Noor Riyadh 2024, one of the flagship events of the Riyadh Art program, has closed its fourth edition on a resounding high, after drawing more than 3 million visitors from around the world with an exceptional artistic experience blending contemporary art and light-based innovation under the theme "Between Earth and the Stars."

Global and Local Creativity at the Heart of the Capital

This year's edition featured more than 60 local and international artists representing 18 countries, who presented more than 60 artworks, some created specially for the festival and others commissioned specifically for the occasion.

The festival's three main hubs were the King Abdulaziz Historical Center, Wadi Hanifah, and the JAX District. Riyadh also shone with a massive light installation atop the Faisaliah Tower, transforming the city into a glowing canvas that embodied the meeting of art and innovation.

Standout Works That Captivated Audiences

  • "Supreme" by international artist Chris Levine: a striking laser beam extending from the top of the Faisaliah Tower that lit up the capital's sky.
  • "Changing Perspective" by Saudi artist Maryam Tariq: a unique visual experience in the Digital City reflecting the clarity ideas take on when viewed from different angles.
  • "Ether" by the collective United Visual Artists: a dazzling drone show at the King Abdulaziz Historical Center.
  • "The Fifth Pyramid" by Saudi artist Rashed Al Shashai: an artwork reflecting the profound cultural transformations underway in the Kingdom.

Words from Festival Leadership

Engineer Khalid bin Abdullah Al-Hazzani, Executive Director of the Riyadh Art program, spoke of his pride in this edition's achievements, saying:
"Noor Riyadh 2024 shone a light on humanity's relationship with the stars and its connection to the cosmos, encouraging dialogue through the universal language of art. We are proud of what we have achieved and look forward to further successes in the future."

Noor Riyadh director Nouf Al-Muneef added that this year's celebration delivered an exceptional experience bringing together an elite group of local and international artists, drawing millions of visitors who enjoyed a diverse range of artistic activities.

Community Programs and Public Engagement

Alongside the main events, Noor Riyadh ran a community partnership program that drew more than 52,000 participants through art workshops, dialogue sessions, family activities, and guided tours.

The program helped enrich the cultural and artistic experience for visitors of all ages, boosting public engagement with the artworks and the festival's goals.

Noor Riyadh: A Global Vision for Riyadh Art

As the largest light-art festival in the world, Noor Riyadh embodies the Riyadh Art program's vision of turning the capital into an open-air art gallery that boosts the role of public art and sparks cultural dialogue among community members. Since the program launched in 2019, it has presented more than 500 artworks by more than 500 local and international artists, making it one of the leading cultural events cementing Riyadh's status as a global cultural destination.