The fifth edition of the globally renowned light festival is returning to Riyadh.
If you love all things bright and beautiful, you’re going to love Noor Riyadh. The largest light art festival in the world is back for its upcoming fifth edition. Taking place from 20 November to 6 December 2025, the Saudi capital will be transformed into a dazzling canvas of light and creativity.
This year’s theme, “In the Blink of an Eye,” draws on Riyadh’s swift transformation. It captures a city where a storied heritage sits alongside visionary new infrastructure, including the newly launched metro. Visitors will encounter installations at Qasr Al Hokm District, King Abdulaziz Historical Center, stc Metro Station, KAFD Metro Station, Al Faisaliah Tower, and JAX District. With over 60 artworks on display, prepare to be captivated by creativity — from large-scale public installations to mesmerising projections.
In addition to these visual spectacles, Noor Riyadh offers a program of community engagement activities, including tours, talks, workshops, family activities, film screenings, and music events. In terms of heritage, the festival is dedicated to preserving Riyadh’s historical sites and natural beauty, ensuring that Noor Riyadh leaves a lasting and positive impact on the city.
Noor Riyadh has announced the participating artists for its 2025 edition, confirming 59 names and more than 35 new commissions under the umbrella of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City and Riyadh Art. The artist list brings together leading international and Saudi voices. Highlights include Saad Al Howede, Monira Al Qadiri, Abdulrahman AlSoliman, James Clar, Ivana Franke, fuse*, Ayoung Kim, Shinji Ohmaki, Michelangelo Pistoletto, and Muhannad Shono. A special installation will honour the legacy of the late Safeya Binzagr (1940 to 2024), a pioneer of modern art in Saudi Arabia and the first Saudi woman to present a solo exhibition in 1968.
“Noor Riyadh is defined by its artists: their ideas, their courage, and their vision,” says Nouf Almoneef, Festival Director of Noor Riyadh. “Each work captures the city’s momentum through light, reminding us that creativity is a universal language that connects cultures and inspires dialogue.”
Initially launched in March 2021, Noor Riyadh has quickly become one of the most exciting and ambitious light art festivals globally. It’s an annual celebration of light and art that aims to turn the entire city into a gallery without walls. It showcases the work of leading international and Saudi artists across the largest city footprint of any light art festival. The festival currently holds 14 Guinness World Records, including the largest LED structure, the brightest suspended ornament and the most drones performing an aerial dance display.
And guess what? Most of the outdoor artworks are free to view. However, a small number of artworks require prior booking to manage capacity and ensure visitor safety. Special activities such as workshops and talks may also be ticketed but are free of charge, giving you a chance to soak in all the ‘noor.’ So get ready to explore and immerse yourself in the world of light and creativity.
GO: Visit www.noorriyadh.sa for more information.