Held as part of the Horeca exhibition, the competition brings together professional chefs from across the Kingdom, offering a dynamic platform to showcase modern interpretations of Saudi cuisine rooted in heritage and innovation.

Organized by the Culinary Arts Commission, the event reflects Saudi Arabia’s growing commitment to developing the culinary sector as a key pillar of its cultural and creative economy under Vision 2030.

The competition highlights how food can serve as a powerful expression of national identity, combining traditional flavors with contemporary techniques that appeal to both local and international audiences.

Participants are challenged to demonstrate excellence in either Cuisine or Pastry categories, ensuring focused evaluation that values specialization, craftsmanship, and artistic expression in each discipline.

By emphasizing creativity and innovation, the event encourages chefs to push boundaries while remaining grounded in the use of local ingredients that reflect Saudi Arabia’s diverse regions and culinary traditions.

Sustainability is a central theme of the competition, with chefs encouraged to adopt practices that reduce food waste and align with global trends in responsible and ethical cooking.

These principles underscore the Culinary Arts Commission’s broader vision of promoting environmentally conscious practices while elevating Saudi cuisine on the world stage.

For participating chefs, the competition offers far more than recognition, providing hands-on professional experience, exposure to industry leaders, and opportunities to build meaningful networks within the culinary community.

The event also serves as a career accelerator, helping chefs refine their skills and pursue competitive paths in both national and international culinary arenas.

Winners stand to gain prestigious rewards, including priority entry to renowned global competitions such as the Bocuse d’Or and the World Pastry Cup, marking a significant step toward international recognition.

Additional prizes such as official medals, personalized chef coats, certificates, and access to elite culinary events further reinforce the competition’s role in nurturing long-term professional growth.

Beyond individual achievement, the Saudi Elite Chefs competition plays a vital role in strengthening the Kingdom’s culinary ecosystem by supporting local talent and fostering innovation across the sector.

It reflects a broader cultural shift in which gastronomy is increasingly recognized as an important creative industry that contributes to tourism, cultural exchange, and economic diversification.

The presence of the competition within the Horeca exhibition further connects chefs with hospitality professionals, suppliers, and innovators, encouraging collaboration across the food and hospitality industries.

As Saudi Arabia continues to open its doors to the world, initiatives like this competition help position the Kingdom as a destination for culinary excellence and creative expression.

By blending tradition with modernity, the Saudi Elite Chefs competition reinforces the idea that cuisine is not only about food, but also about storytelling, culture, and national pride.

The event stands as a clear example of how Vision 2030 is translating into tangible opportunities for Saudi youth, empowering them to compete, innovate, and succeed on global platforms.

Through initiatives like this, Riyadh is steadily building a reputation as a center for culinary innovation, where local talent is celebrated and given the tools to thrive in a competitive global landscape.

The announcement was made on World Cities Day, reflecting the growing global appreciation of Madinah’s rich and diverse food culture. The city’s culinary identity is shaped by its agricultural roots, spiritual importance, and centuries of cultural exchange through trade and pilgrimage routes that have long connected it to the wider world.

Mayada Badr, CEO of the Culinary Arts Commission, expressed pride in this achievement, saying that the goal is to build a globally recognized and sustainable brand for Madinah’s cuisine. She explained that the city’s unique ingredients, such as Ajwa dates and traditional herbs, represent not just food items but living symbols of history, tradition, and community.

Badr emphasized that supporting local producers helps preserve these iconic flavors while improving livelihoods. She added that strengthening Madinah’s reputation as a culinary destination can enhance tourism and contribute to economic sustainability.

“Madinah should be seen not just as a spiritual center but also as a vibrant cultural and culinary hub,” she said. “By combining tradition with innovation, we can attract visitors who want to experience the essence of Saudi hospitality through food.”

The Culinary Arts Commission collaborated with multiple local partners to prepare the nomination for UNESCO. The proposal included detailed research, historical data, and cultural insights that highlighted how Madinah’s culinary practices align with UNESCO’s global standards for creativity, sustainability, and community engagement.

The project’s success relied on teamwork between government sectors, private institutions, and local communities. This collaborative model, Badr noted, could serve as a blueprint for other Saudi cities seeking international recognition for their cultural assets.

She also underlined that global recognition should not only celebrate elite chefs or high-end dining but empower small producers, home cooks, and family-owned food ventures. “This achievement belongs to every farmer, vendor, and cook who keeps our culinary traditions alive,” she said.

Authenticity, Badr explained, lies at the heart of Madinah’s cuisine. Yet, innovation ensures its continuity. By blending both, the city can sustain its food heritage while appealing to global tastes.

The recognition will open new opportunities for small and medium enterprises in the culinary field, encouraging them to expand their operations and contribute to local development. One such example is Al-Tabakha, Madinah’s first culinary market, which connects the public and private sectors to promote local food producers and traditional dishes.

Plans are already underway to replicate the Al-Tabakha model in other parts of the Kingdom. The goal is to empower families to share their food stories, sell their homemade products, and engage directly with tourists and international audiences.

Badr highlighted that this global honor must translate into tangible benefits for citizens — from greater income to stronger representation in local and global markets. “We want every small restaurant owner, every date farmer, and every artisan to feel the impact of this recognition in real terms,” she said.

Through its inclusion in UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network, Madinah stands as a model of how culinary heritage can fuel innovation, tourism, and community empowerment. The achievement not only celebrates the city’s deep connection to food but also positions it as a global ambassador of Saudi culinary excellence.

As the world’s attention turns to Madinah’s kitchens and markets, the city continues to blend spirituality, culture, and flavor — reminding everyone that food is not just nourishment, but a story of heritage, identity, and connection.