The Saudi Elite Chefs Competition 2025, organized by the Culinary Arts Commission, concluded after three days of high-level competition held from December 15 to 17 as part of HORECA Riyadh, at the Riyadh Front Exhibition and Conference Center. The event culminated in the announcement and honoring of winners in the savory and pastry categories, following competitions marked by exceptional professionalism and culinary excellence.
During the closing ceremony, Chef Bayan Al-Sudani was crowned Saudi Elite Chef, while Chef Abdulrahman Al-Arifaj secured first runner-up, and Chef Nawaf Al-Hammad placed second runner-up.
The results reflected the remarkable advancement of Saudi chefs’ professional capabilities and their ability to present creative culinary models that blend local identity with modern cooking techniques.
The competition brought together a distinguished group of professional Saudi chefs as part of a national initiative aimed at developing the culinary arts sector, showcasing national talent, and strengthening the presence of Saudi cuisine locally and internationally. The competition emphasized creativity, innovation, and sustainability, with Sidra honey selected as a mandatory local ingredient in all competing dishes.
Entries were evaluated by a specialized jury panel comprising internationally recognized experts, based on precise criteria including cooking quality, technical execution, innovation, and adherence to professional culinary standards, ensuring fairness and excellence throughout the competition.
The Culinary Arts Commission stated that the Saudi Elite Chefs Competition serves as a professional platform to refine chefs’ skills and build competitive career pathways. The competition structure allowed participants to compete in only one of two main categories, reinforcing specialization and enhancing the quality of technical assessment.
Awards and benefits for winners included priority participation in the Bocuse d’Or competition, priority qualification for the Pastry World Cup, official medals, personalized chef jackets, opportunities to attend prestigious culinary events, expanded professional networking opportunities, and participation certificates for all competitors.
The competition aligns with the Culinary Arts Commission’s ongoing efforts to advance the culinary ecosystem in the Kingdom and empower national talent, in line with Saudi Vision 2030 objectives to build a sustainable creative economy and strengthen national food identity.
