Noor Riyadh 2026: what we know so far about the sixth edition
Noor Riyadh 2026 dates are not announced yet; past editions opened in late November. Here is what we know so far and how to prepare.
Riyadh residents and visitors are waiting for the sixth edition of Noor Riyadh, the light art festival run by Riyadh Art, a programme of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City. As of publication on Thursday 8 October 2026, the organisers have not announced the dates or locations of the new edition, but the timing of the last two editions suggests it is expected to open in late November and run into December.
| Dates | Not announced; expected late November 2026 based on past editions |
|---|---|
| Venue | Multiple sites across Riyadh, to be announced with the programme |
| Tickets | Entry details not announced; outdoor works were free to view in 2025 |
| Good for | Families, art lovers and photographers |
What Noor Riyadh is
Noor Riyadh is an annual light art festival that turns squares, landmarks and stations across the capital into open-air galleries after sunset, showing works by Saudi and international artists. It is part of Riyadh Art, the programme that brings public art to the city's neighbourhoods.
Its sites change from year to year. The fourth edition in 2024, themed "Light Years Apart", spread more than 60 works across the King Abdulaziz Historical Center, Wadi Hanifa and JAX District.
When Noor Riyadh 2026 is expected to open
There is no official announcement of the sixth edition's dates yet. Based on past editions, the fourth ran from Thursday 28 November to Saturday 14 December 2024, and the fifth from Thursday 20 November to Saturday 6 December 2025, about 17 days each time.
The 2026 edition is therefore expected to open in late November, and some local event guides list it under November. This is an estimate based on previous years, not a confirmed date, so follow Riyadh Art's official channels before you plan your visit.
From last year to this year
What the 2025 edition offered
The fifth edition in 2025 ran under the theme "In the Blink of an Eye", a nod to the fast pace of change in the capital. According to the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, it showed 60 light artworks by 59 artists from 24 countries and drew more than seven million visitors. It opened with an aerial show of 3,500 drones.
The works were spread across six main sites, many of them chosen for easy access by Riyadh Metro:
- Qasr Al Hokm District
- King Abdulaziz Historical Center
- stc Metro Station
- KAFD Metro Station
- Al Faisaliah Tower
- JAX District, Diriyah
The edition won 12 international cultural awards and set four Guinness World Records, including the largest moving water artwork. Mami Kataoka, director of the Mori Art Museum, served as curatorial advisory lead, alongside curators Sara Almutlaq and Li Zhenhua.
What to expect this year
The organisers have not yet revealed the sixth edition's theme, curators or artist list. What we do know is that the festival usually pairs its light works with a community programme of workshops, talks, family activities and guided tours.
In 2025 the outdoor works were free to view, while a small number of talks and sessions required advance booking to manage numbers. It is not yet known whether the same arrangements will apply this year.
How to prepare
- Follow Riyadh Art's official accounts; the official dates and locations will be announced there.
- Light works are best seen after sunset, so plan an evening visit and bring a light jacket, as late-November nights in Riyadh tend to be cool.
- If you like photography, charge your phone or camera before you head out; some sites deserve extra time.
- If you want to see several sites, pick two or three per night rather than trying to cover everything at once.
- Book talks and workshops early if they require reservations, as some did last year.
Getting there
Routes will be clearer once the new edition's sites are announced. If metro stations are used again as they were last year, Riyadh Metro will be a practical way to move between sites.
If you prefer to go by car, book a ride in Drovox Passenger and see the fare before you confirm. Since visits are mostly in the evening, you can schedule your ride home in advance rather than looking for one late at night.
Follow the event's official channels for any schedule updates, or visit the Noor Riyadh page on the Riyadh Art website.
