Noor Riyadh 2024 to Celebrate Light and Art

Noor Riyadh 2024 is ready to light up the Saudi capital, transforming it into a mesmerizing, open-air art gallery. The eagerly awaited annual festival will return with stunning installations, drawing visitors from around the world. Running from November 28 to December 14, it showcases Riyadh’s vibrant cultural scene, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals.

About Noor Riyadh

Noor Riyadh, launched in 2021, is one of the key initiatives under the Riyadh Art Project. Initially, the event aimed to position Riyadh as a major cultural hub in the region. It is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to diversify its economy through the arts, tourism, and culture. Since its inception, Noor Riyadh has grown significantly, earning global recognition as one of the largest light art festivals.

The festival initially attracted attention with its theme “Under One Sky,” focusing on unity through art. Each edition has expanded in scale, incorporating even more local and international artists. The event has become a highlight of Riyadh’s cultural calendar, delighting residents and tourists alike. Moreover, today, it is the largest light art festival in the world.

What to Expect in 2024

This year, Noor Riyadh promises to be even more spectacular, with new installations that will illuminate the city’s iconic landmarks. Under the theme of “Light Years Apart,” Noor Riyadh 2024 will feature various visual artists, industrial designers, musicians, and photographers. Fans can look forward to interactive light art installations, large-scale projections, and immersive experiences that celebrate the beauty of Riyadh

Visitors can catch the artworks, displays, and installations at the King Abdulaziz Historical Center, Wadi Hanifah, and the JAX District. The 2024 theme illustrates the link between the earth (Althara) and the sky (Althuraya), and people’s pursuit of their dreams.

Noor Riyadh’s Featured Artists

The festival showcases artists Abdul Rahman Taha, Athar Alharbi, Jukan Tatesi, Takeshi Yasura, Kimchi and Chips, and Lachlan Turczan. Noor Riyadh will also feature the works of Maryam Tariq, Nasser Al Turki, and Takayuki Mori. There will be 18 Saudi and 43 international artists, from countries such as Australia, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, and Japan. Other countries include Montenegro, the Netherlands, Poland, Russia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Turkey, the UK, the UAE, and the US.

According to Festival Director Nouf Almoneef, the festival has something to delight and inspire people of all ages and backgrounds.

“Riyadh Art and Noor Riyadh celebrate the artistic spirit that thrives in our city and beyond,” Almoneef remarked. “From families to emerging artists and students, Noor Riyadh offers a platform for artistic exchange and discovery, uniting residents and visitors through the magic of light art. By enhancing Riyadh’s livability through festivals, community activities, and permanent artworks, the city has transformed into a vibrant cultural destination.”

Impact on Riyadh’s Cultural Landscape

Noor Riyadh has quickly become a symbol of the city’s transformation into a global destination for art and culture. By attracting international artists, the festival enhances Riyadh’s cultural scene while promoting local talent. Since its inception, the festival has showcased more than 388 artworks by over 300 artists from all over the world. Moreover, it has hosted over 6,000 activities and has received over 6 million visitors.

To learn more about Noor Riyadh, visit noorriyadh.sa or follow them on Instagram at instagram.com/noorriyadhfestival.

Photo: Saudi Press Agency