Al Walima Festival 2024: Details of the first annual gathering of Saudi chefs
In a strategic move aimed at enhancing the Kingdom's position on the global culinary map, of the Saudi Food Festival , organized by the Culinary Arts Commission at King Saud University, hosted its first annual Chefs' Gathering. The event saw wide participation from leading Saudi chefs, experts, and those interested in the culinary sector, serving as a vital professional platform for exchanging experiences and shaping the future of Saudi cuisine.
Cultural context and ambitious vision
This meeting comes at a time when Saudi Arabia is witnessing unprecedented cultural activity as part of its Vision 2030 , which places particular emphasis on the culture and arts sector as an economic driver and an integral part of quality of life. The Culinary Arts Commission, since its establishment under the umbrella of the Ministry of Culture, has been working to document and protect Saudi culinary heritage, while striving to develop it to meet international standards.
The Al Walima Festival is the largest event of its kind in the region celebrating Saudi culinary heritage. Its role extends beyond mere display and presentation, serving as an incubator for ideas and projects that benefit the sector. The organization of the first annual Chefs' Gathering underscores the Authority's commitment to empowering national talent and raising awareness of government initiatives supporting this vital sector.
Empowering chefs and building capacity
During the meeting, the Authority reviewed a range of programs and initiatives aimed at developing the sector, providing a comprehensive overview of its efforts in capacity building and talent development. Highlights included:
- Training and efficiency improvement programs for workers in various culinary fields.
- Initiatives to support individuals and small and medium-sized enterprises in the food sector.
- Enhancing Saudi participation in international culinary events and competitions.
The meeting also devoted ample time to introducing the Saudi Chefs Council , which is one of the main pillars for empowering chefs, strengthening professional ties among them, and supporting their presence on the regional and international stage, thus ensuring an honorable representation of the Kingdom in external events.
Discussions on authenticity and sustainability
The meeting included interactive workshops that addressed key issues, most notably the challenge of balancing the preservation of the authenticity of traditional dishes with the need for innovation and modernization to present them in ways that appeal to global tastes. Participants also explored ways to develop a contemporary Saudi identity in the art of food presentation.
In the area of sustainability of local ingredients , participants stressed the importance of supporting local food supply chains and relying on national agricultural products, which enhances the economic value of Saudi cuisine and achieves the principles of environmental sustainability, a global trend that the Kingdom seeks to lead in.
Expected economic and tourism impact
This movement carries significant economic and tourism implications, as the culinary sector is a key driver of what is known as "gastronomy tourism," which now constitutes a substantial portion of tourist spending worldwide. By developing the skills of Saudi chefs and raising the quality of local restaurants, these initiatives contribute to attracting tourists and enhancing the Kingdom's soft power, making Saudi cuisine a cultural ambassador that reflects the Kingdom's hospitality and diverse heritage.
The participants concluded the meeting by emphasizing that this step represents a strong boost to the Culinary Arts Authority’s efforts to build an integrated system that transforms culinary arts from a mere hobby or traditional craft into a creative and professional industry that contributes to the gross domestic product and creates promising job opportunities for Saudi youth.
