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, MRKnown 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 lineup of collaborators. The album blends African trap, batucada, Arabic reggaeton, hip hop, and drum n’ bass with empowering lyrics, making her live performances immersive and unforgettable. 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 10 December at 7:30PM with Agmal layali, a tribute to Oum Kalthoum, 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 13 December 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 19 December and 26 December respectively, both commencing at 8:15PM.A, a pop/world/electro manifesto celebrating female creativity, featuring an all-female lineup of collaborators. The album blends African trap, batucada, Arabic reggaeton, hip hop, and drum n’ bass with empowering lyrics, making her live performances immersive and unforgettable. 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 10 December at 7:30PM with Agmal layali, a tribute to Oum Kalthoum, 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 13 December 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 19 December and 26 December respectively, both commencing at 8:15PM.

In line with its commitment to learning and engagement, Manar Abu Dhabi offers special workshops with participating artists, including Maitha Hamdan, whose workshop on 14 December at 6:00PM will providing 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 7 December and 14 December commencing from 4:00PM, under its Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative including kayaking and citizen science activities. Kayan Wellness Festival will present a 100-minute Future Meditation Experience, scheduled for 18 December 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 on 6 December, 13 December and 20 December. Gracia Farm will activate the Jubail Island site every Saturday from 6:00PM 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 a Neon slime-making workshops, using safe, non-toxic materials that come alive under UV light and available on a drop-in basis every Friday at Manar Abu Dhabi Workshop Space on Jubail Island.