Noor Riyadh Sets Two New Guinness World Records in Fourth Year

Noor Riyadh, the world’s largest light art festival and a flagship program of Riyadh Art, has been honored with two new Guinness World Records™ Titles for the fourth consecutive year. The record-breaking achievements were announced at a special award ceremony held at the King Abdulaziz Historical Center in Riyadh on December 15, 2024, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency. These new titles, which include Longest Distance Covered by a Laser Light in a Laser Show and Largest Illuminated Recyclable Material Sculpture of a Pyramid, bring Noor Riyadh’s total Guinness World Records™ Titles to an impressive 16.

Context and Background

Noor Riyadh is a flagship initiative under the broader Riyadh Art program, which is one of the largest public art initiatives in the world. The festival aims to transform the Saudi capital into a vibrant open-air gallery, fostering cultural exchange and creative innovation. Since its inception, Noor Riyadh has grown into a global cultural event, attracting millions of visitors and featuring artists from around the world. The festival’s consistent recognition by Guinness World Records™ underscores its commitment to pushing the boundaries of artistic and technological excellence, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals of enhancing quality of life and promoting cultural tourism.

Key Details

One of the new records, Longest Distance Covered by a Laser Light in a Laser Show, was set by the installation Higher Power by UK-based artist Chris Levine. The installation featured a 1kW laser projected from the 267-meter Al Faisaliah Tower, with four beams extending in all directions across Riyadh, visible even against the city’s bright lights. The laser encoded the word “Salaam” (meaning “peace” in Arabic) in Morse code, reflecting Levine’s philosophy about light as a medium for spiritual connection and unity.

The second record, Largest Illuminated Recyclable Material Sculpture of a Pyramid, was achieved by Saudi artist Rashed AlShashai. His work, The Fifth Pyramid, is a 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 has been showcased internationally, including at the Pyramids of Giza and Art Dubai.

Implications and Impact

These achievements highlight Noor Riyadh’s role in elevating Riyadh’s status as a global cultural hub. The festival’s ability to attract top-tier international artists and secure Guinness World Records™ Titles demonstrates the Kingdom’s growing influence in the contemporary art world. The inclusion of sustainable materials in AlShashai’s sculpture also aligns with global environmental trends, showcasing Saudi Arabia’s commitment to responsible innovation. The festival, curated this year by Dr. Effat Abdullah Fadag and Dr. Alfredo Cramerotti, featured over 60 artworks by more than 60 artists from 18 countries, drawing millions of visitors to Riyadh.

Vision 2030 Alignment

Noor Riyadh’s continuous success is a testament to the Kingdom’s dedication to fostering creativity, cultural dialogue, and innovation under Vision 2030. By transforming Riyadh into a global destination for art and light, the festival enhances the quality of life for residents and visitors alike, while driving economic diversification through cultural tourism. As Riyadh Art Executive Director Architect Khalid Al-Hazani noted, these records underscore the transformative power of art, inspiring unity and reflecting Saudi Arabia’s bright, forward-looking future.

20 Questions

Q1. What is Noor Riyadh?

A1. Noor Riyadh is the world’s largest light art festival, a flagship program of Riyadh Art, held annually in the Saudi capital to showcase innovative light-based artworks from international and local artists.

Q2. How many Guinness World Records Titles has Noor Riyadh achieved?

A2. With the addition of two new titles in 2024, Noor Riyadh now holds a total of 16 Guinness World Records Titles, achieved over four consecutive editions.

Q3. What were the two new Guinness World Records achieved in 2024?

A3. The two new records are the Longest Distance Covered by a Laser Light in a Laser Show and the Largest Illuminated Recyclable Material Sculpture of a Pyramid.

Q4. Who set the laser light record?

A4. The laser light record was set by UK-based artist Chris Levine with his installation titled Higher Power.

Q5. Where was the laser light installation located?

A5. The laser light installation was projected from the Al Faisaliah Tower, a 267-meter landmark in Riyadh.

Q6. What word did the laser encode in Morse code?

A6. The laser encoded the word “Salaam,” which means “peace” in Arabic, in Morse code.

Q7. Who created the record-breaking pyramid sculpture?

A7. The pyramid sculpture was created by Saudi artist Rashed AlShashai, known for his innovative use of everyday materials.

Q8. What materials were used for the pyramid sculpture?

A8. The pyramid sculpture was constructed from sustainable materials, including scaffolding and green petrochemical shipping pallets.

Q9. How tall is the pyramid sculpture?

A9. The pyramid sculpture, titled The Fifth Pyramid, stands 28 meters high.

Q10. What does the fuchsia-lit walkway of the pyramid symbolize?

A10. The fuchsia-lit central walkway symbolizes Saudi Arabia’s transformation into a hub of creativity and innovation.

Q11. Who curated the fourth edition of Noor Riyadh?

A11. The festival was curated by Dr. Effat Abdullah Fadag and Dr. Alfredo Cramerotti.

Q12. How many artists participated in Noor Riyadh 2024?

A12. The fourth edition featured over 60 artworks by more than 60 artists from 18 countries.

Q13. Where were the festival’s main hubs located?

A13. The festival was held at three hubs: King Abdulaziz Historical Center, JAX District, and Wadi Hanifah.

Q14. What is the broader Riyadh Art program?

A14. Riyadh Art is one of the world’s largest public art initiatives, aiming to transform Riyadh into a global cultural destination through art and creativity.

Q15. How does Noor Riyadh support Vision 2030?

A15. Noor Riyadh supports Vision 2030 by enhancing quality of life, promoting cultural tourism, and positioning Saudi Arabia as a global hub for creativity and innovation.

Q16. What did Riyadh Art Executive Director say about the records?

A16. Architect Khalid Al-Hazani said the records are a testament to the transformative power of art and creativity, inspiring and uniting people.

Q17. What did Noor Riyadh Festival Director say about the festival?

A17. Nouf Almoneef said the records underscore the festival’s global significance and highlight Riyadh’s position as a global cultural hub.

Q18. How does the festival attract international visitors?

A18. The festival attracts millions of visitors by transforming Riyadh into a vibrant open-air gallery with cutting-edge light installations and cross-cultural dialogue.

Q19. What is unique about Chris Levine’s artistic approach?

A19. Chris Levine is known for blending advanced technology with profound emotional and sensory experiences, using light as a medium for spiritual connection.

Q20. What is the significance of the sustainable pyramid sculpture?

A20. The sustainable pyramid sculpture reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to environmental responsibility while showcasing the country’s innovation in contemporary art.

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