Noor Riyadh 2024 Continues Achieving Guinness World Records™ Titles for the Fourth Consecutive Year

Ain Alalam – Rashad Iskandrni

Noor Riyadh 2024, the world’s largest light art festival and a flagship program of Riyadh Art, concluded its fourth edition with a special Guinness World Records™ Titles Award Ceremony at King Abdulaziz Historical Center, celebrating two new record-breaking achievements. These additions bring Noor Riyadh’s total Guinness World Records™ Titles to 16, building on the 14 records earned in previous years.

The two new records achieved this year are:

Longest Distance Covered by a Laser Light in a Laser Show

Higher Power by UK-based artist Chris Levine set this record with a 1kW laser projected from the 267-meter Al Faisaliah Tower. The installation featured four beams extending in all directions across Riyadh, visible even against the city’s lights. The laser encoded the word ‘Salaam’, meaning ‘peace’ in Arabic, in Morse code, an embodiment of Levine’s philosophy of light as a medium for spiritual connection, unity, and reflection. Known for his groundbreaking work with light and sound, Levine has exhibited at institutions such as MoMA in New York. Levine’s works, including immersive installations like Light is Love (also at Noor Riyadh 2024), highlight his ability to blend advanced technology with profound emotional and sensory experiences, redefining the role of light in contemporary art.
Largest Illuminated Recyclable Material Sculpture of a Pyramid

The Fifth Pyramid by Saudi artist Rashed AlShashai achieved this record with its 28-meter-high structure constructed from sustainable materials, including scaffolding and green petrochemical shipping pallets. The pyramid features a striking fuchsia-lit central walkway, symbolizing Saudi Arabia’s transformation into a hub of creativity and innovation. AlShashai’s work often reimagines everyday objects to explore cultural and societal themes. With over two decades of experience as an artist and educator, his work has been showcased internationally, including at the Pyramids of Giza and Art Dubai, making him a significant figure in contemporary Saudi art.

These accomplishments reflect Noor Riyadh’s dedication to pushing creative and technological boundaries while fostering a deeper connection between communities and the transformative power of art and light.

Architect Khalid Al-Hazani, Executive Director of Riyadh Art, said: “Achieving two more Guinness World Records Titles at Noor Riyadh is a testament to the transformative power of art and creativity. We are proud to see Noor Riyadh continuing to inspire and unite people through the universal language of light.”

Nouf Almoneef, Festival Director of Noor Riyadh, added: “The scale and creativity of this festival are unparalleled, and these records underscore its global significance as a landmark event in the world of contemporary art. This achievement highlights Riyadh’s position as a global cultural hub and reflects the incredible talent and dedication of the artists and curators who brought this vision to life.”

Curated by Dr. Effat Abdullah Fadag and Dr. Alfredo Cramerotti, Noor Riyadh 2024 was held across three hubs: King Abdulaziz Historical Center, JAX District and Wadi Hanifah. The fourth edition featured over 60 artworks by more than 60 artists from 18 countries, transforming the city into a vibrant, open-air gallery that engaged millions of visitors.

The festival has become a cornerstone of Riyadh’s cultural calendar, demonstrating its commitment to creativity, innovation, and cross-cultural dialogue, all in alignment with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

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For more details, visit noorriyadh.sa or follow the festival on Instagram at instagram.com/noorriyadhfestival

For more information regarding Riyadh Art and Noor Riyadh contact:

Riyadh Art Media Center: info@riyadhart.sa

-Notes to editors-

About Noor Riyadh

Noor Riyadh is a citywide annual festival of light and art which launched in March 2021. Noor Riyadh includes a festival along with a public program of community activities featuring educational workshops, talks and creative experiences. Noor Riyadh is the largest light art festival in the world.

Noor Riyadh combines the highest quality light artworks from leading international and Saudi artists, across the largest city footprint of any light art festival worldwide. Staged under Riyadh Art, the festival aims to nurture local talent and inspire youth to drive Saudi Arabia’s creative economy.

Website: http://noorriyadh.sa

Instagram: @noorriyadhfestival

X: @NoorRiyadhFest

Facebook: @NoorRiyadhFestival

Noor Riyadh is presented by Riyadh Art and the Royal Commission for Riyadh City.

About Riyadh Art

Riyadh, the capital city of Saudi Arabia, is on a 10-year mission to become one of the world’s most livable and competitive cities, a global center which is open for business and that welcomes the world. With a young and rapidly growing population of 7+ million residents, Riyadh is transforming into a vibrant and cosmopolitan metropolis.

Art and culture reflect the spirit of a city. That’s why the Riyadh Art project has been developed to turn the whole capital into a creative canvas – a gallery without walls – to enrich lives, ignite creative expression and kindle the creative economy. Riyadh Art is a demonstration of the open, accessible and creative transformation of the capital, where the exchange of ideas through creative expression develops a deeper sense of mutual understanding and respect.

The Riyadh Art project will have a positive impact on people, bringing everyday moments of joy to residents and visitors alike, while instilling a greater sense of civic pride and creating a more beautiful city for everyone to enjoy. It will also spark the development of the new creative economy and have a positive effect on attracting new businesses to invest in the city.

Website: www.riyadhart.sa

Instagram: @riyadhartofficial

X: @Riyadh_Arts

Facebook: @RiyadhArtOfficial