Noor Riyadh 2025 Illuminates the Capital with Global Artistry and Vision
Riyadh – Noor Riyadh 2025, the world-renowned festival of light and art, is set to return to the Saudi capital from November 20 to December 6, bringing together creativity, technology, and imagination on a breathtaking scale. This year’s theme, “In the Blink of an Eye,” beautifully reflects Riyadh’s rapid transformation and its growing global presence as a cultural and artistic hub.
The festival, curated by Mami Kataoka, Li Zhenhua, and Sara Almutlaq, will feature 60 unique artworks by 59 artists from 24 different nationalities, including 35 newly commissioned pieces. This impressive lineup showcases the unity of artistic expression and highlights Riyadh’s rise as an international destination for creativity and innovation.
Festival Director Nouf Almoneef emphasized that Noor Riyadh is defined by the talent and vision of its artists, who use light as a universal language to connect cultures and inspire dialogue. The event aims to immerse visitors in interactive experiences that merge tradition with modern technology, transforming public spaces into glowing symbols of inspiration.
Among the standout installations is “Scenes of a Matrimony,” a special tribute to the late Safeya Binzagr, a pioneer of Saudi modern art and the first female Saudi artist to hold a solo exhibition in 1968. Her inclusion celebrates her legacy and the evolution of female artistry in the Kingdom.
Renowned international artists such as Michelangelo Pistoletto, James Clar, Ivana Franke, Monira Al-Qadiri, and Muhannad Shono will also contribute pieces that explore the role of light as both a medium and a metaphor for transformation. According to Kataoka, the festival’s curatorial lead, light represents change, beauty, and perception, offering audiences a moment of reflection amid the fast pace of modern life.
Noor Riyadh 2025 will unfold across six key locations in the capital — Qasr Al-Hokm District, King Abdulaziz Historical Center, stc Metro Station, KAFD Metro Station, Al-Faisaliah Tower, and JAX District. Each venue will offer a distinctive atmosphere where contemporary art meets the city’s historical and architectural landmarks, connecting Riyadh’s rich heritage with its futuristic ambitions.
The festival operates under the Royal Commission for Riyadh City and Riyadh Art, both dedicated to transforming Riyadh into one of the world’s most vibrant and creative cities. Riyadh Art has already brought more than 550 artworks to the public by over 500 Saudi and international artists, engaging millions of residents and visitors in shared artistic experiences. Noor Riyadh continues this mission by fostering creativity, cultural dialogue, and community connection.
The full list of participating artists reflects the festival’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, with creators hailing from Saudi Arabia, Japan, Italy, France, the United States, South Korea, Germany, and beyond. This fusion of local and international talent reinforces the Kingdom’s growing influence in the global art scene.
As Riyadh continues to evolve under Vision 2030, Noor Riyadh stands as a shining example of Saudi Arabia’s dedication to cultural development, innovation, and artistic excellence. The festival not only celebrates the beauty of light but also symbolizes the illumination of minds and hearts through art.
Each installation and performance will offer visitors an immersive experience, blending architecture, emotion, and technology into a radiant celebration of creativity. Noor Riyadh 2025 promises to inspire, connect, and transform — turning the city into a glowing masterpiece that celebrates imagination, diversity, and the boundless power of art.
