Noor Riyadh came to a close on Saturday December 14 after almost three weeks, and has secured two new Guinness World Records.
Launched in March 2021, Noor Riyadh illuminated the capital city this week with a series of captivating artistic and creative displays across three city centre artistic hubs: JAX District, Wadi Hanifah and the King Abdulaziz Historical Center. This year's edition of the creative light and art festival took on a futuristic and celestial theme of "Light Years Away," and aimed to transport visitors to otherworldly realms through a series of illuminated and immersive artworks.
Once again illuminating the global stage, Noor Riyadh has been awarded two new Guinness World Records and solidifying its position as a pivotal cultural event. This marks the fourth consecutive year that the festival has broken world records, bringing the total number of Guinness World Records collected by the festival, to an impressive 16.
A Symphony of Light and Innovation
One of the record-breaking achievements was for the Longest Distance Covered by a Laser Light in a Laser Show. Renowned UK artist Chris Levine's installation, "Higher Power," projected a powerful 1 kW laser beam from the iconic 267-meter Al-Faisaliah Tower, casting a mesmerising display across the Riyadh skyline. The laser beam encoded the word "Salaam" (peace) in Morse code, symbolising the artist's vision of light as a medium for unity and spiritual connection.
The second record was awarded for the Largest Illuminated Recyclable Material Sculpture of a Pyramid. Created by Saudi Arabian artist Rashed Al-Shashai, the "Fifth Pyramid" stood tall at an impressive 28 meters, which had been constructed from sustainable materials such as scaffolding and green petrochemical shipping pallets. The pyramid's striking fuchsia-lit central walkway represents Saudi Arabia's transformation into a global hub of creativity and innovation.
A Cultural Renaissance
Noor Riyadh's success reflects Saudi Arabia's growing prominence as a cultural destination. The festival's ability to blend art, technology, and sustainability has captivated audiences worldwide. Khalid Al-Hazani, director of the Riyadh Art program, emphasised the festival's transformative power, stating, "Achieving two more Guinness World Records at Noor Riyadh is a testament to the power of art and creativity."
Nouf Al-Moneef, the festival director, added, "The scale and creativity of this festival are unparalleled, and these records underscore its global significance. This achievement highlights Riyadh's position as a global cultural hub."
Curated by Effat Abdullah Fadag and Alfredo Cramerotti, the fourth edition of Noor Riyadh showcased over 60 artworks by artists from 18 countries, transforming the city into a vibrant, open-air gallery. The festival's success is a testament to Saudi Arabia's commitment to fostering creativity, innovation, and cultural exchange.
