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.
