Jeddah Al-Balad... The Pleasure of Strolling Through History During Saudi Winter

A glimpse of the architectural beauty of Jeddah Al Balad.
A glimpse of the architectural beauty of Jeddah Al Balad.
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Jeddah Al-Balad... The Pleasure of Strolling Through History During Saudi Winter

A glimpse of the architectural beauty of Jeddah Al Balad.
A glimpse of the architectural beauty of Jeddah Al Balad.

In any discussion about Saudi Arabia’s most prominent tourist sites, Jeddah is inevitably at the forefront.

The Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage made sure that its campaign, Saudi Winter, which runs until the end of March, strived to do the city justice.

The Commission marked out more than 17 winter tourism destinations. With its enchanting atmosphere in the winter and its various sites and monuments, Jeddah is mentioned as an excellent destination.

When speaking of Jeddah as a touristic destination, one cannot but start with Al-Balad (also known as its Historic District), which UNESCO has labeled a World Heritage Site.

Strolling through Jeddah’s historic streets is a unique experience, akin to wandering around in an open-air architecture museum. Its buildings have their own unique style, as do its old shops and streets. The smell of incense and spices that many of the country’s markets are renowned for give a visit to the city a special aroma and a distinctive feel.

The historic district is home to several heritage sites and buildings, like the Old Wall and the Gate of Makkah. It boasts Beit Nassif, the most renowned of Jeddah’s architectural landmarks, where Saudi Arabia’s founder King Abdulaziz bin Abdul Rahman Al Saud lived. It is home to the Matbouli House Museum, with its Hijazi architecture and intricately decorated wood-clad entrances.

Perhaps a visit to the Historic District in Jeddah is worthwhile as part of Saudi Winter, which offers more than 300 experiences and various packages provided by over 200 private companies.



Noor Riyadh 2024: World’s Largest Light Art Festival Returns with Over 60 Installations

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
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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Noor Riyadh 2024: World’s Largest Light Art Festival Returns with Over 60 Installations

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
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

Noor Riyadh, the world’s largest light art festival, has returned under the Riyadh Art Project. Running from November 28 to December 14, 2024, the festival spans three iconic hubs: King Abdulaziz Historical Center, Wadi Hanifah, and JAX District.

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.”
This year’s festival includes contributions from 18 Saudi artists alongside 43 international creators. Participating artists include Architect Saad Al-Howede, Artist Asmaa Aljohani, Artist Anna Ridler, Artist Jiyen Lee, Artist Stefano Cagol, Artist Krista Kim, Artist Stanza, Artist Javier Riera, Studio Atelier Sisu, and Artist Ryoji Ikeda, SPA reported.
Director of Riyadh Art Project Architect Khalid Al-Hazani emphasized Noor Riyadh’s vision of transforming the city into an accessible and inspiring artistic space where creativity flourishes in public areas. Festival Director Nouf Almoneef highlighted Noor Riyadh as a beacon of creativity and connection, inviting visitors to explore this year’s theme through a vibrant collection of installations across Riyadh.
Curators Dr. Effat Abdullah Fadag and Dr. Alfredo Cramerotti present Light Years Apart as an exploration of the profound connection between Althara (the earth) and Althuraya (the stars), reflecting on humanity’s journey from its current realities to its greatest aspirations.
The festival’s installations are strategically placed across its three hubs, reflecting Riyadh’s historical and cultural significance. The King Abdulaziz Historical Center bridges the city’s past and future, Wadi Hanifah provides a natural backdrop, and JAX District serves as an interactive space blending digital creativity, art, and technology.
Prominent installations include Artist Chris Levine’s Higher Power (2024), a city-wide light projection from the Al Faisaliah Tower delivering a Morse code message of hope and unity visible across Riyadh. In Wadi Hanifah, Artist Daan Roosegaarde’s SPARK creates a mesmerizing display of biodegradable floating sparks, while Shifting Perspectives by Saudi Artist Maryam Tariq explores perceptual ambiguity through pixelated imagery at Digital City.
At the King Abdulaziz Historical Center, Studio United Visual Artists’ Aether features 1,500 drones performing a synchronized light show, while Artist Rashed AlShashai’s The Fifth Pyramid uses illuminated pathways to reimagine the ancient structure, symbolizing Riyadh’s transformation into a global art capital.
Noor Riyadh also offers dynamic community projects, including free workshops, guided tours, family activities, and interactive events. Adults can participate in photography and mixed media workshops, while children engage in creative activities like crafting kaleidoscopes and puppetry.
Since its inception in 2019, Riyadh Art has showcased over 500 artworks by more than 500 artists, welcoming over six million visitors. Noor Riyadh has achieved 14 Guinness World Records, solidifying its status as the most impactful light art festival globally. With its 2024 edition, Noor Riyadh continues to position Riyadh as a hub of culture, innovation, and artistic expression.