“Art Under the Stars: Noor Riyadh Festival Illuminates Riyadh”

RIYADH, Nov 27 (Arab News) – The courtyards of the King Abdulaziz Historical Center in central Riyadh came alive with vibrant energy on Tuesday evening as the Noor Riyadh Festival kicked off, drawing creatives from around the world. The event, a key initiative of Riyadh Art, is being held under the theme “Light Years Apart” and will run until December 14.

The opening night featured a spectacular drone show by London-based collective United Visual Artists, who transformed the night sky into a living canvas with their performance “Aether.” The seven-minute show, using 1,500 drones, explored the silent harmony of the stars and planets, leaving the audience in awe.

The Noor Riyadh Festival is set to showcase over 60 artists’ works across three central hubs: the King Abdulaziz Historical Center, Wadi Hanifa, and the Jax district. The festival aims to transform Riyadh into an open-air gallery, bringing together art, heritage, culture, and nature.

Festival director Nouf Al-Moneef emphasized the festival’s focus on accessibility and cultural exchange, highlighting how the initiative supports Riyadh Art’s mission to make the city a “gallery without walls.” The festival invites both locals and visitors to explore Riyadh while celebrating the connection between heritage and contemporary creativity.

More than 40 international artists from countries including Australia, France, Germany, the UK, Japan, the UAE, and the US are participating, alongside 18 Saudi artists. Their works reflect the theme “Light Years Apart,” inspired by the connection between Earth and the sky.

The festival also provides a platform for artistic and cultural exchange, contributing to the Kingdom’s growing cultural economy. As Riyadh continues to solidify its position on the global art scene, the Noor Riyadh Festival plays a significant role in showcasing both local and international talent.

The opening ceremony captivated attendees, with many, including Omani journalist Mohammed Al-Bahri, commenting on the harmonious blend of lights and music that created a unique, immersive experience. The Kingdom’s increasing support for arts and culture, along with the younger generation’s growing appreciation for the arts, signals a bright future for creativity in Saudi Arabia.

Bahraini beautician Munirah Abdulrazaq described the festival as a remarkable celebration of light and art, bridging the gap between tradition and modernity. She praised the fusion of technology, creativity, and heritage, positioning Saudi Arabia as a rising hub for contemporary public art.

The Noor Riyadh Festival marks another milestone in the Kingdom’s cultural and artistic development, highlighting the government’s ongoing commitment to nurturing local talent and fostering a global cultural dialogue.