programmes exploring “climate\, wellness\, and connection”. We’ve listed the principal elements below \nThe main location for talks and workshops is the Manar Abu Dhabi hub on Jubail Island\, with one talk at Manarat al Saadiyat (with Abu Dhabi Art). . Performances are at Souq Al Mina; all are free. Workshops are on Jubail\, and several of them are paid-for. \nCo-curated by Alia Zaal Lootah\, Munira Al Sayegh and Mariam Alshehhi with Khai Hori as Artistic Director\,  the project forms part of Public Art Abu Dhabi\, a DCT Abu Dhabi initiative that champions art in public spaces and sustained engagement with the city’s environment. \nManar Abu Dhabi runs to 4 January. \nAbove: Maitha Hamdan\, Breath of the Same Place (2025: installation in Al Ain) \n\nTALKS\nUnless noted these are all at Manar Abu Dhabi Stage\, Jubail Island; free and no pre-registration required \n16 Nov 6pm LETS TALK ABOUT MANAR ABU DHABI 2025\nSpeakers: Khai Hori\, Alia Lootah\, Mariam Al Shehhi\, Munira Al Sayegh\nMeet the curators … \n16 Nov 7pm THE FUTURE OF ART WITHOUT AI: IS IT POSSIBLE?\nSpeakers: Dr Elizabeth Churchill\, Khai Hori\, Dr Giulia Bini\nThe evolving relationship between art and AI. \n17 Nov 6pm ART\, TECH\, AND HUMAN CONNECTION\nSpeakers: Ralph Nauta (DRIFT)\, Prof. Hao Li\, Stephanie Rosenthal\nHow immersive experiences\, AI\, and creative technologies are reshaping the ways we see\, feel\, and connect with the world. \n19 Nov 6pm ART AT THE INTERSECTION OF NATURE AND TECHNOLOGY\nSpeakers: Ulrich Schrauth\, Christian Brinkmann\, Dr Brigitte Howarth\nHow artists and institutions are reimagining the relationship between the natural world\, innovation\, and public engagement. \n19 Nov 7pm LIGHT\, MOTION\, AND PERCEPTION\nSpeakers: Lachlan Turczan\, Ezequiel Pini\, Munira Al Sayegh\nHow physical and digital worlds can converge to reshape perception and inspire a sense of wonder in public spaces. \n20 Nov 2pm REIMAGINING SPACE THROUGH SCULPTURE\nSpeakers: Shaikha Al Mazrou\, Kirsten Berg\, Sara Bin Safwan\nBerg\, known for large-scale reflective installations\, creates immersive forms that fuse geometry and environmental sensitivity; Al Mazrou\, one of the UAE’s leading contemporary artists\, takes a distinct approach through minimal forms and conceptual rigour\, reflecting both personal narrative and wider sociocultural contexts. Registration required here. \n20 Nov 3pm DESIGNING PUBLIC ART FOR PRESENCE AND SPACE\nSpeakers: Abdalla Almulla\, Pamela Tan\, Alia Zaal Lootah\nHow does public art respond to its site\, and shape how people feel within it? Abdalla Almulla and Pamela Tan discuss how public artworks can transform passive environments into active\, contemplative spaces. Location: Abu Dhabi Art\, Manarat Al Saadiyat\, Saadiyat Island. Registration required here. \n  \n\nPERFORMANCES\nUnless noted these are all at Manar Abu Dhabi’s Souq Al Mina location; free and no pre-registration required. Additional performances will be announced “in due course”. \n21 Nov 8.15pm FOURMANOS\nAn Emirati band made up of six friends whose performances blend Latin and mariachi-style music with flamenco\, traditional Khaleeji rhythms\, and modern influences. \n22 Nov 8.15pm BEDOUIN BURGER\nFormed by Syrian vocalist Lynn Adib and Lebanese producer Zeid Hamdan\, Bedouin Burger harmonises classical and Arabic folk music with modern compositions\, blending jazz and minimalist electronica. \n23 Nov 8.15pm TAREK YAMANI TRIO: AFRO-TARAB JAZZ CONCEPTIONS\nTarek Yamani’s Afro-Tarab jazz journeys from early 1900s Egypt to contemporary New York\, including reinterpretations of classical Arabic muwashahat\, as well as original compositions based on edgy traditional Arabic rhythms and melodic modes. \n29 Nov 8.15pm HAEPAARY\nSouth Korean duo who merge traditional Korean music with experimental electronic soundscapes. \n10 Dec 8.15pm LOVE AND REVENGE: TRIBUTE TO OUM KALTHOUM​\nAgmal Layali reimagines the legendary repertoire of Oum Kalthoum through a contemporary lens\, blending her iconic recordings with live performance and cinematic visuals. \n13 Dec 8.15pm ARS NOVA NAPOLI\nArs Nova Napoli revives the spirit of southern Italian tradition through dynamic live performances of Neapolitan Nu Folk\, a fusion of Mediterranean rhythms and modern arrangements . \n19 Dec 8.15pm AMJAD SHAKIR\nAmjad Shakir is a contemporary Sudanese singer known for his soulful voice and vibrant stage presence. His performances offer a rich musical journey across cultures. \n26 Dec 8.15pm SHILPA ANANTH & BEATBOX RAY\nUAE born and based\, the duo’s genre-blending live set fuses soulful melodies\, intricate vocal loops\, and masterful beatboxing in an electrifying mix of South Indian influences\, jazz\, electronic soul\, and percussive vocal artistry. \n  \n\nWORKSHOPS\nAll workshops take place at Manar Abu Dhabi\, Jubail Island\, most require registration\, and some are charged-for. \n22 Nov 4.30pm SERENITY OF MANAR WITH ALTAMASH JAVED\nA fine art photography workshop with Fujifilm Creator Javed. Majoring on the art of stillness through light and composition. Register here. \n22 Nov 5.30pm-midnight THE SLIME LAB: NEON SLIME DROP-IN WORKSHOP\nKids make their very own slime using safe\, non-toxic materials with glow-in-the-dark pigments that come alive under UV or blacklight. AED 35 per person; no registration required. \n22 Nov 9pm GRACIA FARMS PAINT AND PLANT\nIn this interactive workshop\, children will decorate and personalise their own plant pots before planting a small seedling inside. AED 50 per person; register here. \n23 Nov 9pm GRACIA FARMS PAINT AND PLANT\nIn this interactive workshop\, children will decorate and personalise their own plant pots before planting a small seedling inside. AED 50 per person; register here. \n23 Nov 6pm THE KNOT: TALLI MEDAL CHARMS WORKSHOP\nWorkshop for youth and adults: create personalised Talli-inspired medal charms using a selection of accessories and LED balloon lights. AED 80 per person; no registration required. \n24 Nov 6pm THE KNOT: TALLI MEDAL CHARMS WORKSHOP\nWorkshop for youth and adults: create personalised Talli-inspired medal charms using a selection of accessories and LED balloon lights. AED 80 per person; no registration required. \n25 Nov 6pm THE KNOT: TALLI MEDAL CHARMS WORKSHOP\nWorkshop for youth and adults: create personalised Talli-inspired medal charms using a selection of accessories and LED balloon lights. AED 80 per person; no registration required. \n29 Nov 4.30pm MOTIONS OF MANAR WITH JARED MARTINEZ\nA Fujifilm workshop focused on cinematic video storytelling\, led by visual artist Jared Martinez\, exploring the art of motion\, light\, and storytelling. Register here. \n29 Nov 5.30pm-midnight THE SLIME LAB: NEON SLIME DROP-IN WORKSHOP\nKids make their very own slime using safe\, non-toxic materials with glow-in-the-dark pigments that come alive under UV or blacklight. AED 35 per person; no registration required. \n29 Nov 9pm GRACIA FARMS PUPPET MAKING WORKSHOP\nA hands on puppet-making working for children\, is a fun and creative way to express emotions\, build confidence\, and communicate ideas. AED 75 per person; register here. \n6 Dec 5.30pm FUTURE OF MANAR WITH MARK ANTHONY AGTAY\nDesigned for young creatives\, this Fujifilm workshop for young people introduces the fundamentals of photography. It encourages participants to see the world through a creative lens\, frame their perspectives\, tell visual stories\, and explore their surroundings with curiosity and imagination. Register here. \n6 Dec 5.30pm-midnight THE SLIME LAB: NEON SLIME DROP-IN WORKSHOP\nKids make their very own slime using safe\, non-toxic materials with glow-in-the-dark pigments that come alive under UV or blacklight. AED 35 per person; no registration required. \n6 Dec 9pm GRACIA FARMS PAINT AND PLANT\nIn this interactive workshop\, children will decorate and personalise their own plant pots before planting a small seedling inside. AED 50 per person; register here. \n13 Dec 4.30pm VISUALS OF MANAR WITH PREET UDAY\nA Fujifilm workshop that encourages participants to interpret Abu Dhabi through their own artistic lens and develop a strong visual narrative. Register here. \n13 Dec 5.30pm-midnight THE SLIME LAB: NEON SLIME DROP-IN WORKSHOP\nKids make their very own slime using safe\, non-toxic materials with glow-in-the-dark pigments that come alive under UV or blacklight. AED 35 per person; no registration required. \n13 Dec 6pm GRACIA FARMS PUPPET MAKING WORKSHOP\nA hands on puppet-making working for children\, is a fun and creative way to express emotions\, build confidence\, and communicate ideas. AED 75 per person; register here. \n14 Dec 6pm REFLECTIONS OF LIGHT: ARTIST-LED WORKSHOP WITH MAITHA HAMDAN\nHow does light make you feel? What memories do trees and nature bring to you? Art-making with Manar artist Maitha Hamdan. Registration will open soon \n20 Dec 4.30pm FACADES OF MANAR WITH HUSSEIN AL MOOSAWI\nA Fujifilm workshop exploring Abu Dhabi’s architectural identity through the lens of fine art photography. This session focuses on capturing form\, structure\, and light. Register here. \n20 Dec 5.30pm-midnight THE SLIME LAB: NEON SLIME DROP-IN WORKSHOP\nKids make their very own slime using safe\, non-toxic materials with glow-in-the-dark pigments that come alive under UV or blacklight. AED 35 per person; no registration required. \n20 Dec 9pm GRACIA FARMS PAINT AND PLANT\nIn this interactive workshop\, children will decorate and personalise their own plant pots before planting a small seedling inside. AED 50 per person; register here. \n27 Dec 5.30pm-midnight THE SLIME LAB: NEON SLIME DROP-IN WORKSHOP\nKids make their very own slime using safe\, non-toxic materials with glow-in-the-dark pigments that come alive under UV or blacklight. AED 35 per person; no registration required. \n27 Dec 9pm GRACIA FARMS PUPPET MAKING WORKSHOP\nA hands on puppet-making working for children\, is a fun and creative way to express emotions\, build confidence\, and communicate ideas. AED 75 per person; register here. \n3 Jan 5.30pm-midnight THE SLIME LAB: NEON SLIME DROP-IN WORKSHOP\nKids make their very own slime using safe\, non-toxic materials with glow-in-the-dark pigments that come alive under UV or blacklight. AED 35 per person; no registration required. \n3 Jan 9pm GRACIA FARMS PAINT AND PLANT\nIn this interactive workshop\, children will decorate and personalise their own plant pots before planting a small seedling inside. AED 50 per person; register here. \n\n 
URL:https://magpie.ae/event/manar-abu-dhabi-2025/
LOCATION:[various Abu Dhabi locations]\, Abu Dhabi
CATEGORIES:Art,Light,Performance
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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20251112
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20251119
DTSTAMP:20260418T160512
CREATED:20251112T083706Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251112T083856Z
UID:10013050-1762905600-1763510399@magpie.ae
SUMMARY:Dhai Dubai
DESCRIPTION:Dhai Dubai\, Dubai Culture’s light art exhibition\, has a very specific remit: just seven works but seven artists\, all Emirati. The theme for this second edition of the show is ‘Light Influences Life’. \nThe artists represent an interesting selection\, and the co-curators Amna Abulhoul and Anthony Bastic deserve credit for their choice. None are associated primarily with light art\, though Ahmad AlAreef would probably regard himself as a multidisciplinary artist who works with photography\, painting\, and sculpture; and both Hessa Alghandi and AlZaina Lootah work in 3D with practices that includes architecture and design. Fatma Lootah\, Mohammed Kazem and Khalid Al Banna are three well-known and well-established names with 2D and 3D work in their CVs; and the wildcard may be jewellery designer Alia Bin Omair. \nThere’s a programme of workshops for kids aaged 3-10\, and one bookable workshop for adults – Mobile Mastery After Dark\, a smartphone photography class that promises to help you master the art of low-light photography. It runs daily 12-18 November\, 5-9pm\, at House of Arts\, Floor 5; it’s free\, but pre-register here for your preferred date. \nDhai Dubai is at Al Wasl Plaza in Expo City\, 6pm to 11pm. \n \n  \n 
URL:https://magpie.ae/event/dhai-dubai/
LOCATION:Al Wasl Plaza\, Expo City\, Dubai
CATEGORIES:Art,Exhibition,Light
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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240207
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240219
DTSTAMP:20260418T160512
CREATED:20240124T140358Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240124T143346Z
UID:10007501-1707264000-1708300799@magpie.ae
SUMMARY:Sharjah Light Festival
DESCRIPTION:Regular readers will know that magpie has always been a fan of the Sharjah Light Festival\, the 13th edition of which runs 7 to 18 February. SLF is being joined by two more light festivals that have emerged in the UAE over the last few months – Manar Abu Dhabi\, which runs to the end of the month\, and Dhai Dubai Light Art Festival at Expo City Dubai from 26 January to 4 February. \nThey both look like becoming exceptional additions to the calendar\, but they are very different constructions to SLF. Their artworks in the Dubai and Abu Dhabi installations stand alone\, even when they are site-specific. By contrast\, the Sharjah Light Festival generally takes a more conventional approach – the kind of thing we’re familiar with from some of the European city light festivals\, which typically means illuminating iconic cultural (and some natural) landmarks. \nThis year’s Sharjah Light Festival features light shows crafted by around 15 international artists in a dozen locations – three of them new to the schedule this year: Kalba Waterfront\, the General Directorate of Sharjah Police\, and the General Souq at Al Hamriyah. They join Khalid Lagoon\, Al Majaz Waterfront\, BEEAH Group Headquarters\, Al Dhaid Fort\, Sharjah Mosque\, Sheikh Rashid Al Qasimi Mosque\, Al Noor Mosque\, and Al Rafisah Dam. \nThere’s also the Light Village in front of the University City Hall building\, which will have around 55 F&B and retail vendors plus entertainment and activities. That opens from 1 February. \n 
URL:https://magpie.ae/event/sharjah-light-festival-3/
LOCATION:[various Sharjah locations]
CATEGORIES:Festival,Light,Public art
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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240126
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240205
DTSTAMP:20260418T160512
CREATED:20240110T134625Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240110T212956Z
UID:10007417-1706227200-1707091199@magpie.ae
SUMMARY:Dhai Dubai Light Art Festival
DESCRIPTION:Dubai is finally getting a light festival. The inaugural Dhai Dubai Light Art Festival features installations by seven established Emirati artists and runs for 10 nights (26 January to 4 February\, 6 to 11pm) in Expo City’s Al Wasl Plaza. \nThe artists: \nAbdulla Almulla\, designer celebrated for his geometrically inspired architectural designs\, particularly his interpretation of the minaret \nKhaled Alshafar\, designer known for his groundbreaking fusion of Emirati culture and contemporary design (for example in recent collaborations with LASVIT and the Louvre Abu Dhabi) \nReem Al Ghaith\, multidisciplinary artist and researcher with a special interest in capturing the dynamic evolution of her native city of Dubai \nMaitha Hamdan\, multidisciplinary artist – fabric and textiles\, performances\, film – and a current member at the 2023 Critical Practice Program in Tashkeel \nMattar Bin Lahej\, artist and designer (of the Museum of the Future’s calligraphic façade\, among other commissions) \nDr Najat Makki\, artist whose work is characterised by the use of fluorescent paints and UV-A lighting \nDr Mohamed Yousef\, artist and sculptor with a particular engagement with the natural environment and the cultural narratives of his homeland \nThe festival is curated by Amna Abulhoul\, Expo City Dubai Executive Creative Director\, and Anthony Bastic\, founder of AGB Creative. \n 
URL:https://magpie.ae/event/dhai-dubai-light-art-festival/
LOCATION:Al Wasl Plaze\, Expo City\, Dubai
CATEGORIES:Light
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