Manarat Al Saadiyat: Get enlightened by art
Managed by the Department of Culture and Tourism, Manarat Al Saadiyat is a haven for art connoisseurs in Abu Dhabi. Whether you want to attend exhibitions or sign up for art programmes, this is the place to be! If you want to know more about this facility, we bring you a complete guide to Manarat Al Saadiyat, Abu Dhabi.
ABOUT MANARAT AL SAADIYAT (MAS)
Manarat Al Saadiyat – the ‘place of enlightenment’ – is a popular art and cultural centre in Abu Dhabi. The place actively contributes to the art scene in the emirate through its curated exhibitions (year-round/temporary), workshops, film screenings and more.
Their programmes explore film, gaming, animation, media, photography and music in Abu Dhabi.
Let’s learn more about this hub of art and culture in Abu Dhabi.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT MANARAT AL SAADIYAT
STUDIOS AND ART GALLERIES
Manarat Al Saadiyat has an art studio, a photography studio and three galleries that host different workshops, exhibitions, art camps and other educational programmes.
These sessions cover various facets of art, ranging from painting to printmaking… and are available for people of all ages and skill levels in most cases. You can visit their website to check out the latest schedule of their programmes.
- Cost: Subject to the programme
MAS SPACE
MAS Space is where you can shoot hoops, read to your heart’s content, skate and hang out with your friends.
- Cost: Free
- Timings: 10:00 am – 08:00 pm
GUIDED TOURS
Manarat Al Saadiyat offers interactive tours to visitors of all ages and backgrounds. During the tour, their “Visitor Engagement Specialists” walk you through different exhibitions, sharing key insights about art. They offer live and virtual tours for 45 minutes in Arabic and English.
Please note:
- Apart from a tour, they arrange a live post-tour art workshop for school groups for an additional fee.
- Prior reservation is required for the tour.
- To book a tour, you must email them or seek assistance from their reception desk.
- Cost: Free
THE TERRACE
The facility has an outdoor area and a terrace to host a number of activities and events, including weddings, yoga classes and corporate events.
LARTE RESTAURANT
LARTE Restaurant is not your ordinary Italian restaurant; this is a unique lifestyle concept with an all-day cafe, a cocktail, a wine bar, and an eatery. The restaurant brings you authentic Italian delicacies from the heart of Milan.
You can enjoy pasta, pizzas, cakes, pastries, desserts, coffee, and much more at this eatery.
- Cost: AED 255 (Average for two)
- Contact: +971-2-657-5888
Additionally, MAS features the following facilities.
- A 250-seat auditorium
- A 100-seat theatre
RULES AND REGULATIONS AT MANARAT AL SAADIYAT
- Children below 8 years old must be accompanied by an adult.
- Children aged 8 years old and above can be left in the art studio under the staff’s supervision.
- Visitors are not allowed to bring food or drinks to the art studio.
- Vaping and smoking are strictly prohibited within the premises of Manarat Al Saadiyat.
- Pets are not allowed in the facility.
CONTACT INFO
- Location: Saadiyat Cultural District
- Timings: 10:00 am – 08:00 pm
- Contact: +971-2-657-5800
FAQs
DOES MAS ART STUDIO HOST CORPORATE EVENTS?
MAS organises bespoke corporate events and workshops about painting, ceramics, printmaking, kinetic sculptures and more. The booking cost of Manarat Al Saadiyat events is AED 100 per person per hour.
DOES MAS HOST GROUP WORKSHOPS?
Yes, the facility organises group workshops for a minimum of ten people. The cost of these workshops is as follows.
- 3-5 years old (accompanied by an adult): AED 50 for 1 hour
- 6-16 years old: AED 75 for 1.5 hours
- 17+ years old: AED 100 for 2 hours
To make a booking, you must call at +971-2-657-5929.
DOES THE FACILITY OFFER RESIDENCY PROGRAMMES?
Yes, MAS offers residency programmes regularly. You can check their website to know the application process.
ARE THERE ANY MUSEUMS IN ABU DHABI?
Yes, many! Louvre Abu Dhabi and Emirates National Auto Museum are some popular museums in Abu Dhabi.
ARE THERE ANY FREE THINGS TO DO IN ABU DHABI?
You can indulge in any of these free activities in Abu Dhabi.
That brings an end to our Manarat Al Saadiyat review. This is one of the best facilities for those who want to be enlightened by art and culture. Aside from this, you can visit these art galleries in Abu Dhabi.
Looking for more things to do in the capital? Head to some of these attractions in Abu Dhabi and let us know about your experience.
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