Back for the third time, the world’s largest light festival, Noor Riyadh, returns in full force. Where art meets light, sprawled across the city lives mesmerising displays of innovation.
Testing the limits of creativity, it illuminates the capital city of Saudi Arabia with innovation and unmatched artistry. Held until December 16, 2023, the festival brings artworks, exhibitions, unique artist features, and much more, to the elevating Kingdom. A testament to the nation’s ever-inclusive values, every event at Noor Riyadh festival is free of charge, and open to all.
Whether you are a lover of art and its innovations, or if you’re simple after a world-bending experience, the Noor Riyadh Festival has something in store for you.
What is Noor Riyadh?
Held across five hubs across Saudi Arabia, Noor Riyadh is a light festival like no other.
Continually breaking its own records, it attracts an international audience of millions annually. Its main exhibitions are spread across Riyadh in KAFD, Jax District, Wadi Hanifah, Salam Park and Wadi Namar. With a final date of December 16th, it’s a chance to reimagine what light and art can create together.
This year’s theme reads “The Bright Side of the Desert Moon”, an ode to the KSA heritage, landscape and boundless wonder. It once again shows its ever-evolving culture economy, which is only further cemented with their recent EXPO 2030 win.
With over 120 artists, it’s impossible to pick any favourites, but here are some that have caught GRAZIA’s eye.
Earthtime 1.26 Riyadh
Nothing short of a conversation starter, this display by Janet Echelman leaves us in awe. With hues of pinks and purples, this display feels like it belongs to a different universe.
Location: Wadi Namar
Cities of Stars
Chourouk Hriech took inspiration from four different cities to create these structures. The art and textiles of Bangkok, Casablanca, Rio de Janeiro, and Riyadh live on his art.
Location: Salam Park
Miguel Chevalier Magic Carpet, Origin of the World
Where human anatomy meets art, Miguel Chevalier‘s digital art piece speaks to the beauty of biology. An interactive piece with light and colour at the centre.
Location: KAFD
We Rise by Lifting Others
A testament to unity, Marinella Senatore’s sculpture draws on Arabic and Italian influences. It acts as a commentary on community and breaking social constructs.
Location: Wadi Namar
