Noor Riyadh light festival shines with 2 new Guinness World Records

Noor Riyadh light festival shines with 2 new Guinness World Records
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The Noor Riyadh light festival has set new Guinness World Records for the fourth consecutive year. (SPA)
Noor Riyadh light festival shines with 2 new Guinness World Records
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The Noor Riyadh light festival has set new Guinness World Records for the fourth consecutive year. (SPA)
Noor Riyadh light festival shines with 2 new Guinness World Records
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The Noor Riyadh light festival has set new Guinness World Records for the fourth consecutive year. (SPA)
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Noor Riyadh light festival shines with 2 new Guinness World Records

Noor Riyadh light festival shines with 2 new Guinness World Records

RIYADH: The Noor Riyadh light festival has set new Guinness World Records for the fourth consecutive year, bringing the total to 16 record-breaking achievements, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

One of the two new records is for the Longest Distance Covered by a Laser Light in a Laser Show. UK artist Chris Levine’s Higher Power set the record with a 1 kW laser projected from the 267-meter Al-Faisaliah Tower.

The installation featured four beams extending across Riyadh, visible even against the city lights. The laser encoded “Salaam” (meaning “peace” in Arabic) in Morse code, reflecting Levine’s philosophy of light as a medium for spiritual connection, unity and reflection.

Levine, known for his work with light and sound, has exhibited at institutions like MoMA in New York City. His immersive installations, including Light is Love at this year’s festival, merge technology with emotional and sensory experiences, redefining light’s role in contemporary art.

The other record was for the Largest Illuminated Recyclable Material Sculpture of a Pyramid.

The Fifth Pyramid, by Saudi artist Rashed Al-Shashai, set the record with a 28-meter-high structure made 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.

Al-Shashai’s work often reimagines everyday objects to explore cultural and societal themes. With more than two decades of experience as an artist and educator, his work has been showcased internationally, including at the Giza pyramid complex and Art Dubai, solidifying his place in contemporary Saudi art.

Architect Khalid Al-Hazani, director of the Riyadh Art program, said: “Achieving two more Guinness World Records 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.”

Festival director Nouf Al-Moneef 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 Effat Abdullah Fadag and Alfredo Cramerotti, Noor Riyadh took place at three hubs this year: King Abdulaziz Historical Center, JAX District and Wadi Hanifah, from Nov. 28 to Dec. 14.

The fourth edition featured more than 60 artworks by over 60 artists from 18 countries, transforming the city into a vibrant, open-air gallery that attracted millions of visitors.


Saudi project clears 1,654 Houthi mines in Yemen

Saudi project clears 1,654 Houthi mines in Yemen
Updated 8 sec ago
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Saudi project clears 1,654 Houthi mines in Yemen

Saudi project clears 1,654 Houthi mines in Yemen

RIYADH: Members of Saudi Arabia’s Project Masam removed 1,654 explosive devices from various regions of Yemen last week.

The total included seven anti-personnel mines, 104 anti-tank mines, 1,534 unexploded ordnances and nine explosive devices, according to a recent report.

Ousama Al-Gosaibi, the initiative’s managing director, said a total of 472,688 mines had been cleared since its inception in 2018.

The explosives were planted indiscriminately and posed a threat to civilians, including children, women and the elderly.

The demining operations took place in Marib, Aden, Jouf, Shabwa, Taiz, Hodeidah, Lahij, Sanaa, Al-Bayda, Al-Dhale and Saada.

The initiative trains local demining engineers and provides them with modern equipment. It also offers support to Yemenis injured by the devices.

Teams are tasked with clearing villages, roads and schools to facilitate safe movement for civilians and the delivery of humanitarian aid.

About 5 million people have been forced to flee their homes since the start of the conflict in Yemen, many of them displaced by the presence of land mines.


Riyadh Metro’s Red and Green lines open to public

Riyadh Metro’s Red and Green lines open to public
Updated 18 sec ago
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Riyadh Metro’s Red and Green lines open to public

Riyadh Metro’s Red and Green lines open to public
  • Network to be fully operational with Orange Line launch on Jan. 5, 2025

RIYADH: The Royal Commission for Riyadh City announced the roll-out of two additional lines —Red: King Abdullah Road and Green: King Abdulaziz Road — of the Riyadh Metro on Sunday.

Passengers have access to stations on the two lines from 6 a.m. to midnight, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Riyadh Metro, a key pillar of Saudi Vision 2030, is a crucial step toward reducing traffic congestion in the capital and improving the quality of life for the city’s residents.

With this addition, five out of the six metro lines are now operational.

The Red Line is 25.1 km long and runs from east to west along King Abdullah Road, connecting King Fahd Sports City to King Saud University across 15 stations, including the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center.

It intersects with the Blue Line at the STC Station, with the Green Line at the Ministry of Education Station, and with the Purple Line at Al-Hamra Station.

The Green Line, along King Abdulaziz Road, is 13.3 km long and runs from King Abdullah Road, past the Ministry of Education, all the way to the National Museum.

Its 12 stations serve several government entities, including the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Commerce, as well as numerous commercial, service, and residential facilities.

All stations on the line were open to the public on Sunday, except for the Ministry of Finance and National Museum stations, which will become operational at a later date.

The Green Line intersects with the Red Line at the Ministry of Education Station and with the Blue Line at the National Museum Station.

According to the previously announced roll-out plan, the Orange Line, which covers Madinah Road, will open on Jan. 5, 2025, completing the Riyadh Metro network and making it fully operational.

Passengers can identify destinations and purchase tickets using the Darb mobile application or at Riyadh Metro stations.

The first phase of the Riyadh Metro began on Dec. 1 with three lines: the Blue Line, connecting Olaya Street to Al Batʼha; the Yellow Line, running along King Khalid International Airport Road; and the Purple Line, covering Abdul Rahman bin Awf Road and Al-Shaikh Hassan Bin Hussain Street.

The total length of Riyadh Metro’s six lines spans 176 km and includes 85 stations.


Diplomats visit security exhibit at camel festival

Diplomats visit security exhibit at camel festival
Updated 15 December 2024
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Diplomats visit security exhibit at camel festival

Diplomats visit security exhibit at camel festival

RIYADH: The ambassadors of Japan, Egypt, Morocco, Jordan, Serbia, India, Romania and Albania to Saudi Arabia, along with the French mission delegation, recently visited the Ministry of Interior’s Security Oasis exhibition, held alongside the King Abdulaziz Camel Festival.

In a tour of regional principality and security sector pavilions, the diplomats learned about the ministry’s security efforts and achievements, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

They were also briefed on key development projects, investments in technology, AI applications and digital solutions aimed at enhancing public safety, environmental sustainability, traffic safety, and Hajj and Umrah services.

Meanwhile, visitors to the General Directorate of Border Guard pavilion explored 115 years of history, from camel patrols and sailing boats to modern technology and electronic services.

The pavilion also showcases anti-drug smuggling efforts, border security awareness, search and rescue operations, and land and sea monitoring, and features interactive elements like laser shooting and marine vehicle simulators.

The exhibition runs in Al-Sayahid, northeast of Riyadh, until Dec. 31.


COP16 Darah discussions focus on environmental preservation

COP16 Darah discussions focus on environmental preservation
Updated 15 December 2024
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COP16 Darah discussions focus on environmental preservation

COP16 Darah discussions focus on environmental preservation

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s wild landscape, overseas travelers’ perceptions of the Kingdom and modern efforts to combat desertification were in the spotlight at COP16 in Riyadh.

A scientific session was hosted by the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives, otherwise known as Darah. Discussions focused on the contributions of King Abdulaziz Al-Saud and his sons to safeguarding and preserving Saudi Arabia’s environment, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Saturday.

Specialists led three key discussions on scientific topics related to the Kingdom’s environmental preservation efforts. Darah’s participation represents a significant step in reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s global role in environmental protection.

This event aimed to raise awareness about desertification and drought, as well as highlight the Kingdom’s regional and international efforts to address these challenges.


KSrelief continues charity works worldwide

KSrelief continues charity works worldwide
Updated 15 December 2024
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KSrelief continues charity works worldwide

KSrelief continues charity works worldwide

RIYADH: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) continues it charity works in calamity-ridden and conflict-affected countries, state news agency SPA reported.

In Afghanistan, the agency distributed 300 shelter kits and 300 tents, benefiting 1,800 individuals, as part of a shelter project aimed at assisting returnees from Pakistan to Afghanistan and those affected by flooding in 2024.

The project plans to distribute a total of 4,882 essential shelter items, including tents, blankets, plastic mats and other vital supplies to 29,292 individuals across Afghanistan.

In Kassala, Sudan, KSrelief distributed 1,200 food boxes to the neediest and displaced families as part of the third phase of the Food Security Support Project in the country this year.

In Chad’s Mayo-Kebbi Est region, KSrelief dispersed 356 food boxes for 2,136 vulnerable individuals.

Over in Lebanon, the fourth phase of the Al-Amal Charity Bakery Project in the Akkar Governorate and Miniyeh District handed out 175,000 bags of bread to needy Syrian, Palestinian and host community families between Oct. 24 and Oct. 30. Up to 62,500 individuals across 12,500 families benefited from the initiative.

Also in Miniyeh district of northern Lebanon, the KSrelief-funder Subul Al-Salam Social Association ambulance service carried out 70 missions between Nov. 29 and Dec. 5 ranging from transporting patients to and from hospitals as well providing emergency services to injured individuals

In Pakistan, KSrelief launched a food security support project which will distribute 147,500 food boxes in Sindh, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Punjab and Kashmir. Each box weighs 95 kilograms and contains essential food items sufficient to sustain a family for one month.