As curtains closed on the third edition of Noor Riyadh, the Saudi capital bid farewell to a transformative fortnight that showcased the world’s largest light art festival. From Nov. 30 to Dec. 16, the city was aglow with over 120 captivating artworks by more than 100 artists from around the world, all centered around the theme “The Bright Side of the Desert Moon.”
Beyond its aesthetic allure, the festival aimed to stimulate Saudi Arabia’s creative economy and empower local talent. Integrated within Riyadh Art, a significant public art initiative aimed at enhancing livability and transforming the capital into a gallery without walls, Noor Riyadh sought to catalyze a thriving cultural ecosystem rather than solely showcasing art.
This year, the festival notably included more than 35 Saudi artists alongside their international counterparts, facilitating cultural exchange and knowledge transfer.
The event provided a platform for public engagement with art, fostering connections among creators, industry professionals, and art enthusiasts. Educational initiatives, such as an apprenticeship program, offered young Saudis a chance to learn from established artists and curators, enriching their skills in the process.
Beyond displays, the festival embraced an interactive approach. Workshops, discussions, family-oriented events and guided tours across five main hubs across the city — JAX District, the King Abdullah Financial District, Salam Park, Wadi Hanifa and Wadi Namar — aimed to make art accessible to a diverse audience, cultivating a culture of appreciation and participation.
Festival visitors were guided through an artistic exploration that juxtaposed urban landscapes with the serenity of the desert, curated by Jérôme Sans, Pedro Alonzo, Alaa Tarabzouni and Fahad bin Naif. The concurrent exhibition, Refracted Identities, Shared Futures, curated by Neville Wakefield and Maya Al-Athel, continues at the Riyadh Art space in JAX District until March 2, 2024, further extending the festival’s influence and artistic conversation.
This year’s festival engaged 3.2 million visitors. Noor Riyadh 2023 also equaled the second edition’s Guinness World Records, breaking six records to take the event’s total number to 14 over its three years. This year, the festival set new records for: the most lights in a light show on a single building; the most lights used in a temporary light and sound show; the largest interactive projection-mapped display; the largest temporary skate park; the most drones launched in a week; and the largest drone bird swarm.
Khaled Al-Hazani, executive director of the Riyadh Art Program, underlined the festival’s impact on enhancing Riyadh’s cultural scene and contributing to its economic growth, saying: “Noor Riyadh 2023 has illuminated our city with creativity, transcending boundaries and captivating hearts worldwide.”
“This event epitomizes the power of art in fostering connections, sparking conversations, and igniting the spirit of innovation. As the lights dim on the third edition, its radiant legacy will continue to inspire and resonate, shaping Riyadh’s cultural landscape for years to come.”
