Noor Riyadh 2024: World’s Largest Light Art Festival Returns

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Riyadh: Noor Riyadh, the world’s largest light art festival, has returned for its 2024 edition under the Riyadh Art Project. Running from November 28 to December 14, the festival, themed Light Years Apart, features over 60 installations by 61 artists from 18 countries. The event transforms Riyadh into a “gallery without walls,” spanning three iconic hubs: King Abdulaziz Historical Center, Wadi Hanifah, and JAX District. This year’s festival showcases the works of 18 Saudi artists alongside 43 international creators, including notable contributors such as Architect Saad Al-Howede, Artist Asmaa Aljohani, and global figures like Krista Kim, Ryoji Ikeda, and Studio Atelier Sisu.

Khalid Al-Hazani, Director of the Riyadh Art Project, highlighted Noor Riyadh’s mission to make art accessible, while Festival Director Nouf Almoneef emphasized the festival's role as a beacon of creativity, inviting visitors to explore the profound connections between earth and the cosmos. The installations are strategically placed across Riyadh’s historical and modern landmarks. At the King Abdulaziz Historical Center, Studio United Visual Artists’ Aether synchronizes 1,500 drones in a captivating light display, while Artist Rashed AlShashai’s The Fifth Pyramid reimagines ancient structures through illuminated pathways.

Wadi Hanifah offers a natural setting for Artist Daan Roosegaarde’s SPARK, featuring biodegradable floating sparks, while Digital City hosts Saudi Artist Maryam Tariq’s Shifting Perspectives, an exploration of perceptual ambiguity. At the Al Faisaliah Tower, Artist Chris Levine’s Higher Power projects a Morse code message of hope and unity visible city-wide, showcasing the festival's innovative use of Riyadh’s urban landscape. Noor Riyadh also engages the community with free workshops, guided tours, and family activities. Adults can participate in photography and mixed media sessions, while children enjoy crafting kaleidoscopes and puppetry. Since its inception in 2019, Noor Riyadh has showcased over 500 artworks and welcomed more than six million visitors. With its 2024 edition, the festival continues to cement Riyadh’s status as a global hub for art and innovation, reflecting its cultural aspirations on an international scale.