Light Art Festival Noor Riyadh Illuminates the City’s Skyline
Under the theme ‘Light Years Apart’, the festival features over 60 light-based artworks by 18 Saudi and 43 global artists.
The fourth edition of Noor Riyadh, the world’s largest light art festival under Riyadh Art, is running until December 14th across three hubs: King Abdulaziz Historical Center, Wadi Hanifah and JAX District. Under the theme ‘Light Years Apart’, the festival showcases over 60 light-based artworks by 18 Saudi and 43 international artists, including Saad Al Howede, Asmaa Aljohani, Anna Ridler and Ryoji Ikeda.
Curated by Dr. Effat Abdullah Fadag and Dr. Alfredo Cramerotti, the theme explores the connection between Althara (earth) and Althuraya (stars), symbolizing humanity’s journey from present realities to future aspirations. Highlights include Chris Levine’s ‘Higher Power’ projected from Al Faisaliah Tower, Daan Roosegaarde’s ‘SPARK’ dispersing biodegradable sparks over Wadi Hanifah, and ‘The Fifth Pyramid’ by Rashed AlShashai which reimagines an ancient structure with an illuminated path.
“Noor Riyadh embodies Riyadh Art’s vision of transforming the city into a gallery without walls, where art and creativity are accessible to all,” Architect Khalid Al-Hazani, Riyadh Art program director tells SceneNowSaudi. “By bringing together a diverse collection of light-based artworks to public spaces, residents and visitors can experience the city in a new and inspiring way.”
The festival also features a range of community activities, including free workshops, talks, guided tours, and family-friendly events, offering experiences for both adults and children.
Since its inception in 2019, the Riyadh Art Program has showcased over 500 artworks by more than 500 artists, attracting over six million visitors through its flagship festivals, Noor Riyadh and Tuwaiq Sculpture Symposium.
