Royal Commission for AlUla and  Slow Food, the global movement born in Italy, partner to promote sustainable agriculture and local culinary traditions in Saudi Arabia and beyond

• Agreement supports shared philosophy of preserving natural resources while uplifting a community of local food producers and consumers
• Coinciding with annual Dates Season celebration, partnership builds on successful culinary events and development ­­­of a culinary arts centre in AlUla’s Cultural Oasis

AlUla, Saudi Arabia 21 October 2024: The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) and Slow Food, the Italy-based global food movement, have officially announced a new partnership to enhance and promote the sustainable regeneration of AlUla’s agricultural and culinary ecosystem.

As part of the agreement, RCU will work closely with Slow Food to highlight the far-reaching economic, social, and health benefits of protecting and promoting AlUla’s local food culture and customs, with a specific focus on the Cultural Oasis.

By highlighting the importance of sustainability within the local food chain, and the need to embed resilience throughout the existing network of farms and restaurants, the new partnership supports Slow Food’s commitment to a «good, clean, and fair» system of food production and distribution for producers and consumers in AlUla.

The agreement builds on the success of diverse food-based events held in AlUla over the past two years that promoted the region as an exciting destination for foodies and tourists alike, while also forging closer ties between northwest Arabia and the Slow Food global network active in 150 countries.

Announced to coincide with the 5th edition of AlUla Dates Season, held annually at the start of September until early November. AlUla’s Date Season, part of RCU’s wider Fresh Produce Season, enables greater economic opportunities for farmers, productive families, and agri-entrepreneurs, shining a spotlight on AlUla’s Dates, and uniting the community and visitors in a celebration of heritage and cultural traditions.

RCU’s partnership with Slow Food highlights its long-term commitment to sustainable practices throughout the agricultural sector while promoting the very best local produce.

The season, which kicked off with the annual Dates Auction and is followed by weekly Dates Markets, is also playing host to two chefs, hosted by Slow Food, running live cooking demonstrations of one savoury and one sweet dish using locally grown and sustainably harvested AlUla dates.

Saudi Chef Hooryah Abdulqader, took centre stage on October 18-19, with the upcoming weekend set to see Chef Serhan Hasdemir from Turkey at the Slow Food booth from October 25-26.

The Slow Food philosophy, which emphasises agroecology, natural resource conservation, and biodiversity preservation, shares many of its core goals with RCU’s agricultural strategy, which is focused on supporting and celebrating local farms while opening new markets to help uplift farmers and their families.

The development of a culinary arts centre in AlUla’s Cultural Oasis will solidify the partnership’s long-term goals. Serving as a hub for knowledge exchange, cooking, and food preparation workshops, plus initiatives related to sustainable agriculture and culinary traditions, the centre encourages AlUla’s residents and visitors to adopt the habits and lifestyle choices associated with the Slow Food movement, such as shopping and eating locally, into their daily routines.

By fostering cultural education and sustainable agriculture practices within food systems, the partnership between RCU and Slow Food will further support the diversification and growth of AlUla’s economy, uplift the community, and pique the interests of tourists.

RCU Chief Strategy and Digital Officer, Waleed K Al Dayel said: “Local food production and agriculture are among the core foundations of life and socio-economic development in AlUla, with food having a unique power to bring people together and join communities within a common history that has been fundamentally shaped by the natural world.

“Our partnership with Slow Food will further integrate AlUla’s important agricultural sector into the expanding tourism experience, building a deeper connection with our community through a shared appreciation of local food and culture.

“RCU’s vision for the sustainable success of our agricultural sector is built upon creating a greater awareness and appetite for the incredible produce and ingredients harvested from farms and served in restaurants and prepared in homes across AlUla. The popularity of annual harvest celebrations has shown there is a steady demand for local ingredients, which empowers the long-term success of our partnership with Slow Food.”

Paolo di Croce, Slow Food’s General Director, said: “With this partnership, Slow Food will have a great opportunity to promote sustainable models, which will enhance not just agricultural methods in respect of nature and biodiversity, but also foster appreciation for local food traditions. We have just established the first Slow Food Community in AlUla, which marks a concrete step towards a successful path with RCU. The local community responded enthusiastically, and we registered the participation of different representatives of local groups, from farmers to small scale producers, but also women involved in family businesses, members of local organisations, cooks, and touristic guides. With their help and support, we will work together to reinforce self-sustainable models that are accessible to all.”

Through activities such as culinary events, workshops, training and food festivals, Slow Food fosters cooperation among local stakeholders, chefs, farmers, producers, and communities.

By showcasing AlUla and Saudi Arabia’s diverse gastronomic heritage, the partnership will explore and savour the Kingdom’s authentic dishes and flavours, while also launching programmes aimed at empowering residents and visitors with knowledge and skills in sustainable food practices.

Picture credit: RCU

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Note for editors:

It is always AlUla / not Al-Ula

About the Royal Commission for AlUla

The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) was established by royal decree in July 2017 to preserve and develop AlUla, a region of outstanding natural and cultural significance in north-west Saudi Arabia. RCU’s long-term plan outlines a responsible, sustainable, and sensitive approach to urban and economic development that preserves the area’s natural and historic heritage while establishing AlUla as a desirable location to live, work, and visit. This encompasses a broad range of initiatives across archaeology, tourism, culture, education, and the arts, reflecting a commitment to meeting the economic diversification, local community empowerment, and heritage preservation priorities of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 programme.

For media enquiries please contact [email protected]

More on RCU: https://www.rcu.gov.sa/en/

About Slow Food

Slow Food is a global network of local communities founded in 1989 to prevent the disappearance of local food cultures and traditions and counteract the rise of fast food culture. Since its founding, Slow Food has grown into a global movement involving millions of people in over 150 countries, working to ensure that everyone has access to good, clean and fair food. Slow Food is the umbrella organization responsible for guiding the entire movement.

More on Slow Food: www.slowfood.com