After months of anticipation, Riyadh Art has now confirmed the dates for Noor Riyadh 2025. The annual festival of light will take place from Thursday, November 20 to Saturday, December 6, transforming the Saudi capital into an open-air gallery.
The event is recognised as the world’s largest light art festival, bringing together renowned Saudi and international artists. This year’s edition will present more than 60 large-scale artworks, each designed to capture the imagination of visitors and showcase the city in a new light.
Theme for 2025: In the Blink of an Eye
The 2025 theme, “In the Blink of an Eye”, reflects how light interacts with people, places, and time. It also highlights Riyadh’s ongoing transformation, where modern infrastructure such as the Riyadh Metro is reshaping the urban landscape while still honouring the city’s history.
We will express this narrative through immersive installations, projections, and interactive pieces, creating moments that invite reflection and wonder.
A cultural movement across the city
Noor Riyadh is more than a series of light installations. It forms part of the wider Riyadh Art initiative, overseen by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City. The aim is to turn the capital into “a gallery without walls,” offering residents and visitors opportunities to engage with creativity in everyday spaces.
By staging artworks in public areas, the festival encourages community interaction and supports Saudi Arabia’s growing cultural movement. For artists, it provides a platform to experiment and innovate on an international scale.
Previous highlights and expectations for 2025
In its previous editions, Noor Riyadh featured installations across prominent landmarks such as the King Abdulaziz Historical Centre, Wadi Hanifa, and JAX District. Each location offered a unique perspective, from historical backdrops to contemporary art spaces.
While the 2025 venues are yet to be revealed, the organisers promise a line-up that will surprise and delight audiences. The anticipation is building for what could be the most ambitious edition to date.
A regional spotlight on creativity
For audiences in the UAE, Noor Riyadh is a reminder of the region’s rising influence in global art and culture. Alongside Dubai’s vibrant Art Season and Sharjah’s Light Festival, it reinforces the Gulf’s role as a destination for world-class creative experiences.
The festival also adds to Saudi Arabia’s growing cultural tourism portfolio, attracting visitors from across the GCC, including many from Dubai. With easier travel links and streamlined visas, Noor Riyadh has become an accessible short trip for art lovers in the Emirates.
Noor Riyadh 2025 at a glance
- Dates: Thursday, November 20 – Saturday, December 6, 2025
- Theme: In the Blink of an Eye
- Installations: Over 60 artworks from Saudi and international artists
- Locations: To be announced
- Organiser: Riyadh Art, Royal Commission for Riyadh City
As winter approaches, Noor Riyadh 2025 promises to deliver a vibrant celebration of light, creativity, and community spirit. For those in Dubai and the wider UAE, it offers an opportunity to explore one of the most exciting cultural festivals in the region.
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