Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
Manar Abu Dhabi is set to welcome internationally acclaimed singer EMEL (Emel Mathlouthi) on Jubail Island on December 20, 2025 at 7.30pm.
The free public light art exhibition is organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), Manar Abu Dhabi until January 4, and forms part of the Public Art Abu Dhabi initiative.
Known for her powerful voice and evocative stage presence, EMEL's concert will transport audiences through a rich tapestry of sounds that blend heritage with contemporary artistry.
Since her debut in 2011, EMEL has established herself as a pioneering artist, collaborating with Valgeir Sigurdsson, Tricky, Barbara Pravi, Bachar Mar-Khalifé, Vitalic, and Acid Arab.
Audiences will be treated to a unique journey through her latest album, MRA, a pop/world/electro manifesto celebrating female creativity, featuring an all-female line-up of collaborators.
The album blends African trap, batucada, Arabic reggaeton, hip hop, and drum 'n bass with empowering lyrics.
EMEL's performance is part of the public programme for the second edition of Manar Abu Dhabi, curated by Khai Hori, Artistic Director, and co-curated by Alia Zaal Lootah (Curator), Munira Al Sayegh (Curator), and Mariam Alshehhi (Assistant Curator).
The exhibition is taking place across Jubail Island, Souq Al Mina, and for the first time, Al Ain, with trails through the Al Qattara and Al Jimi Oases - both part of Al Ain's cultural sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Complementing EMEL's performance, Love and Revenge is coming to Manar Abu Dhabi on December 10 at 7.30pm with Agmal layali, a tribute to Umm Kulthum, which will fuse archival imagery and Arab musical heritage with electronic soundscapes.
In a partnership with the Italian Cultural Centre and Embassy of Italy, Ars Nova Napoli will channel the vibrant spirit of southern Italy on December 13 at 7.30pm, combining accordion, fiddle, trumpet, mandolin, gaita bagpipes, and frame drums to bring Neapolitan and Mediterranean traditions to life.
Alongside the main stage performances at Jubail Island, Manar Abu Dhabi at Souq Al Mina will also play host to vibrant weekend performances by Amjad Shakir and Shilpa Ananth X Beatbox Ray on December 19 and 26 December respectively, both commencing at 8.15pm.
Workshops and Wellness
Manar Abu Dhabi will also host special workshops with participating artists, including Maitha Hamdan, whose workshop on December 14 at 6pm will provide participants with hands-on opportunities to engage directly in the creative process and explore contemporary light art practices.
Manar Abu Dhabi features a dedicated programme exploring climate, wellness, and connection with nature.
The Environment Agency Abu Dhabi will host special sessions at Jubail Island on December 14, commencing from 4pm, under its Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative, including kayaking and citizen science activities.
The Kayan Wellness Festival will present a 100-minute Future Meditation Experience, scheduled for December 18 at 4.30pm, through the serene landscapes of Jubail Island, pausing at light installations to inspire movement, reflection and connection.
Fujifilm presents ongoing Manar Abu Dhabi photography and videography workshops, focused on varying themes and techniques, held at Jubail Island and in Al Ain, with remaining sessions available December 13 and 20.
Gracia Farm comes to the Jubail Island site every Saturday from 6pm at Manar Abu Dhabi Workshop Space, engaging the public in puppet-making and paint and plant activities, designed to foster environmental consciousness and community participation.
The Slime Lab encourages children to explore creativity and science through Neon slime-making workshops, using safe, non-toxic materials that come alive under UV light and are available on a drop-in basis every Friday at Manar Abu Dhabi Workshop Space on Jubail Island. Guided tours of Jubail Island and Al Ain are also available.
For more information about Manar Abu Dhabi, visit www.paad.ae.
