Saudi Culinary Arts Commission showcases Saudi dates at SIRHA Bake & Snack 2026

Riyadh – The Saudi Culinary Arts Commission is presenting the Kingdom’s rich culinary heritage and world-renowned dates at the SIRHA Bake & Snack 2026 exhibition in Paris, marking another step in promoting Saudi food culture on a global stage.

The participation highlights Saudi Arabia’s ambition to position its traditional ingredients, particularly dates, as premium components in international gastronomy while strengthening cultural exchange through food.

At the exhibition, visitors are introduced to the diversity of Saudi dates, with guided tastings that explore the wide range of flavors, textures and regional varieties grown across the Kingdom.

Saudi Arabia produces more than 1.9 million tons of dates annually, offering over 300 varieties that reflect the country’s varied climates and agricultural traditions. These dates are deeply rooted in Saudi culture and daily life, while also serving as a major export product with a growing global presence.

A central attraction of the Saudi pavilion is the innovative pairing of Saudi dates with cheese, inspired by French culinary traditions. This experience blends Saudi heritage with European techniques, offering visitors a unique sensory journey that bridges cultures.

By combining traditional Saudi flavors with modern presentation and international influences, the commission aims to demonstrate how heritage ingredients can be adapted for contemporary global markets.

Live culinary demonstrations by Saudi chefs are another key feature of the showcase. During these sessions, chefs apply French baking and pastry techniques to Saudi dates, creating inventive desserts and snacks that reflect both tradition and innovation.

These demonstrations emphasize creativity, skill and the versatility of dates as an ingredient that can move beyond conventional uses into high-end patisserie and modern cuisine.

Saudi hospitality forms an integral part of the experience, with visitors welcomed through the serving of Saudi coffee alongside the culinary presentations.

This cultural element reinforces the broader narrative that Saudi cuisine is not only about ingredients, but also about customs, generosity and shared experiences. The immersive approach allows international audiences to connect more deeply with Saudi food culture.

Through its presence at SIRHA Bake & Snack 2026, the Culinary Arts Commission also supports local Saudi producers by giving them exposure on a major international platform.

By positioning Saudi dates as a premium and versatile ingredient, the initiative helps create new commercial opportunities for exporters and farmers, while strengthening the global image of Saudi agricultural products.

The commission’s participation aligns with wider national efforts to promote cultural industries, culinary tourism and creative sectors as part of economic diversification. Saudi dates, while traditional, are increasingly being presented as a modern product with global appeal, suitable for gourmet kitchens, bakeries and snack manufacturers worldwide.

The Kingdom’s date exports are valued at over SAR 1.6 billion and reach more than 130 countries, underlining their importance to the national economy.

International exhibitions such as SIRHA Bake & Snack provide a strategic platform to engage with chefs, buyers, food innovators and culinary professionals from around the world.

By showcasing innovation alongside heritage, Saudi Arabia positions itself as a contributor to global food trends rather than only a source of traditional products.

The Paris event also reflects the growing interest in cross-cultural culinary dialogue, where traditional ingredients are reimagined through modern techniques.

Saudi dates, presented in creative desserts and pairings, illustrate how deeply rooted cultural foods can evolve while retaining their identity.

As global consumers increasingly value authenticity, sustainability and storytelling in food, Saudi Arabia’s approach at SIRHA Bake & Snack 2026 demonstrates how heritage ingredients can meet modern expectations.

The Culinary Arts Commission’s participation reinforces the Kingdom’s vision of celebrating its culinary roots while confidently engaging with the international gastronomic community.