Riyadh’s Radiance: Noor Riyadh Sets New World Records in Art and Innovation
By Islam Salah
Noor Riyadh, the world’s largest light art festival, continues to shine on the international stage. The 2024 edition has not only dazzled millions with its breathtaking displays but also earned two new Guinness World Records, marking its fourth consecutive year of record-breaking achievements!
The festival’s success reinforces Riyadh’s position as a global cultural hub, combining art, technology, and sustainability in ways that captivate and inspire. Let’s find out how Noor Riyadh keeps breaking records!
Record-Breaking Art Installations
This year’s festival was headlined by two extraordinary art pieces that earned Guinness World Records titles.
Higher Power
The first, Higher Power, an installation by UK artist Chris Levine, set the record for the longest distance covered by a laser light in a laser show. The piece featured a powerful 1 kW laser, projected from the iconic Al-Faisaliah Tower (267 meters high) across Riyadh’s skyline.
As the laser beamed out in four directions, it carried a Morse code message of “Salaam”—a symbol of peace and unity.
The Fifth Pyramid
The second world record was awarded to The Fifth Pyramid, a massive art installation by Saudi artist Rashed Al-Shashai. Standing at an impressive 28 meters, the pyramid was made from sustainable materials like scaffolding and recyclable shipping pallets.
Its glowing fuchsia-lit central walkway symbolized Saudi Arabia’s rapid transformation into a global leader in innovation and creativity. The installation also set the record for the largest illuminated recyclable material sculpture.
A Global Celebration of Light
Noor Riyadh is much more than just a festival of records; it’s a dynamic celebration of global creativity. This year’s event showcased over 60 artworks by artists from 18 countries, transforming Riyadh into a vibrant open-air gallery.
The artworks were displayed across three of the city’s most iconic locations: the King Abdulaziz Historical Center, JAX District, and Wadi Hanifah. The theme, Light Years Apart, invited visitors to experience immersive and futuristic installations that transported them to otherworldly spaces.
Noor Riyadh’s Record-Breaking Legacy
With this year’s achievements, Noor Riyadh has set an impressive 16 Guinness World Records, including:
- Largest interactive light installation
- Longest continuous laser show
- Largest number of laser beams in a single light show
- Largest light art festival
- Largest temporary skate park
These records not only highlight the festival’s global appeal but also its role in pushing the boundaries of artistic innovation and environmental consciousness.
A Light That Continues to Shine
Noor Riyadh’s continued success in breaking records is a testament to its creative spirit and commitment to innovation. As the festival grows, it strengthens Riyadh’s reputation as a beacon of art, culture, and sustainability, inviting the world to witness the transformative power of light.
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