ABU DHABI, UAE, Oct. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), Manar Abu Dhabi is a public light art exhibition that aims to foster creativity while celebrating the emirate's diverse landscapes. For its second edition, Manar Abu Dhabi will bring together 15 Emirati and international artists and artist collectives from 10 countries, featuring 23 works spanning site-specific light sculptures, projections, and immersive installations.
'The Light Compass" presents contemporary artworks that explore light as both guide and medium in bridging its navigational and poetic dimensions. Curated by Khai Hori, Artistic Director, and co-curated by Alia Zaal Lootah (Curator), Munira Al Sayegh (Curator), and Mariam Alshehhi (Assistant Curator), Manar Abu Dhabi 2025 will take place across four key locations: Jubail Island, Souq Al Mina, and for the first time, Al Ain, with dedicated trails across Al Qattara and Al Jimi Oases.
Manar Abu Dhabi 2025 will run from 1 November 2025 to 4 January 2026 in Al Ain and from 15 November 2025 to 4 January 2026 in Abu Dhabi.
Jubail Island
Jubail Island will be the anchor location for Manar Abu Dhabi 2025. Celebrated for its natural landscape and unique biodiversity, visitors can wander along the sprawling boardwalks that meander through the mangroves and engage with 15 installations Highlights include:
- EDEN (2025), a large-scale outdoor installation by Malaysian artist Pamela Poh (b.1991, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia) featuring steel structures and suspended glass spheres illuminated at night
- Inside a dome-like structure, UNFOLD (2025) by multidisciplinary studio DRIFT (est. 2007, the Netherlands) transforms visitors' biometric data into unique, ephemeral flowers and soundscapes, while WHISPERS (2025) features a sea of delicate dancing lights that respond to the subtlest currents of air and movement. Alongside a captivating drone performance WIND OF CHANGE (2025)
- Emirati sculptor Shaikha Al Mazrou's (b. 1988, Sharjah. Lives and works in Dubai) CONTINGENT OBJECT (2025), a striking 30-metre circular land art installation that transforms over time as water crystallises into a salt disc
- Montreal-based digital art studio Iregular (est. 2010. Based in Montreal, Canada) will activate the Island with four interactive installations; AS WATER FALLS (2022), FACES (2022), CONTROL NO CONTROL (2012), FORTUNES (2024) that utilise artificial intelligence, sensors and data visualisation
Other artists featured on Jubail Island include Ezequiel Pini (a.k.a. Six N. Five) (b.1985, Buenos Aires. Lives and works in Barcelona, Spain); Christian Brinkmann (b.1989. Lives and works in Hamburg, Germany); Kirsten Berg (b.1969, Berkeley, California, USA); Encor Studio (Est. 2016, Switzerland); and Lachlan Turczan (b.1993, Los Angeles, USA);
For its debut in Al Ain, Manar Abu Dhabi will transform Al Qattara and Al Jimi Oases with dedicated trails of light-based installations
Al Qattara Oasis Trail presents three artworks, with each installation responding to the oasis' landscape and heritage:
- Returning to Manar Abu Dhabi, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer (b. 1971, Mexico City. Lives and works between Montreal and Quebec, Canada) will present two works: TRANSLATION STREAM (2023), which presents poems by contemporary Emirati poets Nujoom Alghanem, Khalid Albudoor, and Adel Khozam as a slow stream of letters. Alongside PULSE CANOPY (2025), a hovering canopy of light that responds to the visitor's heartbeat, upon placing their hand beneath a sensor
- Stretching over 70 meters within a historic building, Emirati designer Khalid Shafar (b. 1980, Dubai, UAE) presents SADU RED CARPET (2025), reinterpreting Sadu, a traditional weaving technique within the United Arabi Emirates, and inscribed on the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage
Al Jimi Oasis Trail
Boasting a dense canopy of palm trees, the Jimi Oasis Trail invites visitors to continue their journey through the oasis and encounter five artworks:
- Installed within the courtyard of a historic house, CYCLE OF CIRCLES (2025) by multidisciplinary Emirati artist Ammar Al Attar (b. 1981, Ajman, UAE) is a photographic series of five self-portraits captured while the artist rode a bicycle in a circular path.
- Emirati artist Maitha Hamdan (b.1989, Abu Dhabi, UAE) presents BREATH OF THE SAME PLACE (2025) two light-based installations inspired by the Oasis environment.
- Dubai-based Emirati architect Abdulla Al Mulla (b.1990, UAE) presents GUIDING DRAPES (2025), an architectural installation inspired by the luminous decorations that adorn Emirati brides' houses before and after the wedding.
- FLORAL RESONANCE (2024), an interactive audiovisual installation by Christian Brinkmann (b.1989, Hamburg, Germany), where visitors' interactions with a living plant, placed at the centre of the installation, generate a multi-sensory experience, both physical and digital
Souq Al Mina
Set against the city skyline of Mina Zayed (Zayed Port), KAWS (b. 1974, Jersey City, USA) with long-time partner AllRightsReserved presents KAWS: HOLIDAY Abu Dhabi, featuring an illuminated COMPANION, the artist's signature character, reclining on its back and lifting a lit moon in its hands.
About Manar Abu Dhabi
Organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), Manar Abu Dhabi is a public light art exhibition that aims to foster creativity and celebrate the emirate's landscapes.
About the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) drives the sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi's culture and tourism sectors and its creative industries, fuelling economic progress and helping to achieve Abu Dhabi's wider global ambitions.
By working in partnership with the organisations that define the emirate's position as a leading international destination, DCT Abu Dhabi strives to unite the ecosystem around a shared vision of the emirate's potential, coordinate effort and investment, deliver innovative solutions, and use the best tools, policies and systems to support the culture and tourism.
DCT Abu Dhabi's vision is defined by the emirate's people, heritage and landscape. We work to enhance Abu Dhabi's status as a place of authenticity, innovation, and unparalleled experiences, represented by its living traditions of hospitality, pioneering initiatives and creative thought.
For more information about the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and the destination, please visit: dct.gov.ae and abudhabiculture.ae
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
Manar Abu Dhabi Reveals Artist Line-Up for Second Edition
Following a defining year of growth and impact, the Group enters the Year focused on purposeful expansion and regenerative travel
SINGAPORE, Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Banyan Group ("Banyan Tree Holdings Limited" or the "Group" – SGX: B58), an independent global hospitality company, enters 2026 following a year that marked a significant step in its global expansion. With 100 hotels and resorts, over 140 spas and galleries, and more than 20 branded residences now in operation across over 20 countries, the Group is advancing into its next phase of growth with new market entries, strengthening of its multi-brand portfolio, and deepening of guest experiences.
"Crossing the 100-resort milestone marks a new chapter for Banyan Group as we build on our legacy by expanding into new and meaningful markets, strengthening our brands, and deepening our focus on wellbeing-led and regenerative travel," said Eddy See, President and CEO of Banyan Group. "Guided by purpose-driven growth, design-led experiences, and responsible stewardship, we remain committed to creating long-term value for destinations, partners, and communities as we expand into new parts of Africa and the Caribbean."
Expansion Highlights Across Key Regions
In Africa, the Group will enter safari hospitality with the grand opening of Ubuyu, a Banyan Tree Escape in Tanzania, marking its debut in East Africa. In West Africa, Dhawa Ouidah will open in Benin, extending the Group's footprint into the region.
In the Caribbean, Banyan Group will establish its presence in the Dominican Republic with the openings of Angsana Cap Cana and Cassia Punta Cana, introducing both resort and extended-stay offerings to the market.
In Europe, the Group will officially unveil Mamula Island by Banyan Tree in Montenegro when it reopens for the 2026 season later this year, introducing the full Banyan Tree experience through design enhancements, refreshed dining concepts, signature rituals, and integrated spa and wellbeing programming.
Across Asia and the Middle East, Banyan Group will continue to advance its multi-brand strategy with openings across its luxury, lifestyle, and urban brands. The Banyan Tree brand will expand its presence in China with Banyan Tree Guangzhou Jiulong Lake, a modern ecological resort featuring Lingnan-inspired design drawn from traditional Southern Chinese culture, and Banyan Tree Mount Emei, nestled within a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Sichuan Province.
The Angsana brand will grow across resort destinations with Angsana Ashar Valley Tents in Saudi Arabia and Angsana Bogor in Indonesia. The Group will also strengthen its portfolio with Garrya Danang in Vietnam, alongside continued expansion of the Homm brand with Homm Mandaue Cebu in the Philippines, Homm Yibin Lizhuang in China, as well as Homm Pondok Indah Jakarta and Homm Palembang in Indonesia. It will also open its second Folio hotel globally with Folio Bogor in Indonesia later this year.
Deepening Wellbeing-led Experiences
In 2026, Banyan Group will deepen its wellbeing-led guest experiences across the flagship Banyan Tree brand portfolio, anchored by Banyan Tree Connections, a private holistic wellbeing journey for two designed to foster deeper connections between partners, friends, and family members through movement, mindfulness, and shared rituals in nature.
Following its initial rollout at Banyan Tree Anji in China, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru in the Maldives, Banyan Tree Mayakoba in Mexico, and Banyan Tree Phuket in Thailand, the programme will be also be available at eight additional resorts from April 2026, including Banyan Tree Nanjing Garden Expo and Banyan Tree Guangzhou Jiulong Lake in China, Banyan Tree Bintan and Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape in Indonesia, Banyan Tree AlUla in Saudi Arabia, Banyan Tree Samui in Thailand, Banyan Tree Dubai in the United Arab Emirates), and Banyan Tree Lang Co in Vietnam.
2025 in Review: A Year of Milestones & Impact
A key milestone in 2025 was the grand opening of the Group's 100th resort, Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree in Singapore, marking its symbolic homecoming. The opening was commemorated with the inaugural Rainforest Festival, which attracted more than 4,000 visitors and raised more than SGD 600,000 (approximately USD 468,000) for the President's Challenge in support of 52 charities and social service organisations through festival proceeds, corporate partner contributions, Banyan Group donations, and a Singapore government matching grant.
During the year, the Group also celebrated several milestone anniversaries, including 10 years of the Cassia brand since the debut of Cassia Phuket in Thailand, 20 years in China following the opening of Banyan Tree Ringha, and 30 years in both the Maldives and Indonesia, commemorating the openings of Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Banyan Tree Bintan respectively.
Advancing Stewardship and Community Impact
Banyan Group continued to advance its stewardship agenda in 2025 through long-term partnerships and associate-led initiatives. Its collaboration with the China Environmental Protection Foundation supported coral reef restoration efforts in Sanya and the Campus Water Safety Programme in Lijiang.
Internally, the Group delivered more than 30 Greater Good Grants across Biodiversity Conservation and Wildlife Protection, Community Health and Well-being, Education and Youth Empowerment, Preserving Local Culture and Heritage, Sustainable Agriculture, and Waste Reduction and Circular Economy, alongside continued integration of sustainability considerations into business and investment decisions.
Growth of Branded Residences Portfolio
In 2025, Banyan Group expanded its branded residences portfolio with eight new sales launches, including Banyan Tree Padilla Madrid Residences – its first residential development in Europe located in Madrid's prestigious Salamanca district and housed within in a 1948 architectural landmark. The Group also unveiled its new Bellaguna residential brand, alongside its inaugural development Bellaguna Lake Residences – Lotus. Designed for year-round living, Bellaguna residences are professionally managed by Banyan Group and operate independently from hotel inventory.
Banyan Group is currently ranked No. 1 in Asia by volume and fifth globally in branded residential development. In Phuket, the Group anticipates launching up to USD 1 billion in new luxury residential projects over the next two to three years.
Gallery, Spa & Wellbeing Highlights
Banyan Gallery, the Group's artisan-led retail concept, continues to grow its international footprint. For over three decades, it has partnered with 339 artisan communities and commissioned more than 400,000 products, supporting the preservation of intangible cultural heritage and sustainable design. With more than 70 outlets globally, its curated range of crafts and wellbeing products is also offered through inflight retail partnerships with leading airlines such as Singapore Airlines, China Airlines, EVA Air, Emirates, and Starlux Airlines. In 2025, Banyan Gallery also expanded its corporate gifting portfolio with new international clients, including Royal Thai Airways, and Christian Dior.
The Banyan Spa & Wellbeing Academy, which has trained more than 2,800 therapists since its establishment in 2001, received multiple distinctions from Thailand's Ministry of Education, including the Outstanding Educational Institution Award 2025, alongside awards recognising educational leadership and teaching excellence.
Global Recognition Recognition Across Design, Sustainability, and Travel Awards Design excellence and sustainability continued to anchor Banyan Group's global recognition in 2025. The Group was admitted into the Design Power Index under the Social Impact of Design category, acknowledged as a leading example of how design can deliver meaningful social, economic, and environmental impact. Architectural Digest honoured Banyan Tree Veya Valle de Guadalupe in its Great Design Hotel Awards, Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree won three awards in the Sustainability, Resort, and Lodges, Cabins and Tented Camps categories in the AHEAD Asia Awards.
Across other industry and consumer platforms, Banyan Tree was ranked No. 2 Best Hotel Brand in the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific, and Banyan Group was named among the Top 10 Most Favourite Hotel Brands in the Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards. The Group was also recognised as Outstanding Hotel Group, Pioneer in Sustainable Tourism by Travel + Leisure China, with additional recognitions for many of its resorts and hotels across the portfolio at the Condé Nast Traveller Readers' Choice Awards, Michelin Keys, and Forbes Travel Guide Star Awards, among others.
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ABOUT BANYAN GROUP
Banyan Group ("Banyan Tree Holdings Limited" or the "Group" - SGX: B58) is an independent, global hospitality company with purpose. The Group prides itself on its pioneering spirit, design-led experiences and commitment to responsible stewardship. Its extensive portfolio spans 100 hotels and resorts, more than 140 spas and galleries, and 20 plus branded residences in over 20 countries. Comprising 12 global brands, including the flagship brand Banyan Tree, each distinct yet united under the experiential membership programme withBanyan. The founding ethos of "Embracing the Environment, Empowering People" is embodied through the Banyan Global Foundation and Banyan Academy. Banyan Group is committed to remaining the leading advocate of sustainable travel, with a focus on regenerative tourism and innovative programmes that elevate the guest experience.
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
Banyan Group Highlights New Chapter of Growth in 2026 Following its Landmark 100-Resort Milestone
