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.

The recognition, presented at a reception hosted at the Italian ambassador’s residence in Riyadh, celebrates her efforts to strengthen cultural and gastronomic ties between Saudi Arabia and Italy.

Badr described the honor as a deeply personal and professional milestone.

She noted that receiving such recognition from Italy reflects the growing collaboration between the two nations in culture, cuisine and creative exchange.

Italy’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Carlo Baldocci praised Badr’s leadership in building strong connections rooted in food, shared heritage and cultural appreciation.

He emphasized that the award is reserved for foreign nationals who significantly contribute to strengthening bilateral cooperation, calling Badr’s work truly deserving.

Badr attended the ceremony with her family and close colleagues, marking the occasion as a celebration of collective achievement.

She highlighted how food remains one of the most universal forms of communication, helping people understand each other long before any formal dialogue begins.

She noted that both Saudi Arabia and Italy share a deep tradition of hospitality, warmth and generosity.

According to her, these values make culinary collaboration between the two nations feel natural and meaningful.

Badr reflected on the long journey of food across history, describing how spices, ingredients and recipes traveled across trade routes and evolved with each culture they touched.

She emphasized that cuisine has no borders and that its ability to connect diverse communities remains unmatched.

The Culinary Arts Commission has spent two years documenting traditional Saudi dishes to preserve and share the country’s rich food identity.

This research, she explained, is laying the groundwork for international showcases and cultural partnerships.

One of the major global events ahead is a food and cultural festival in Milan, where the commission will present Saudi cuisine to a wide international audience.

The exhibition will also highlight Saudi handicrafts, offering visitors a full cultural experience.

Badr expressed excitement about presenting regional dishes, culinary stories and artisanal crafts to global visitors in Italy.

She added that such platforms help broaden international understanding of Saudi Arabia’s heritage and modern creativity.

She also drew attention to Saudi Feast, one of the kingdom’s largest culinary festivals organized by the commission.

The festival opened last week and continues until Saturday, welcoming visitors from across the country.

Saudi Feast features more than 100 restaurants offering over 300 diverse dishes representing all 13 regions of the kingdom.

The event also includes artisanal stalls, cultural performances and immersive culinary activities.

One of the highlights is the “honey experience,” which showcases the kingdom’s longstanding beekeeping traditions and regional honey varieties.

Visitors can taste, learn and explore the craftsmanship behind this important cultural product.

Through local festivals and international showcases, the Culinary Arts Commission continues to promote Saudi culinary identity worldwide.

Badr’s recognition by Italy stands as a symbol of the growing global appreciation for Saudi culture and its evolving creative industries.

Her journey reflects a broader national effort to share Saudi artistry with global communities.

It also underscores the power of food as a bridge that fosters friendship, understanding and cultural respect.