The Culinary Arts Commission announced the launch of the “Elite Saudi Chefs” competition, a pioneering initiative that will be held as part of the prestigious “HORECA Saudi Arabia” exhibition in Riyadh from December 15 to 17, 2025. This competition aims to highlight national talents in the culinary sector, encourage innovation in the use of authentic local ingredients, and present traditional Saudi dishes in innovative, modern ways that are worthy of the global scene.
Cultural background and future vision
The launch of this competition comes within the context of a comprehensive cultural and economic transformation underway in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in line with the goals of Vision 2030. With the establishment of the Culinary Arts Commission in 2020 under the umbrella of the Ministry of Culture, the Kingdom began to give strategic attention to Saudi cuisine as a rich cultural heritage and a fundamental element of national identity. Saudi cuisine boasts a long and diverse history that reflects the geographical and cultural diversity of the Kingdom's various regions, from the rich, meat- and wheat-based dishes of the Najd desert, to the seafood of the Eastern Province, the Hijazi flavors influenced by ancient trade routes, and the unique mountain dishes of the Asir region.
Competition objectives and expected impact
The competition aims to achieve a set of strategic objectives that extend beyond mere competition. It serves as a national platform to elevate the professional excellence of Saudi chefs and raise standards of health and food safety practices. By focusing on local ingredients, the competition supports local farmers and producers and promotes the concept of sustainable cooking. It also encourages the preservation of Saudi culinary heritage by reintroducing it to new generations and a global audience in a way that blends authenticity with modernity.
Importance at the regional and international levels
Regionally, such initiatives contribute to solidifying the Kingdom's position as a leading culinary destination in the Middle East. Internationally, the competition serves as an effective tool for "food diplomacy," presenting a vibrant image of Saudi culture to the world through the universal language of food. Showcasing the creativity and global competitiveness of Saudi chefs opens new horizons for tourism and enhances the Kingdom's positive image, placing Saudi cuisine on the world map as a rich culinary tradition worth exploring. This competitive platform, overseen by experts and specialists, is expected to provide chefs with opportunities to expand their expertise and build strong professional networks, thus supporting the growth of the hospitality and restaurant sector as a promising and innovative pillar of the Kingdom's economy.
