In a city whose features are changing in the blink of an eye, and which continues to script new chapters of its ambitious transformation under Saudi Vision 2030, the “Noor Riyadh” festival stands out as one of the creative landmarks that helped reshape Riyadh’s presence on the global arts map. The festival has become a platform bringing together Saudi and international experiences under one universal language—light. As Riyadh opens vast public spaces to art, light turns into a contemporary medium that reflects the city’s spirit and blends its heritage with its evolving present and promising future.

 Since its launch in 2021 under the Royal Commission for Riyadh City and the Riyadh Art Program, Noor Riyadh has introduced a new model for public-space art, unlocking broad possibilities for public interaction through immersive light artworks and accompanying programs that integrate art into the rhythms of daily life in Riyadh.

 Over the course of four previous editions, Noor Riyadh has made a notable impact on the city’s artistic and urban landscape, strengthening its standing as a global art destination. The festival has spanned multiple locations that were transformed into open creative hubs and has recorded an exceptional attendance of more than 9.6 million visitors since 2021. This reflects the depth of community engagement and positions Riyadh among the world’s leading cities in hosting contemporary art events.

 Over 68 days of artistic activity and nine months of exhibitions, Noor Riyadh has presented more than 450 light artworks by 365 artists from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and abroad, establishing the festival as one of the largest light-art platforms worldwide. This broad diversity of works and artistic schools has enriched visual appreciation and fostered an ongoing creative dialogue between the community and contemporary modes of expression.

 Public programs have also formed a key pillar of the festival’s success. The number of cultural activities and programs has exceeded 6,240, targeting all segments of society, raising awareness of the arts, enabling community participation, and attracting enthusiasts, students, and hobbyists into creative spaces.

 Internationally, the festival has earned 16 Guinness World Records, reinforcing Riyadh’s status as a global hub for light art and enhancing its position on the international cultural map.

 The festival has also welcomed thousands of international guests, including curators, artists, and experts in art and technology, making Riyadh a hub for creative dialogue and knowledge exchange.

 In its fifth edition in 2025, held under the theme “In the Blink of an Eye,” Noor Riyadh continues to expand its reach through works that explore movement, time, and connection, reflecting the rapid pace of transformation in Riyadh. Artworks are distributed across six main locations linking the historic heart of Riyadh with its modern pathways, including the Riyadh Metro stations, now a key part of the city’s urban experience.

 In just five years, Noor Riyadh has established itself as a comprehensive artistic project that deepens connections between residents, visitors, and the city, granting Riyadh a global presence aligned with its ambitious vision. With each edition, the circle of light widens, and the experiences grow more diverse, building a shared visual memory and reinforcing Riyadh’s place as a city that embraces art in its everyday details.

 Today, under the Riyadh Art initiative, the festival continues its journey to strengthen Riyadh’s standing as a vibrant destination for contemporary arts—a city writing its story with light that renews year after year.