Saudi culinary arts showcased at Paris festival

Saudi coffee experts will be on hand at the festival preparing coffee in its traditional way and explaining the process from start to finish. (Supplied)
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Updated 31 August 2022
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Saudi culinary arts showcased at Paris festival

  • Festival will feature seven pavilions celebrating Saudi coffee as a distinctive cultural product of the Kingdom
  • Two pavilions will house Saudi chefs cooking up dishes for visitors to taste

RIYADH: The Saudi Culinary Arts Commission is to take part in the Agora Festival being staged in Paris from Thursday to Sept. 4.

Known as the International Gastronomy Village, the festival will feature seven pavilions celebrating Saudi coffee as a distinctive cultural product of the Kingdom, while highlighting the cultural diversity in the country’s culinary arts and its global appeal.

As part of the 2022 Year of Saudi Coffee initiative launched by the Ministry of Culture, the commission allocated three pavilions, and Saudi coffee experts will be on hand in the French capital preparing coffee in its traditional way and explaining the process from start to finish.

An area will also be dedicated to traditional crafts, and two pavilions will house Saudi chefs cooking up savory and sweet authentic dishes for visitors to taste.

A further two pavilions will be devoted to Saudi dates, helping to introduce festivalgoers to the Kingdom’s rich heritage, produce, and culinary creativity.

Now in its fifth edition, the Agora Festival focuses on displaying products from countries and cities around the world.

Being held in Trocadero Gardens in Paris and sponsored by top French chef Guy Savoy, this year’s event will feature more than 50 nations and territories including Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Argentina, Brazil, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Italy, Jordan, Lebanon, Madagascar, Malaysia, Morocco, Martinique, Mexico, Nigeria, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, Peru, Portugal, the Philippines, Qatar, Romania, Tanzania, Taiwan, Togo, Thailand, Tunisia, Ukraine, and Venezuela.


Taif festival celebrates Saudi Arabia’s literary icons

Updated 11 January 2026
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Taif festival celebrates Saudi Arabia’s literary icons

  • It introduces visitors to the contributions of literary pioneers through accessible visual and narrative content

TAIF: A special section highlighting key Saudi literary figures forms part of the Writers and Readers Festival in Taif.

The area explores the lives of distinguished writers, poets, and authors who have shaped the Kingdom’s creative landscape, influencing literature, journalism, theater and intellectual thought.

It introduces visitors to the contributions of literary pioneers through accessible visual and narrative content, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

Organized by the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, the festival runs until Jan. 15 and features 42 prominent publishing houses from Saudi Arabia and overseas, offering visitors the chance to explore the latest works in literature, philosophy and general knowledge.

Meanwhile, the festival’s interactive murals section engages visitors with openwork art panels, allowing them to contribute to the city’s features and identity.

The murals depict Taif’s natural and historical landmarks, including Al-Hada Mountain, the Taif rose gardens, and traditional Hijazi palaces. Others are inspired by Souq Okaz, a historic literary and commercial center linked to the region’s poetic heritage.

Designed by a visual artist, they blend folk-inspired elements with imaginative expression, creating a collaborative experience that celebrates the city’s beauty and brings art closer to the public.