Riyadh — The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has officially designated Madinah as a member of its Creative Cities Network in the field of Gastronomy, marking it as the second Saudi city to receive this recognition after Buraidah. The announcement was made by UNESCO in celebration of World Cities Day.
The nomination file was developed by the Culinary Arts Commission, one of the 11 sector-specific commissions under the Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with the Madinah Region Development Authority, the Governorate of Madinah Region, the Saudi National Committee for Education, Culture and Science, Madinah Regional Municipality, Prince Muqrin University, Islamic University of Madinah, Taibah University, Chefs & Hospitality Club, Mojtamee, Azka Foods, Naqwat Al Nana, Siafa Dates, and local culinary entrepreneurs.
The submission included comprehensive data, research, and documentation aligned with UNESCO’s selection criteria and standards.
Madinah attracts millions of visitors annually and serves as a hub of cultural and commercial diversity. Its culinary identity is deeply rooted in fertile volcanic soil, agricultural heritage, and centuries of cultural exchange along historic trade and pilgrimage routes. This unique blend has shaped a distinct culinary landscape characterized by authenticity, diversity, and a deep connection to tradition.
The recognition will support local development opportunities, particularly for small and medium enterprises specializing in traditional foods and baked goods. Madinah is also home to the first culinary marketplace, the traditional Al-Tabakha Market, which strengthens collaboration between the public and private sectors to advance the city’s culinary industry while preserving its heritage and authenticity.
The Culinary Arts Commission and the Madinah Region Development Authority continue to promote traditional flavors in local restaurants, develop eco-friendly café farms, document heritage recipes, and support culinary entrepreneurship. Their joint efforts also aim to reduce food waste and encourage international cultural exchange to enhance sustainable culinary growth.
Established in 2004, the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) highlights innovation and creativity as key drivers of sustainable urban development across eight fields: Crafts and Folk Art, Design, Film, Gastronomy, Literature, Media Arts, Architecture, and Music.
The network now includes more than 350 cities across 100 countries as of 2024, including four from Saudi Arabia: Al-Ahsa (Crafts and Folk Art), Buraidah (Gastronomy), Taif (Literature), and now Madinah (Gastronomy) — each committed to fostering innovation, cultural exchange, and sustainable urban development.
