ar- العربية Riyadh is about to light up like never before as Noor Riyadh 2024 prepares for its grand return from Thursday, November 28 to Saturday, December 14. Touted as the largest light art festival in the world, this year’s edition will be bigger and brighter, showcasing over 60 breathtaking artworks under the captivating theme “Light Years Apart.” While the specific locations and artists are still to be announced, anticipation is already building for what promises to be a dazzling celebration of light and creativity.
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Noor Riyadh is much more than just a spectacle—it’s a movement aimed at enhancing community interaction and enriching the city with public art. As part of the broader Riyadh Art initiative, this festival aligns with the goal of transforming the Saudi capital into a “gallery without walls,” promoting the local art scene and fostering innovation. Since its launch in March 2021, Noor Riyadh has evolved into an annual tradition that features not only art installations but also a dynamic public program filled with workshops, talks, and performances. These events bring together both international and Saudi artists, offering something for everyone, from families to art enthusiasts.
Previous editions of Noor Riyadh have left a lasting impact, with art displayed at iconic locations such as the King Abdullah Financial District, JAX Diriyah, Wadi Hanifah, Salam Park, and Wadi Namar. The festival has also broken numerous Guinness World Records, including the largest light art festival and the longest distance covered by a laser light show. Notable achievements include the “Pulse of Light,” which broke records for the largest laser show and the largest mesh screen on a building. In 2023, the festival also featured the largest temporary skatepark and hosted the most drones performing an aerial dance display, among other highlights.
This year’s edition is poised to continue pushing the boundaries of creativity, with large-scale installations, light shows, and immersive experiences that will transform Riyadh into an extraordinary open-air gallery. As part of the event’s legacy, Noor Riyadh will further solidify Saudi Arabia’s position on the global art map by inspiring the next generation of local talent and fueling the country’s burgeoning creative economy.
Some of its remarkable achievements include:
- The largest LED structure, “Beacon” (2021)
- The brightest suspended ornament, “Star in Motion” (2021)
- The largest light art festival (2022)
- The most drones performing an aerial dance display, “Order of Chaos: Chaos in Order” (2022)
- The longest distance covered by a laser light show, “Pulse of Light” (2022)
- The largest laser show by area covered, “Pulse of Light” (2022)
- The highest and largest mesh screen on a building, “Pulse of Light” (2022)
- The largest temporary skatepark, “Block Cubes” (2023)
- The largest drone and multirotor bird swarm, “Desert Swarm” (2023)
- The largest interactive projection-mapped display, “Magic Carpet, Origin of the World” (2023)
- The most lights used in a temporary light and sound show, “DIALOGUE” (2023)
- The most lights in a light show on a single building, “DIALOGUE” (2023)
Stay tuned for more updates on the featured artists, artworks, and locations.