Riyadh Light Festival to Start on November 28

The fourth edition of the “Riyadh Light Festival 2024” is ready to officially kick off on November 28, 2024. It will run until December 14, 2024.

The festival’s theme “Between the Earth and the Pleiades” will showcase over 60 artworks by Saudi and foreign artists. These will light up the city’s sky in key locations, along with workshops, seminars, and community events. Art enthusiasts also know the Riyadh Light Festival as the Noor Riyadh. Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Farhan expressed his gratitude for the support of Saudi leadership for the event.

A gallery without walls

King Salman launched the “Four Grand Riyadh Projects” – which covers the Riyadh Light Festival 2024 – in 2019. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman led the project to turn Riyadh into an “open art gallery” or “gallery without walls.”

The festival will gather leading Saudi and international light artists from around the world. Overseeing the festival will be local and foreign art curators who have been part of the world’s biggest art exhibitions.

Among these are international art curator Dr. Alfredo Cramerotti and Saudi art curator Dr. Iffat Fadaaq. Cramerotti is behind global projects such as the Venice Biennale and the Art Dubai Digital. Fadaaq, meanwhile, is best known for her work on the Riyadh Light Festival.

About the Riyadh Light Festival

The Riyadh Light Festival or Noor Riyadh is an annual light event, the largest light art festival in the world. The festival’s first edition, in 2021, took place in two locations, including the King Abdullah Financial District. The second edition, meanwhile, took place in four locations, such as the JAX Diriyah. Organizers oversaw 500 events and 40 activations featuring more than 190 art pieces. 130 local and international artists displayed 190 artworks at the event, which earned it six Guinness World Records.

The Riyadh Light Festival 2024 underscores Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goal of promoting the arts among Riyadh residents and visitors. It also upholds the kingdom’s position on the global art scene.

“Noor Riyadh is an annual creative platform that showcases inspiring light artworks by leading artists from around the world,” remarked His Highness Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al Saud, the Minister of Culture. His Highness is also a member of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City’s Board of Directors. Additionally, he is also Chairman of the Riyadh Art Program’s Steering Committee.

“As part of Saudi Vision 2030, this festival enhances Riyadh’s cultural landscape and continues to build the city’s reputation as a global hub for creativity and the arts,” he added.

Photo: X/NoorRiyadhFest