Abu Dhabi has unveiled the latest stop in the global KAWS:HOLIDAY series, bringing a monumental, luminous sculpture to Souq Al Mina. The installation features KAWS’s iconic COMPANION figure reclining while cradling a glowing crescent moon, transforming the waterfront into a striking public extravaganza.
Part of the second edition of Manar Abu Dhabi 2025, the festival runs from 15 November 2025 to 4 January 2026 and showcases more than 20 site-specific light artworks across the emirate. Curated by Khai Hori with Emirati co-curators Alia Zaal Lootah, Munira Al Sayegh, and Mariam Alshehhi, the programme spans Jubail Island, the Al Ain oases of Al Qattara and Al Jimi, and Abu Dhabi city, offering immersive experiences for residents and visitors alike.
The glowing COMPANION, with its serene pose and luminous crescent, explores themes of scale, light, and imagination, creating a contemplative dialogue between the city, the desert sky, and the waters of the marina. The installation is part of a broader effort to integrate contemporary art into public spaces, combining spectacle with accessibility.
Interactive works, projections, and workshops running alongside the sculpture allow the public to engage with the festival in multiple ways, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s growing reputation as a hub for international public art.
Over its two-month run, the moon-cradling figure is expected to draw thousands of visitors, establishing itself as a cultural landmark and a highlight of the city’s winter arts programme.
