Saudi Culinary Arts Commission, Brazil Discuss Cooperation

RIYADH, September 15, 2026 — The Culinary Arts Commission (CAC) of Saudi Arabia held a high-level meeting at its headquarters in Riyadh to explore avenues of cooperation with the Federative Republic of Brazil, focusing on education, cultural exchange, and the development of joint culinary experiences, according to an official announcement from the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). The meeting was led by Mayada Badr, CEO of the Culinary Arts Commission, and Paulo Uchôa Ribeiro Filho, Ambassador of Brazil to Saudi Arabia, underscoring the Kingdom’s commitment to fostering international partnerships that enrich its cultural landscape and advance the goals of Vision 2030.

Context and Background

The Culinary Arts Commission, established in 2020 as part of the Ministry of Culture, is dedicated to preserving and promoting Saudi Arabia’s rich culinary heritage while positioning the Kingdom as a global gastronomic hub. Under the leadership of Mayada Badr, the commission has spearheaded initiatives to document traditional recipes, support local chefs, and host international food festivals. This meeting with Brazil’s Ambassador reflects Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to engage with nations worldwide, sharing cultural knowledge and creating economic opportunities through cultural diplomacy.

Brazil, known for its vibrant and diverse cuisine, offers a complementary culinary tradition that resonates with Saudi Arabia’s emphasis on hospitality and flavor. The discussions align with the Kingdom’s efforts to expand its international cultural footprint, as outlined in Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify the economy and enhance global engagement. By leveraging food as a bridge, both nations aim to strengthen bilateral ties and open new markets for their culinary sectors.

Key Details of the Meeting

During the meeting, Mayada Badr and Ambassador Paulo Uchôa Ribeiro Filho explored concrete opportunities to integrate Saudi and Brazilian ingredients into joint recipes. A notable example discussed was the pairing of Saudi dates with Brazilian cheeses, a combination that highlights the unique flavor profiles of both countries and opens new avenues for utilizing local products. This initiative not only promotes culinary innovation but also supports agricultural sectors by increasing demand for these staple ingredients.

The two sides also delved into knowledge exchange between Saudi and Brazilian chefs, with plans to facilitate training programs, workshops, and collaborations with culinary schools and institutes. Such exchanges are expected to enhance the skills of chefs in both nations, foster creativity, and preserve traditional cooking techniques. Additionally, the meeting addressed cultural exchange initiatives that will connect Saudi and Brazilian culinary cultures through future events, including food festivals and heritage showcases, to celebrate the diversity of both cuisines.

Implications and Impact

This cooperation carries significant implications for Saudi Arabia’s culinary arts sector and its international standing. By partnering with Brazil, a key global player in agriculture and gastronomy, the Kingdom can accelerate the growth of its culinary industry, attract tourism, and create new opportunities for Saudi chefs and food producers. The exchange of expertise is also expected to boost innovation in areas such as sustainable food practices and fusion cuisine, positioning Saudi Arabia as a leader in the regional culinary scene.

On a broader scale, the meeting reinforces Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic efforts to build bridges with nations across continents. Brazil, as the largest economy in Latin America, represents a strategic partner for the Kingdom in areas beyond culture, including trade and investment. The culinary collaboration could serve as a catalyst for deeper economic ties, particularly in the food and beverage sector, aligning with Vision 2030’s goal of increasing non-oil exports and fostering international partnerships.

Vision 2030 Alignment

The discussions between the Culinary Arts Commission and the Brazilian Embassy exemplify Saudi Arabia’s forward-looking vision under Vision 2030, which prioritizes cultural enrichment, economic diversification, and global engagement. By promoting Saudi culinary heritage on the world stage and facilitating cross-cultural exchanges, the Kingdom is not only preserving its traditions but also creating a dynamic and inclusive future. This partnership with Brazil is a testament to Saudi Arabia’s dedication to building meaningful international relationships that contribute to the success of Vision 2030 and enhance the Kingdom’s role as a global cultural and economic leader.

20 Questions

Q1. What was the main purpose of the meeting between the Culinary Arts Commission and the Brazilian Ambassador?

A1. The meeting aimed to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation in education and cultural exchange, and to develop experiences that bring together Saudi and Brazilian cuisines, contributing to the development of the culinary arts sector and enhancing its international presence, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency.

Q2. Who represented the Culinary Arts Commission at the meeting?

A2. The Culinary Arts Commission was represented by its CEO, Mayada Badr, who led the discussions on behalf of the commission. She has been instrumental in promoting Saudi culinary heritage and fostering international partnerships that align with the Kingdom’s cultural and economic goals.

Q3. Who represented Brazil at the meeting?

A3. The Federative Republic of Brazil was represented by its Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Paulo Uchôa Ribeiro Filho. He engaged in talks to explore collaborative opportunities that leverage the culinary strengths of both nations for mutual benefit.

Q4. What specific example of culinary collaboration was discussed?

A4. The meeting discussed combining Saudi dates with Brazilian cheeses as an example of using local ingredients from both countries in joint recipes. This pairing highlights flavor diversity and opens new avenues for culinary innovation between the two nations.

Q5. How does this meeting align with Saudi Vision 2030?

A5. The meeting aligns with Vision 2030 by promoting cultural exchange, economic diversification, and international engagement. It supports the goal of enhancing Saudi Arabia’s global presence in the culinary arts and creating new opportunities for cultural and economic partnerships.

Q6. What role does the Culinary Arts Commission play in Saudi Arabia?

A6. The Culinary Arts Commission, established in 2020 under the Ministry of Culture, is responsible for preserving and promoting Saudi Arabia’s culinary heritage. It supports local chefs, documents traditional recipes, and organizes events to position the Kingdom as a global gastronomic hub.

Q7. What are the expected benefits of exchanging chefs between Saudi Arabia and Brazil?

A7. Exchanging chefs is expected to enhance skills, foster creativity, and preserve traditional cooking techniques in both countries. It will also facilitate knowledge transfer and innovation in culinary practices, benefiting the broader culinary arts sectors of Saudi Arabia and Brazil.

Q8. How will the collaboration with Brazil impact Saudi Arabia’s culinary sector?

A8. The collaboration is expected to accelerate growth in Saudi Arabia’s culinary sector by introducing new techniques and fusion concepts. It will also attract tourism, create opportunities for Saudi chefs and food producers, and boost the Kingdom’s international culinary reputation.

Q9. What types of future initiatives are planned as a result of this meeting?

A9. Future initiatives include joint culinary events, food festivals, and heritage showcases that connect Saudi and Brazilian culinary cultures. These events will celebrate both countries’ food heritage and promote cultural exchange between the two nations.

Q10. How does this cooperation reflect Saudi Arabia’s cultural diplomacy efforts?

A10. This cooperation exemplifies Saudi Arabia’s use of cultural diplomacy to build bridges with nations worldwide. By sharing culinary traditions, the Kingdom strengthens bilateral ties, fosters mutual understanding, and enhances its global cultural influence, in line with Vision 2030 objectives.

Q11. What is the significance of using Saudi dates in joint recipes?

A11. Saudi dates are a symbol of the Kingdom’s agricultural heritage and hospitality. Using them in joint recipes with Brazilian cheeses promotes Saudi products internationally, supports local farmers, and showcases the versatility of dates in global cuisine.

Q12. How might this partnership affect trade between Saudi Arabia and Brazil?

A12. The partnership could stimulate trade in food products, particularly dates, cheeses, and other culinary ingredients. It may also lead to increased investment in the food and beverage sector, aligning with Vision 2030’s goal of expanding non-oil exports.

Q13. What educational opportunities will arise from this cooperation?

A13. Educational opportunities include joint training programs, workshops, and collaborations with culinary schools and institutes. These initiatives will provide chefs and students in both countries with exposure to diverse techniques and traditions, enhancing their skills and global competitiveness.

Q14. How does the Culinary Arts Commission support local chefs?

A14. The commission supports local chefs through training programs, mentorship, and platforms to showcase their talents. It also works to preserve traditional recipes and promote Saudi cuisine internationally, helping chefs gain recognition and access new markets.

Q15. What is the expected impact on tourism in Saudi Arabia?

A15. The collaboration is expected to attract tourists interested in culinary experiences, boosting Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector. Food festivals and cultural exchanges will draw international visitors, contributing to Vision 2030’s goal of increasing tourism’s share of the economy.

Q16. How will traditional cooking techniques be preserved through this exchange?

A16. Through knowledge exchange, chefs will share and document traditional techniques, ensuring they are passed down to future generations. Joint workshops and heritage showcases will also highlight the importance of preserving culinary traditions in both countries.

Q17. What role do culinary schools play in this collaboration?

A17. Culinary schools will serve as hubs for training and innovation, facilitating exchanges between Saudi and Brazilian students and instructors. They will host joint programs that blend techniques and ingredients, fostering a new generation of chefs with global perspectives.

Q18. How does this meeting reflect Saudi Arabia’s openness to global cultures?

A18. The meeting demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s commitment to embracing global cultures and building partnerships. It reflects the Kingdom’s openness to learning from other nations while sharing its own rich heritage, in line with Vision 2030’s emphasis on cultural exchange.

Q19. What are the long-term goals of the Culinary Arts Commission’s international partnerships?

A19. The long-term goals include positioning Saudi Arabia as a global culinary destination, fostering sustainable growth in the culinary sector, and creating lasting cultural and economic ties with countries like Brazil. These efforts support Vision 2030’s cultural and economic objectives.

Q20. How can the public participate in future Saudi-Brazilian culinary events?

A20. The public can participate by attending food festivals, workshops, and cultural showcases announced by the Culinary Arts Commission. These events will be promoted through official channels, offering opportunities to experience and appreciate both Saudi and Brazilian cuisines.

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