The Culinary Arts Authority is gearing up to launch the third edition of the Al Walima Saudi Food Festival during the period from November 23 to December 2 on the campus of King Saud University in Riyadh. Through it, it celebrates the Kingdom’s rich heritage and showcases Saudi culture by introducing Saudi food locally, regionally, and globally, presenting the Kingdom as a global destination for lovers of cooking and tasting food, and enriching Saudi society with promising opportunities in the field of food, and ways to sustain these activities, by creating authentic experiences for visitors that enable them to Experience traditional foods in a unique way, and in a special atmosphere.
The festival offers a variety of activities and events in 13 main regions; It includes a culinary heritage area that works to present cultural heritage in the culinary arts, another for children, and an interactive farm that develops their sensory abilities through various educational activities, and enhances their knowledge by practicing activities that reflect the concept of the festival, and are based on preparing dishes, and consolidating the culinary heritage among the younger generation. In addition to the business area, which serves as a gathering for those interested and specialists in this art, attendees can get to know each other and find various job opportunities by holding discussion sessions led by different personalities and companies from around the world. To create job opportunities that support the culinary sector in the Kingdom, in addition to an area designated for VIPs that serves guests during their visit to the festival.
The festival also includes an olive exhibition area that provides rich information about olives. Its tree, fruits, etc., start with its formation and its relationship with Saudi culture, in addition to the possibility of tasting types of olives and purchasing various products. Among the areas included in the festival are the store area for shopping and buying products from local stores and brands, and the theatrical performances area, which offers various artistic concerts, including singing, playing various musical instruments and performances.
The Republic of Greece is participating in an integrated zone designated for the participating country to present its rich heritage in the culinary arts, in a step that reflects the Ministry of Culture’s keenness to promote international cultural exchange as one of its strategic goals under the umbrella of Saudi Vision 2030.
As for the dining area, it offers various restaurants that allow the visitor to experience a unique cuisine, and the workshop area is designated for holding cooking workshops, attracting talented specialists in the culinary arts, in addition to the opportunity to promote leading institutions in this field, and the table area, which offers a dinner experience of international standards in which the most delicious dishes are served. Saudi and International in a special dinner, while the competition area will witness the organization of a live cooking competition dedicated to Saudi dishes, in conclusion, the Gourmand Awards ceremony will be held in the business theater, which is an international competition for the content of culinary culture.
Al Walima Saudi Food Festival is a knowledge-enriching platform that comes within the framework of the Culinary Arts Authority’s direction. By providing a local platform that celebrates Saudi culinary arts and presents them as cultural products with civilizational connotations, in addition to preparing empowering spaces for Saudi chefs. To showcase their products and skills, and contribute to providing educational content for all segments of society, as well as attracting international and local entrepreneurs, chefs, restaurant experts, farmers, and those interested in creating educational, commercial, and investment opportunities.
The festival aims to build a community for those interested in the field of food by holding an event that is the largest of its kind in the Middle East, and highlighting the efforts of the Kingdom, represented by the Ministry of Culture, in paying attention to food as it is one of the authentic national legacies, as well as encouraging the young men and women of the country, who have an interest in the field of food in… Converting their hobbies in this field into commercial projects.
