Riyadh Art Announces Fifth Edition of Noor Riyadh

File: The fourth edition, themed Light Years Apart, features over 60 light-based artworks created by 61 artists from 18 countries, transforming Riyadh into a “gallery without walls.” - SPA
File: The fourth edition, themed Light Years Apart, features over 60 light-based artworks created by 61 artists from 18 countries, transforming Riyadh into a “gallery without walls.” - SPA
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Riyadh Art Announces Fifth Edition of Noor Riyadh

File: The fourth edition, themed Light Years Apart, features over 60 light-based artworks created by 61 artists from 18 countries, transforming Riyadh into a “gallery without walls.” - SPA
File: The fourth edition, themed Light Years Apart, features over 60 light-based artworks created by 61 artists from 18 countries, transforming Riyadh into a “gallery without walls.” - SPA

Under the umbrella of Riyadh Art, the world’s largest public art initiative, Noor Riyadh returns for its fifth edition from November 20 to December 6, 2025.

The world’s largest light art festival will once again transform the Saudi capital with groundbreaking installations by leading local and international artists.

The 2025 curatorial theme, “In the Blink of an Eye,” is inspired by Riyadh’s rapid transformation. The theme reflects the city’s evolving identity, juxtaposing its historic core with its visionary infrastructure, including the newly launched metro system, SPA reported.

Minister of Culture, member of the Board of Directors of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, and Chairman of the Riyadh Art Program’s Steering Committee Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan said, "This year’s theme captures the momentum of change that defines Riyadh today. Through Noor Riyadh, we continue to deepen the role of public art in shaping cultural exchange, enriching daily life, and positioning Riyadh as a creative capital on the world stage."

Noor Riyadh is part of Riyadh Art, one of Riyadh’s Four Mega Projects launched on March 19, 2019, with the goal of transforming the capital into an open art gallery that blends tradition and modernity, in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to promote culture and the arts and improve quality of life.

Riyadh Art has contributed to launching one of the most significant cultural initiatives in the region, consolidating Riyadh's position as a global center for contemporary art and culture by supporting cultural innovation, stimulating the creative economy, and integrating art into public spaces to create a more vibrant and beautiful urban experience.

Since its inception, Riyadh Art has showcased over 550 artworks by more than 500 Saudi and international artists, attracting more than 9.6 million visitors and spectators through its major programs, including Noor Riyadh.

This year’s edition further expands the festival's curatorial ambition, aiming to create meaningful moments for residents and visitors alike. This year's edition will feature more than 60 large-scale light installations across Riyadh’s urban and cultural landscape, building on the success of previous editions and reaffirming its position as a leading platform for contemporary public art.



Riyadh’s Markets Thrive as Men Prepare Traditional Attire for Eid Al-Fitr

Riyadh’s markets are experiencing a significant surge in activity - SPA
Riyadh’s markets are experiencing a significant surge in activity - SPA
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Riyadh’s Markets Thrive as Men Prepare Traditional Attire for Eid Al-Fitr

Riyadh’s markets are experiencing a significant surge in activity - SPA
Riyadh’s markets are experiencing a significant surge in activity - SPA

In preparation for Eid Al-Fitr, Riyadh’s markets are experiencing a significant surge in activity as men follow the Prophetic tradition of adorning themselves for the holiday, creating high demand for new thobes, bishts, and high-quality perfumes such as oud oil and incense, while tailoring shops and specialty retailers work at peak capacity to meet the community’s needs before the Eid morning celebrations, SPA reported.

The classic white thobe remains the most popular choice for Eid morning, often paired with a shemagh and a white bisht to symbolize cultural identity and elegance.

Beyond appearance, these preparations reflect deep-rooted social and religious values, emphasizing gratitude, family visits, and the strengthening of communal ties.


Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project Restores Al-Fuwaihi Mosque in Sakaka

The restoration expanded the mosque’s area from 72.33 to 93.98 square meters - SPA
The restoration expanded the mosque’s area from 72.33 to 93.98 square meters - SPA
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Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project Restores Al-Fuwaihi Mosque in Sakaka

The restoration expanded the mosque’s area from 72.33 to 93.98 square meters - SPA
The restoration expanded the mosque’s area from 72.33 to 93.98 square meters - SPA

As part of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historical Mosques, Al-Fuwaihi Mosque in Sakaka, originally built in 1380 AH (1960) and commissioned by Shaman Al-Fuwaihi, has undergone a comprehensive restoration to preserve its architectural and cultural identity while serving as a vital link to the urban and social history of Al-Jouf Region, SPA reported.

The restoration expanded the mosque’s area from 72.33 to 93.98 square meters, yet maintained its original capacity of 28 worshippers.

Supervised by Saudi engineers and executed by specialized heritage firms, the project successfully balanced traditional standards with modern technology.

This initiative aligns with Vision 2030 by rehabilitating historic sites for prayer, highlighting the Kingdom’s cultural heritage, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of these religious landmarks.


Iran Says Museums and Historic Sites Damaged in War

FILED - 10 March 2026, Iran, Tehran: A member of the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) rescue teams works at the site of a building damaged in a US-Israeli airstrike in Resalat Square. Photo: -/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
FILED - 10 March 2026, Iran, Tehran: A member of the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) rescue teams works at the site of a building damaged in a US-Israeli airstrike in Resalat Square. Photo: -/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
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Iran Says Museums and Historic Sites Damaged in War

FILED - 10 March 2026, Iran, Tehran: A member of the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) rescue teams works at the site of a building damaged in a US-Israeli airstrike in Resalat Square. Photo: -/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
FILED - 10 March 2026, Iran, Tehran: A member of the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) rescue teams works at the site of a building damaged in a US-Israeli airstrike in Resalat Square. Photo: -/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

Iran's cultural heritage and tourism ministry said Saturday at least 56 museums and historic sites across the country have been damaged, as the Middle East war entered its 15th day.

In Tehran, US-Israeli strikes damaged the UNESCO-listed Golestan Palace in the early days of the conflict, local media reported.

The palace complex is one of the oldest sites in the Iranian capital and once served as the residence of the Qajar dynasty.

The ministry said Tehran has recorded the highest number of damaged monuments, with 19 suffering varying levels of harm.

The vast Naghsh-e Jahan Square, a 17th-century architectural jewel in the heart of the central Iranian city of Isfahan, has also been damaged.

In the port of Siraf, in Bushehr province, several houses were hit in the historic quarter, home to many century-old buildings.

UNESCO, the UN's culture agency, told AFP on Friday it was concerned about hundreds of historic sites in Iran, Israel and Lebanon that have been damaged or threatened by the war.