The Qatif Folk Food Festival concludes: Heritage and record-breaking achievements
The Culinary Arts Commission concluded the "Traditional Food Festival" in Qatif Governorate, held at the Al-Rams Project in the heart of Awamiyah, achieving remarkable success after ten days of cultural and tourism activity. The festival attracted more than 6,000 visitors and offered a comprehensive sensory experience that blended the authentic culinary heritage of the Eastern Province with modern culinary creativity, showcasing more than 8,600 local dishes and beverages.
Strengthening national identity through culinary arts
This festival is part of a comprehensive strategy led by the Culinary Arts Commission, in line with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which seeks to establish culinary culture as a cornerstone of national identity. The importance of these events extends beyond mere entertainment; it encompasses profound cultural dimensions, including documenting and preserving traditional recipes from extinction, and presenting them to the world as an authentic Saudi cultural product that can compete on the international stage.
Al Rams Project: A vibrant tourist destination
The festival successfully transformed the Al-Rams project in the heart of Awamiyah into an attractive tourist and cultural destination, leveraging the project's advanced infrastructure to serve community events. Through six specialized pavilions, the rich diversity of Saudi cuisine was showcased, with participating pavilions offering visitors thousands of dishes and beverages prepared with meticulous care using crops and products from the Kingdom's land. This reinforces the concept of local food sustainability and supports local farmers and producers in the region.
Interactive experiences and live cooking demonstrations
The festival grounds were abuzz with activity, featuring five live cooking demonstrations where a selection of top Saudi chefs showcased their skills in preparing traditional dishes live for the audience. The chefs presented an innovative fusion of time-honored methods and contemporary presentation techniques, offering visitors a glimpse into the secrets of Saudi cuisine.
The events were distinguished by their inclusivity for all family members, featuring a dedicated children's area and interactive tasting corners that allowed visitors to embark on an exploration of past flavors with a modern twist. Visitors concluded their tours with experiences of innovative beverages made from Saudi crops, adding a contemporary dimension to the festival and elevating the overall culinary experience.
Supporting talent and ensuring sector sustainability
The festival focused primarily on showcasing young national talent, providing Saudi chefs with a genuine platform to gain experience and develop their skills to become future leaders in the culinary sector. Through these ongoing initiatives, the Authority seeks to cultivate a capable generation of chefs, able to innovate and compete, thus ensuring the sector's sustainability and the faithful and professional transmission of culinary heritage to future generations.
