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.

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.