Noor Riyadh Acquires Guinness World Records Titles for 4th Consecutive Year

Two new record-breaking achievements brought Noor Riyadh’s total Guinness World Records Titles to 16. SPA
Two new record-breaking achievements brought Noor Riyadh’s total Guinness World Records Titles to 16. SPA
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Noor Riyadh Acquires Guinness World Records Titles for 4th Consecutive Year

Two new record-breaking achievements brought Noor Riyadh’s total Guinness World Records Titles to 16. SPA
Two new record-breaking achievements brought Noor Riyadh’s total Guinness World Records Titles to 16. SPA

Noor Riyadh, the world’s largest light art festival and a flagship program of Riyadh Art, concluded its fourth edition with a special Guinness World Records Titles Award Ceremony at King Abdulaziz Historical Center, celebrating two new record-breaking achievements that bring Noor Riyadh’s total Guinness World Records Titles to 16.
One of the new records achieved this year is Longest Distance Covered by a Laser Light in a Laser Show.
Higher Power by UK-based artist Chris Levine set this record with a 1kW laser projected from the 267-meter Al Faisaliah Tower.
The installation featured four beams extending in all directions across Riyadh, visible even against the city’s lights. The laser encoded the word “Salaam”, meaning “peace” in Arabic, in Morse code, an embodiment of Levine’s philosophy about light as a medium for spiritual connection, unity, and reflection.
Known for his groundbreaking work with light and sound, Levine has exhibited at institutions such as MoMA in New York. His works, including immersive installations like Light is Love (also at this year’s edition of Noor Riyadh), highlight his ability to blend advanced technology with profound emotional and sensory experiences, redefining the role of light in contemporary art.
The other record was for Largest Illuminated Recyclable Material Sculpture of a Pyramid.
The Fifth Pyramid, by Saudi artist Rashed AlShashai achieved this record with 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 often reimagines everyday objects to explore cultural and societal themes. With over two decades of experience as an artist and educator, his work has been showcased internationally, including at the Pyramids of Giza and Art Dubai, making him a significant figure in contemporary Saudi art.
These accomplishments reflect Noor Riyadh’s dedication to pushing creative and technological boundaries while fostering a deeper connection between communities and using the transformative power of art and light.
“Achieving two more Guinness World Records Titles at Noor Riyadh is a testament to the transformative power of art and creativity. We are proud to see Noor Riyadh continuing to inspire and unite people through the universal language of light,” said Riyadh Art Executive Director Architect Khalid Al-Hazani.

Noor Riyadh Festival Director Nouf Almoneef said: “The scale and creativity of this festival are unparalleled, and these records underscore its global significance as a landmark event in the world of contemporary art. This achievement highlights Riyadh’s position as a global cultural hub and reflects the incredible talent and dedication of the artists and curators who brought this vision to life.”

Curated by Dr. Effat Abdullah Fadag and Dr. Alfredo Cramerotti, Noor Riyadh was held this year at three hubs: King Abdulaziz Historical Center, JAX District and Wadi Hanifah. This fourth edition featured over 60 artworks by more than 60 artists from 18 countries; they transforming the city into a vibrant, open-air gallery that attracted millions of visitors.

The festival has become a cornerstone of Riyadh’s cultural calendar; it demonstrates the city’s commitment to creativity, innovation, and cross-cultural dialogue, all consistent with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.



'Amphibious Mouse' among 27 New Species Discovered in Peru's Amazon

A clearwing butterfly (Oleria sp.) specimen, from one of the 218 species of butterflies observed during an expedition to the Peruvian region of Alto Mayo, is pictured, June 8, 2022. Conservation International/photo by Marlon Dag/Handout via REUTERS
A clearwing butterfly (Oleria sp.) specimen, from one of the 218 species of butterflies observed during an expedition to the Peruvian region of Alto Mayo, is pictured, June 8, 2022. Conservation International/photo by Marlon Dag/Handout via REUTERS
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'Amphibious Mouse' among 27 New Species Discovered in Peru's Amazon

A clearwing butterfly (Oleria sp.) specimen, from one of the 218 species of butterflies observed during an expedition to the Peruvian region of Alto Mayo, is pictured, June 8, 2022. Conservation International/photo by Marlon Dag/Handout via REUTERS
A clearwing butterfly (Oleria sp.) specimen, from one of the 218 species of butterflies observed during an expedition to the Peruvian region of Alto Mayo, is pictured, June 8, 2022. Conservation International/photo by Marlon Dag/Handout via REUTERS

An "amphibious mouse" with partially webbed feet that eats aquatic insects was among 27 new species discovered during a 2022 expedition to Peru's Amazon, according to Conservation International.

Scientists also discovered a spiny mouse, a squirrel, eight types of fish, three amphibians and 10 types of butterflies, Trond Larsen, head of Conservation International's Rapid Assessment Program, told Reuters this week.

He added that another 48 species found by investigators were potentially new, but needed further study.

The new species were found in Alto Mayo, a protected area with several ecosystems, Indigenous territories and villages.

"Discovering so many new species of mammals and vertebrates is really incredible, especially in such a human-influenced landscape as Alto Mayo," Larsen said.

The expedition between June and July 2022 was made up of 13 scientists plus local technicians and members of Indigenous groups.

"It was really fantastic to work so closely with the Awajun people. They have extensive traditional knowledge about the forests, animals and plants they live side-by-side with," Larsen said.

Among the new species, Larsen highlighted the spiny mouse that has stiff fur, the amphibious mouse, and a dwarf squirrel that measures 14 cm (5.5 in).

"(The squirrel) fits so easily in the palm of your hand. Adorable and beautiful chestnut-brown color, very fast," Larsen said. "It jumps quickly and hides in the trees."

Another favorite discovery was the blob-headed fish, a type of armored catfish, he said.

A total of 2,046 species were recorded during the 38-day expedition using camera traps, bioacoustic sensors and DNA sampling. Among them, 49 were classified as threatened, including the yellow-tailed woolly monkey and the tree monkey.

Larsen said the discoveries reinforced the need to protect the area.

"Unless steps are taken now to safeguard these sites and help restore parts of the landscape ... there's a strong chance they won't persist in the long term," Larsen said.