The Noor Riyadh Festival: A Dazzling Celebration of Light and Art
The courtyards of the King Abdulaziz Historical Center in central Riyadh burst into life on Tuesday evening with the grand launch of the Noor Riyadh Festival, drawing in creatives from all corners of the globe.
United Visual Artists, a London-based artist collective, took the stage and transformed the night sky into a mesmerizing living canvas with their drone show titled “Aether.”
Featuring a whopping 1,500 drones, the captivating seven-minute performance delved into the silent harmony of the stars and planets.
The Noor Riyadh Festival, a flagship initiative of the Riyadh Art scene, is themed “Light Years Apart” and is set to run until Dec. 14.
This year’s festival boasts a lineup of artworks from over 60 artists across three vibrant hubs: King Abdulaziz Historical Center, Wadi Hanifa, and the Jax district.
Architect Khalid Al-Hazani, the director of the Riyadh Art Program, envisions Noor Riyadh as a transformative force that turns the city into a sprawling open-air art gallery.
Festival director Nouf Al-Moneef shared with Arab News: “What sets these three hubs apart is the seamless connection between art, heritage, culture, nature—and the contemporary creativity in Jax.
“At the heart of Noor Riyadh is accessibility for all. Under the Riyadh Art umbrella, our mission is to transform the city into an art gallery without boundaries. Wherever you wander, you’ll stumble upon these breathtaking art pieces.”
The festival’s core aim is to elevate the quality of life in the capital city and foster creativity while making art accessible to the community.
It serves as a dynamic platform for artistic and cultural exchange, aligning with Riyadh Art’s mission to support local talent and boost the cultural economy of the city.
Featuring a diverse roster of 18 Saudi artists and 43 international artists from countries like Australia, France, Italy, and the US, the festival showcases a rich tapestry of global creativity.
Al-Moneef, speaking on the festival theme, explained that “Light Years Apart” draws inspiration from the profound connection between Earth and sky, lauding the curatorial team for their brilliant concept.
The festival beckons citizens, residents, and visitors alike to immerse themselves in the cityscape and celebrate the deep ties between heritage and creativity.
Mohammed Al-Bahri, an Omani journalist, was captivated by the harmonious interplay between lights and music during the opening ceremony, creating a sensory experience like no other for viewers.
As the Kingdom witnesses a burgeoning cultural and artistic scene, Al-Bahri predicts a bright future for artistic creativity, buoyed by increasing government support and a growing appreciation for the arts among the younger generation.
Munirah Abdulrazaq, a Bahraini beautician, hailed the Noor Riyadh Festival as a beacon of light and art, blending tradition and modernity to position Saudi Arabia as a vibrant hub for contemporary and public art.
By spotlighting local and global artists, the festival champions artistic expression and cultural dialogue, underscoring the Kingdom’s commitment to nurturing creativity and inspiring generations to come.