RIYADH: The Culinary Arts Academic Program has returned this month to equip Saudis with industry-ready skills while creating sustainable career opportunities in one of the Kingdom’s fastest-growing cultural sectors, according to the CEO of the Culinary Arts Commission.
Speaking to Arab News, Mayada Badr said: “The program provides clear pathways to employment that support the development of sustainable career opportunities for graduates.”
The program is being implemented in collaboration with Prince Muqrin University, King Khalid University, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Umm Al-Qura University, Batterjee Medical College, and the Saudi Culinary Arts Academy.
The initiative is designed to align with labor market needs while investing in Saudi talent.
Badr added: “The program contributes to strengthening national identity by investing in Saudi talent and equipping it to advance the culinary arts sector as one of the Kingdom’s promising cultural and economic domains.”
She added that participants will gain practical knowledge and professional skills to present Saudi cuisine in contemporary ways while developing dishes inspired by the Kingdom’s diverse culinary heritage.
Badr said the commission was implementing the program with universities and academies across the Kingdom as part of a strategy to expand opportunities for local talent and support the sector’s growth, including in emerging tourism destinations.
She added that the program emphasized professional readiness through practical training, with academic specializations varying by institution and program track.
Its success, she said, would be measured by graduates’ career progression and how well the program continued to meet labor market needs.
Applications are open until July 31 for Saudis aged 18 and above holding either a high school diploma or a university degree.
Participants will receive accredited certificates, practical training and employment opportunities designed to support long-term careers in the sector.
