Fourth Edition of Noor Riyadh to Start on November 28

Fourth Edition of Noor Riyadh to Start on November 28
TT

Fourth Edition of Noor Riyadh to Start on November 28

Fourth Edition of Noor Riyadh to Start on November 28

The fourth edition of Noor Riyadh, the annual citywide festival celebrating light and art, will take place from November 28 to December 14, 2024, and will transform Riyadh into a luminous gallery with over 60 light-based artworks by leading Saudi and international artists, SPA reported.
Under the theme "Light Years Apart", this 17-day festival will illuminate key locations across the city, showcasing public art displays alongside workshops, seminars and community-driven events.
Noor Riyadh is part of the Riyadh Art Program, one of the four Grand Projects launched by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, in line with Saudi Vision 2030.
The program, managed by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, aims to establish the Saudi capital as a gallery without walls, blending tradition with modernity, and improving the quality of life of its residents and visitors.
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 Al Saud said: "Noor Riyadh is an annual creative platform that showcases inspiring light artworks by leading artists from around the world. As part of Saudi Vision 2030, this festival enhances Riyadh’s cultural landscape and continues to build the city’s reputation as a global hub for creativity and the arts."
Prince Badr also highlighted the support and patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, which continue to drive the success of Noor Riyadh, and are part of a broader commitment to cultural and artistic programs across the Kingdom, to position Saudi Arabia at the forefront of the global art scene.
Noor Riyadh will be directed by a reputable team of local and international art curators experienced in some of the world’s most prestigious art festivals and exhibitions.
Leading this year's curatorial efforts are renowned international curator Dr. Alfredo Cramerotti, and prominent Saudi curator Dr. Effat Abdullah Faddag.
This year's edition will once again illuminate Riyadh’s skyline with a broad range of artistic light displays, creating an inspiring atmosphere for art and culture enthusiasts from all segments of society.



Thai Baby Hippo Internet Star Draws Thousands to Her Zoo

People take pictures as a two-month-old female pygmy hippo named "Moo Deng" who has recently become a viral internet sensation, eats with her mother Jona at Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi province, Thailand, September 16, 2024. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha Purchase Licensing Rights
People take pictures as a two-month-old female pygmy hippo named "Moo Deng" who has recently become a viral internet sensation, eats with her mother Jona at Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi province, Thailand, September 16, 2024. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha Purchase Licensing Rights
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Thai Baby Hippo Internet Star Draws Thousands to Her Zoo

People take pictures as a two-month-old female pygmy hippo named "Moo Deng" who has recently become a viral internet sensation, eats with her mother Jona at Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi province, Thailand, September 16, 2024. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha Purchase Licensing Rights
People take pictures as a two-month-old female pygmy hippo named "Moo Deng" who has recently become a viral internet sensation, eats with her mother Jona at Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi province, Thailand, September 16, 2024. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha Purchase Licensing Rights

Thailand's latest internet celebrity, baby hippo "Moo Deng", is challenging her keepers with the unexpectedly big crowds she is drawing to her zoo, two hours south of the capital Bangkok.

Moo Deng, whose name means "bouncing pig" in Thai, has millions of fans on social media following her clumsily charming adventures, including trying to nibble her handler despite still lacking teeth.

"Normally on weekdays and in the rainy season - which is a low season - we'd be getting around 800 visitors each day," said Narungwit Chodchoy, director of the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi province.

But the zoo is now getting 3,000 to 4,000 people on weekdays, and welcomed 20,000 visitors over the weekend, he said - most of them lining up to see Moo Deng, Reuters reported.

"Moo Deng fever means we will have organise better so all visitors can see her," Narungwit said.

On Monday morning, the pink-cheeked hippo, whose siblings are called Pork Stew and Sweet Pork, was sitting happily in a bowl of vegetables and other snacks.

"I left home in Bangkok from 6:30 this morning just to come and see Moo Deng," said 45-year-old Ekaphak Mahasawad. "I'm only here to see her."

Moo Deng's grandmother, Malee, recently celebrated her 59th birthday as Thailand's oldest hippo.