Qatif Popular Food Festival 2025: Dates and Events

The Qatif Governorate is preparing to host a major cultural event reflecting the rich culinary heritage of Saudi Arabia, as the Culinary Arts Commission the highly anticipated Qatif Folk Food Festival . The festival is scheduled to take place in the Al-Rams neighborhood in the heart of Awamiyah, from December 21st to 30th, 2025, offering visitors an exceptional ten-day journey into the world of authentic Saudi flavors.

Reviving heritage in the heart of Awamiyah

The selection of the Al-Rams neighborhood in the heart of Awamiyah to host this festival is a strategic move highlighting the historical significance of the Eastern Province. Qatif, with its rich history as an agricultural and coastal oasis, is home to a vibrant culinary culture that blends the bounty of dates and seafood. The festival aims to showcase this unique fusion, not only in terms of food but also as an integral part of the cultural identity of the region and the Kingdom as a whole, thus reinforcing the presence of heritage within the contemporary cultural landscape.

Diverse activities and innovative tasting experiences

The festival is designed to offer a holistic experience across six specialized pavilions, where visitors not only observe but also engage in a comprehensive sensory experience reflecting the diverse geographical environments of the Kingdom. Highlights include:

• Live cooking demonstrations: Interactive platforms led by an elite group of Saudi chefs to showcase their skills and methods in preparing popular dishes with modern touches, allowing the public to learn about the secrets of local cuisine.
• Innovative Food Wings: Presenting traditional recipes that have been reinvented using local ingredients from various regions of the Kingdom.
• Saudi Drinks: A special corner to experience a variety of innovative drinks prepared from Saudi agricultural crops, to promote the “farm-to-table” concept.

Educational and recreational aspect for the family

The organizers were keen to make the festival a premier family destination, allocating ample space for recreational and educational activities suitable for all age groups. This includes a "Children's Pavilion" offering simplified educational and entertaining experiences to instill a love of heritage in young minds, as well as interactive exhibits that tell historical stories about the origins of dishes and their traditional preparation methods. The festive atmosphere is further enhanced by authentic musical melodies that reflect the spirit of the place and add warmth and joy to family gatherings.

Supporting the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030

The organization of this event is inseparable from the overall efforts of the Ministry of Culture and the Culinary Arts Commission to achieve the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030. The festival contributes directly to:

• Documenting and preserving Saudi food heritage and ensuring its transmission to future generations.
• Supporting local chefs and home-based businesses and enabling them to showcase their talents to the public.
• To promote cultural tourism in the Eastern Province and attract visitors from within and outside the Kingdom to explore cultural diversity.

This festival is an ideal opportunity for the public to explore the treasures of Saudi cuisine and taste the flavors that carry within them the stories of fathers and grandfathers, in a modern and organized framework befitting the Kingdom’s cultural status.