Nouf Al Moneef: Shaping Riyadh’s Cultural and Urban Transformation Through Creative Arts.

Nouf Al Moneef is a prominent figure in Saudi Arabia’s creative arts and urban design sectors, serving as the Senior Director of Creative Arts for Riyadh Art and the Director of Noor Riyadh—an internationally recognized festival of light and art. With her visionary leadership, Nouf is at the forefront of transforming Riyadh’s public spaces into immersive art experiences that blend urban innovation with artistic expression. Her work aligns closely with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which seeks to position Riyadh as a global cultural hub, fostering creativity and artistic innovation on a large scale​.

Noor Riyadh: A Global Celebration of Light and Art

Noor Riyadh, the annual light festival led by Nouf, has become one of the largest cultural events in the Middle East. The festival transforms the Saudi capital into a glowing canvas, showcasing large-scale light installations and artworks by both local and international artists. Since its inception in 2021, the festival has grown exponentially, tripling in size by 2022, featuring 200 artworks from 130 artists across 40 locations​.

Under Nouf’s direction, Noor Riyadh aims to create a visual dialogue between the city’s urban environment and artistic innovation. The festival explores themes of identity, heritage, and social issues, encouraging viewers to engage in meaningful conversations about art’s role in everyday life. Nouf emphasizes that Noor Riyadh is for everyone, creating experiences that resonate with residents, visitors, and even passersby​. The festival's impact is both local and international, reaching a global audience and solidifying Riyadh’s status as a cultural capital.

Noor Riyadh’s recent editions have broken several records, earning six Guinness World Records in 2022, including recognition for the largest celebration of light arts. The festival has also welcomed millions of visitors, helping Riyadh evolve into a “gallery without walls” and a vibrant city where art and urban life converge.

Leadership in Architecture and Urban Design

Beyond Noor Riyadh, Nouf has had a rich career in interior architecture and urban design. She has been involved in various high-profile cultural and sporting events, including MDL Beast and the Diriyah E-Prix, where she contributed her architectural expertise to create memorable and immersive environments. Her architectural background allows her to think critically about how art can enhance public spaces, making them more engaging and accessible to the broader community.

Nouf’s work with the Royal Commission for Riyadh City has also allowed her to contribute to several landmark projects aimed at integrating creative arts into the city’s urban planning initiatives. She is dedicated to creating spaces that not only serve functional purposes but also act as platforms for cultural exchange and artistic experimentation.

Championing Local Talent and Global Collaboration

One of Nouf’s key priorities in leading Noor Riyadh has been her focus on empowering emerging local artists. Each year, the festival’s artistic team encourages collaborations between Saudi and international artists, providing a global platform for Saudi talent to shine. These collaborations not only enhance the festival's artistic diversity but also highlight Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in the global art scene​.

Nouf is committed to ensuring that at least 30% of participating artists in Noor Riyadh are local, allowing emerging Saudi artists to present their work alongside renowned international creators. The festival has become a launchpad for local talent, showcasing Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural production to a global audience​.

A Visionary for Riyadh’s Cultural Future

Nouf’s vision for Riyadh Art and Noor Riyadh is deeply aligned with Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia’s strategic framework aimed at diversifying the economy and enhancing the quality of life for its citizens. Her work is about more than just art—it’s about cultural transformation and urban innovation. Through her leadership, Riyadh is being positioned as a cosmopolitan city where creativity thrives, public spaces are reimagined, and artistic expression is integrated into the fabric of everyday life​.

Her leadership is rooted in the belief that art is for everyone, and through Noor Riyadh, she seeks to deliver joyful experiences that enrich the lives of residents and visitors alike. Whether through engaging local communities in public programs or fostering artistic collaboration, Nouf is shaping the future of Riyadh’s urban and cultural landscape.