Slow Food in Saudi Arabia

The collaboration between Slow Food and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia responds to the urgency of preserving traditional practices in food production and consumption in the region. The protection of local biodiversity and cultural heritage by activating the economy through sustainable models – while satisfying the thirst for innovation in food and agriculture – is key in the projects with Saudi Arabia.

Slow Food joined a dynamic landscape of initiatives aimed at reshaping cities, food systems, forestry and agriculture, by valuing local knowledge. The Slow Food movement contributes with its technical expertise to support emerging leaders in the Kingdom who are working to revitalize local food systems. By collaborating with farmers, artisans, chefs, and other key stakeholders, these efforts aim to foster a more sustainable and inclusive approach to food and agriculture.

With initiatives to rethink cities, food and forestry already well underway, now is time to make an impact by focusing on agricultural strategies and valorization of local knowledge. As such, the Slow Food movement shares now its technical expertise with emerging leaders in the Kingdom who are willing to regenerate the territory’s local food systems by engaging farmers, artisans, chefs and other relevant stakeholders.

By working together through events and educational programs, sustainable tourism initiatives and agricultural assets, the collaboration highlights Saudi Arabia’s diverse gastronomic heritage, encouraging awareness and pride in its culinary identity while aligning with global Slow Food international goals.

The Culinary Arts Commission

Empowering communities and protecting heritage

Launched in 2022, Slow Food marks its collaboration with the Saudi Culinary Arts Commission to promote and preserve the country’s culinary heritage and cultural traditions by celebrating local food diversity, fostering sustainable practices and empowering local communities.

Slow Food activities in the region facilitate the collaboration between local stakeholders, chefs, farmers, producers and local communities to best promote a culture of good, clean and fair food for all. The multi-layers project launched culinary events, workshops, conferences, travel itineraries and informative products that highlight Saudi Arabia’s rich gastronomic heritage, allowing people to discover and appreciate the country’s traditional dishes and flavors.
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The Royal Commission for Alula

Environmentally and Historically Sensitive Transformation of AlUla

The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) and Slow Food officially announced their partnership in 2024, with the aim of enhancing and promoting the sustainable regeneration of AlUla’s agricultural and culinary ecosystem. The collaboration organized its activities in two different macro-projects lasted 10 months during 2024: the first had the objective of mapping local food traditions, enhancing agricultural potential and creating economic opportunities for local communities. The second sought to regenerate local food systems by studying the feasibility for setting up a Slow Food Centre and related promotional activities.

Through initiatives such as chef-led demonstrations and community engagement, the initiative fostered cultural education while aligning local farmers and producers with Slow Food’s global network. The partnership underscores a shared vision of blending heritage and sustainability to uplift local communities and enrich the visitor experience.
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