Noor Riyadh Festival Celebrates Fourth Year With New Guinness World Records Titles

Noor Riyadh, the largest light art festival globally and a key initiative of Riyadh Art, concluded its fourth edition with a special ceremony at King Abdulaziz Historical Center. The event celebrated two new Guinness World Records titles, bringing Noor Riyadh's total to 16. These achievements highlight the festival's role in promoting creativity and innovation through art and light.

One of the new records set this year was for the Longest Distance Covered by a Laser Light in a Laser Show. This record was achieved by UK-based artist Chris Levine with his installation Higher Power. A 1kW laser projected from the 267-meter Al Faisaliah Tower created four beams visible across Riyadh, even against the city's lights.

The laser installation encoded "Salaam," meaning "peace" in Arabic, using Morse code. This reflects Levine's belief in light as a medium for spiritual connection and unity. Known for his innovative work with light and sound, Levine has exhibited at prestigious venues like MoMA in New York.

Another record was set by Saudi artist Rashed AlShashai for the Largest Illuminated Recyclable Material Sculpture of a Pyramid. His creation, The Fifth Pyramid, stands 28 meters high and is made from sustainable materials such as scaffolding and green petrochemical shipping pallets.

The pyramid features a fuchsia-lit central walkway, symbolising Saudi Arabia's transformation into a creative hub. AlShashai often reimagines everyday objects to explore cultural themes. With over 20 years of experience, his work has been showcased internationally, including at the Pyramids of Giza and Art Dubai.

Noor Riyadh's achievements reflect its dedication to pushing creative boundaries while fostering community connections through art. Architect Khalid Al-Hazani, Executive Director of Riyadh Art, stated: "Achieving two more Guinness World Records Titles at Noor Riyadh is a testament to the transformative power of art and creativity."

Festival Highlights

Noor Riyadh Festival Director Nouf Almoneef remarked on the festival's global significance: "The scale and creativity of this festival are unparalleled, and these records underscore its global significance as a landmark event in the world of contemporary art."

This year's festival was curated by Dr. Effat Abdullah Fadag and Dr. Alfredo Cramerotti. It took place at three main hubs: King Abdulaziz Historical Center, JAX District, and Wadi Hanifah. Over 60 artworks by more than 60 artists from 18 countries transformed Riyadh into an open-air gallery.

Riyadh's Cultural Commitment

The festival attracted millions of visitors and has become a key part of Riyadh’s cultural calendar. It showcases the city's commitment to creativity, innovation, and cross-cultural dialogue in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

Noor Riyadh continues to inspire people worldwide through its unique blend of art and technology. The festival not only celebrates artistic talent but also strengthens Riyadh’s position as a global cultural hub.

With inputs from SPA