Riyadh, November 27, 2024 – The highly anticipated Noor Riyadh 2024 festival kicked off with an exclusive Preview Night, offering attendees a first look at the city’s immersive light art experience. Held at the iconic King Abdulaziz Historical Center, the event included curated tours and a spectacular drone show by the renowned United Visual Artists collective. This Preview Night served as a precursor to what will be the world’s largest light art festival, held annually under the Riyadh Art umbrella.
The fourth edition of Noor Riyadh is set to transform Riyadh into an open-air gallery, showcasing 60 installations by 60 artists from 18 countries. This year’s theme, Light Years Apart, brings together a diverse range of works, from large-scale light installations to cutting-edge digital art, positioned across three iconic locations in the city: the King Abdulaziz Historical Center, Wadi Hanifah, and the JAX District. The festival will run from November 28 to December 14, offering a unique opportunity for the public to explore innovative artworks that bridge the gap between modern technology and traditional artistic expression.
During the Preview Night, festival curators Dr. Effat Abdullah Fadag and Dr. Alfredo Cramerotti led guests through a curated tour of 18 stunning artworks surrounding the Murabba Palace. The night also featured a mesmerizing performance by the London-based United Visual Artists, who transformed the evening sky with a preview of their drone show, Aether. With 1,500 drones synchronizing to create a celestial display, the show depicted the harmony of the stars and planets, bringing the invisible beauty of the universe into view.
Noor Riyadh 2024 is notable not only for its impressive roster of Saudi and international artists but also for its community-focused approach. The festival features an engaging mix of public art displays, workshops, talks, and other cultural events aimed at enriching the cultural landscape of Riyadh and engaging visitors of all ages. With representation from artists based in countries such as Australia, Japan, France, Germany, the United States, the United Kingdom, and more, Noor Riyadh reflects the global reach and significance of light art in contemporary culture.
Since its inception, Noor Riyadh has become a symbol of Riyadh Art’s mission to transform the Saudi capital into a dynamic hub for creativity and artistic expression. The festival’s growing success has earned it recognition, including 14 Guinness World Records, solidifying its place as the largest and most impactful light art festival in the world. Since 2019, the Riyadh Art Program has played a pivotal role in transforming public spaces, presenting over 500 artworks by more than 500 artists, and attracting millions of visitors to experience the power of art in everyday life.
