المملكة: UNESCO: Medina is included in the network of creative cities in the culinary arts

This achievement was the result of joint national efforts in which parties from the government and private sectors participated, in addition to the non-profit sector, under the leadership of the Culinary Arts Authority, and in cooperation with the Emirate of the Medina Region, the Medina Development Authority, the National Committee for Education, Culture and Science, the Municipality of the region, Prince Muqrin University, the Islamic University, and Taibah University.

Culinary Arts

A number of local partners also contributed to the file, most notably the Medina Chefs Club, And the Association of Neighborhood Centers (My Community), Azki Farms, Savannah Factory, and Naqwa Al-Nanaa, in addition to local business owners specializing in the culinary arts.

These efforts were integrated to prepare a comprehensive nomination file that included the data, statistics, and information required in accordance with UNESCO standards and requirements for joining the global network.

Madinah is considered the second holiest city in Islam, and annually receives millions of visitors and pilgrims, making it a center for cultural and commercial diversity, and a civilizational hub throughout the world. Historical trade and pilgrimage routes.

Culinary Arts in Medina

The city is distinguished by its authentic heritage in the culinary arts rooted in its local culture, and by its fertile volcanic lands, which affected the quality of its agricultural crops, as well as its cultural diversity, which was reflected in the richness of its flavors and culinary traditions.

This inclusion is considered a milestone event in the city’s development process, as it It consolidates its position on the map of distinguished global cities in cooking, and gives it an advanced international presence that supports achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 in strengthening the Kingdom’s leadership position globally and developing cultural and creative industries.

This achievement also represents an opportunity to develop the local economy by empowering productive families and entrepreneurs, and supporting private sector companies working in food products and traditional pastries.

The first market dedicated to the culinary arts

Madinah Al Munawarah is home to the first dedicated market. For the culinary arts in the Kingdom under the name “Cooker Market”, which encourages partnerships between the government and private sectors to develop the culinary sector while preserving its authenticity and heritage traditions.

The Culinary Arts Authority and the Medina Development Authority are currently working on implementing specific initiatives aimed at highlighting local heritage tastes in restaurants, and developing environmentally friendly cafes and farms.

In addition to documenting traditional recipes, supporting pioneering projects in the field of cooking, enhancing community awareness to reduce food waste, and exchanging International expertise in this field.

UNESCO Creative Cities Network

The UNESCO Creative Cities Network was established in 2004 to highlight creativity in eight main areas: traditional crafts and arts, design, films, gastronomy, literature, media arts, music, and architecture.

Today the network includes 350 cities from more than 100 countries up to 2024, including three Saudi cities: Al-Ahsa in traditional crafts and arts, Buraidah in culinary arts, and Taif in literature, before Medina joins them as the newest creative cities.

The member cities of the network are committed to exchanging experiences, developing the best creative practices, and promoting sustainable urban development by integrating culture and creativity into development policies, in a way that contributes to achieving the well-being of communities and enhancing cultural identity worldwide.