The two-day celebration brought together visitors from multiple nationalities, offering a colorful, immersive look into Uganda’s heritage through music, dance, art and authentic culinary experiences.

The event formed part of a larger cultural series showcasing 14 different world communities living in the Kingdom, creating a dynamic platform for cultural exchange and global unity.

Uganda’s showcase stood out for its energetic performances and warm hospitality, reflecting the nation’s rich traditions and diverse identity.

Visitors were treated to live musical acts by Ugandan performers whose rhythmic beats and expressive vocals captivated audiences throughout the event.

Traditional folk groups traveled from across Uganda to participate, performing regional songs and chants that highlighted the country’s centuries-old artistic legacy.

Alongside the music and dance, pavilions displayed traditional garments, handcrafted items and heritage-inspired designs that revealed the creative depth of Ugandan artisans.

These exhibits offered guests a chance to explore unique craftsmanship rooted in community practices and ancestral knowledge.

One of the most popular attractions was the Ugandan cuisine section, where visitors sampled signature dishes known for their flavorful spices, fresh ingredients and cultural symbolism.

The culinary offerings served as a bridge between tradition and identity, allowing attendees to appreciate Uganda’s food culture in an authentic and welcoming atmosphere.

Ugandan residents living in Riyadh expressed pride and joy in seeing their heritage celebrated on such a prominent stage.

They emphasised that the event strengthened cultural visibility and provided a meaningful opportunity to introduce Uganda’s history, creativity and talent to a wider global audience.

The Global Harmony initiative continues to enhance Riyadh’s role as a cultural connector, enabling communities to share their stories while fostering mutual appreciation.

The Uganda showcase reflected the spirit of unity, diversity and cultural openness that the initiative aims to promote throughout the capital.

Visitors noted that the event was not only entertaining but also educational, offering insights into Uganda’s cultural values, artistic expressions and community spirit.

Families, tourists and residents enjoyed an inclusive environment where creativity and tradition blended seamlessly.

By hosting such multicultural celebrations, Riyadh highlights its commitment to promoting global understanding and supporting the cultural identities of the Kingdom’s international communities.

The Uganda edition demonstrated how cultural events can strengthen bonds, encourage dialogue and celebrate the shared human experience.

Following the success of the Ugandan showcase, the Global Harmony series is set to continue with upcoming cultural events spotlighting Ethiopia from December 11 to 13 and Sudan from December 14 to 20.

These upcoming celebrations promise to further enrich Riyadh’s cultural calendar with new stories, flavors and artistic traditions.

As Riyadh’s cultural momentum continues to grow, events like these reinforce the city’s evolution into a global hub where diverse cultures are honored, preserved and shared.

The Uganda cultural celebration stands as a testament to the importance of cultural inclusivity and the power of art, heritage and community engagement.

The festival, curated by Mami Kataoka, Li Zhenhua, and Sara Almutlaq, will feature 60 unique artworks by 59 artists from 24 different nationalities, including 35 newly commissioned pieces. This impressive lineup showcases the unity of artistic expression and highlights Riyadh’s rise as an international destination for creativity and innovation.

Festival Director Nouf Almoneef emphasized that Noor Riyadh is defined by the talent and vision of its artists, who use light as a universal language to connect cultures and inspire dialogue. The event aims to immerse visitors in interactive experiences that merge tradition with modern technology, transforming public spaces into glowing symbols of inspiration.

Among the standout installations is “Scenes of a Matrimony,” a special tribute to the late Safeya Binzagr, a pioneer of Saudi modern art and the first female Saudi artist to hold a solo exhibition in 1968. Her inclusion celebrates her legacy and the evolution of female artistry in the Kingdom.

Renowned international artists such as Michelangelo Pistoletto, James Clar, Ivana Franke, Monira Al-Qadiri, and Muhannad Shono will also contribute pieces that explore the role of light as both a medium and a metaphor for transformation. According to Kataoka, the festival’s curatorial lead, light represents change, beauty, and perception, offering audiences a moment of reflection amid the fast pace of modern life.

Noor Riyadh 2025 will unfold across six key locations in the capital — Qasr Al-Hokm District, King Abdulaziz Historical Center, stc Metro Station, KAFD Metro Station, Al-Faisaliah Tower, and JAX District. Each venue will offer a distinctive atmosphere where contemporary art meets the city’s historical and architectural landmarks, connecting Riyadh’s rich heritage with its futuristic ambitions.

The festival operates under the Royal Commission for Riyadh City and Riyadh Art, both dedicated to transforming Riyadh into one of the world’s most vibrant and creative cities. Riyadh Art has already brought more than 550 artworks to the public by over 500 Saudi and international artists, engaging millions of residents and visitors in shared artistic experiences. Noor Riyadh continues this mission by fostering creativity, cultural dialogue, and community connection.

The full list of participating artists reflects the festival’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, with creators hailing from Saudi Arabia, Japan, Italy, France, the United States, South Korea, Germany, and beyond. This fusion of local and international talent reinforces the Kingdom’s growing influence in the global art scene.

As Riyadh continues to evolve under Vision 2030, Noor Riyadh stands as a shining example of Saudi Arabia’s dedication to cultural development, innovation, and artistic excellence. The festival not only celebrates the beauty of light but also symbolizes the illumination of minds and hearts through art.

Each installation and performance will offer visitors an immersive experience, blending architecture, emotion, and technology into a radiant celebration of creativity. Noor Riyadh 2025 promises to inspire, connect, and transform — turning the city into a glowing masterpiece that celebrates imagination, diversity, and the boundless power of art.

The sixth edition of the forum, held recently at Riyadh Schools in Misk under the theme “Arts Reshaping the World: Social Responsibility of Cultural Institutions,” brought together artists, curators, scholars, and cultural practitioners from across the globe to explore how cultural institutions can drive social responsibility and creative sustainability.

Reem Al-Sultan, CEO of the Misk Art Institute, emphasized the forum’s role in fostering new ideas and cross-cultural conversations.

“Cultural institutions are active participants in shaping identity and collective memory, but they are also agents of change,” she said.

“By convening pioneering voices from across the region and beyond, the Creative Forum 2025 kindles new cultural conversations and highlights innovative approaches to cultural and social responsibility.”

The two-day program featured over 15 panel discussions, talks, and networking events, covering a wide spectrum of topics.

Among the sessions, “Building Art World Legacy Through Archiving,” led by Basmah Al-Shathry, the institute’s lead curator, examined the challenges and opportunities of documenting Saudi art history.

Shathry noted that while archival resources are still developing, initiatives like this forum are crucial for preserving the Kingdom’s cultural heritage and making it accessible for future generations.

Another session, “Margins are the Main Text,” explored the transformative power of art and its role in amplifying underrepresented voices.

Noor Salame, CEO and founder of Kaph Books, spoke about creating a publishing platform rooted in the region with international distribution.

“Our goal is to have our voices heard worldwide, showcasing what is happening in the region’s art scene,” she said. “We were once on the margins, and now our conversations are becoming central. We are archiving, documenting, and sharing our vision with the world.”

The forum also featured a presentation by Abdulrahman Gazzaz, co-founder of architecture studio BrickLab, on documenting the gentrification of Riyadh’s Al-Rawdah neighborhood, highlighting how art and design intersect with social and urban development.

Additionally, workshops and informal discussion sessions allowed participants to engage directly with industry leaders, including photographer Omar Ashour, art adviser Myrna Ayad, and artists Ayman Dayban and Rashid Alsubaie.

Since its launch in 2020, the Misk Creative Forum has hosted nearly 200 speakers from more than 20 countries and welcomed over 14,000 attendees.

The forum has steadily grown into a major platform for cross-cultural dialogue, networking, and creative development, supporting the institute’s mission to empower creativity and foster inclusivity.

Al-Sultan highlighted the importance of showcasing homegrown talent alongside international perspectives, stating that the forum not only amplifies Saudi voices but also encourages meaningful global engagement.

The event demonstrates how cultural institutions can serve as catalysts for both artistic innovation and social impact.

By connecting local creators with global thinkers and practitioners, the Misk Creative Forum strengthens the region’s cultural ecosystem and helps Saudi Arabia share its rich artistic heritage with the world.

Through discussions, workshops, and panels, the forum emphasizes that creativity is not only an avenue for personal expression but also a tool for shaping society, inspiring dialogue, and promoting understanding across borders.

Overall, the Misk Creative Forum 2025 reflects the growing importance of cultural institutions in fostering social responsibility, innovation, and cross-border collaboration.

It highlights how art and creativity can bridge communities, promote inclusivity, and provide a platform for voices that might otherwise go unheard.

As the forum continues to expand, it reinforces Saudi Arabia’s role as a hub for cultural dialogue and demonstrates the transformative power of the arts in shaping a more connected and understanding world