The Cultural Development Fund (CDF) hosted the 2025 “Storytellers” Suhoor in Riyadh, bringing together high-ranking officials, cultural and development sector leaders, entrepreneurs, and creators across various cultural fields, SPA reported. The gathering marked the third consecutive year the fund has held the event, with the 2025 edition held in a distinctive Ramadan atmosphere.
According to SPA, the evening featured a keynote speech by CDF Chief Executive Majed Al-Hogail, followed by remarks from representatives of the Elite Chefs Center, the team behind the “CHEFPreneur” program, one of the initiatives supported by the fund. The event also celebrated 42 graduates of the program, recognizing their successful completion of the training journey.
The CHEFPreneur program is a specialized training initiative designed to equip aspiring chefs with both culinary expertise and entrepreneurial skills, enabling them to launch their own projects and establish competitive businesses in the field. What does it take for a budding chef to turn a passion for cooking into a competitive business?
The CDF described the gathering as part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen connections within the cultural sector, explore new opportunities, and support the sector’s exceptional momentum. As a key financial enabler, the fund continues to play a vital role in nurturing Saudi culture and inspiring creativity. How does a single evening of connection translate into lasting support for creators?
In line with its commitment to supporting projects it has enabled, the CDF showcased several beneficiary projects during the event, allowing guests to experience their creative offerings firsthand. Which of these projects might grow into the next fixture of Saudi cultural life?
The gathering included cultural activities aligned with the Year of Handicrafts 2025. Guests engaged in traditional craft experiences such as prayer bead-making and henna art, while a special art exhibition featured works by visual artist and craftswoman Naifah Alshahrani. Inspired by the traditional Al-Qatt Al-Asiri, the exhibition paid tribute to the rich heritage of southern Saudi Arabia. The interplay of colors and intricate details added a unique artistic touch to the evening. Why do traditional crafts still draw such attention in a modern cultural gathering?
The event brought together high-ranking officials alongside cultural and development sector leaders, entrepreneurs, and creators across various cultural fields, reflecting the fund’s stated aim of strengthening connections within the sector. What kinds of partnerships might emerge when officials and creators share the same table?
The CDF’s role as a financial enabler was on display through the beneficiary projects presented to guests, alongside the recognition of the 42 CHEFPreneur graduates. The program’s combination of culinary expertise and entrepreneurial skills points to a model in which training feeds directly into business creation. Can a training journey alone prepare a chef for the pressures of running a competitive enterprise?
The 2025 edition followed the same “Storytellers” format the CDF has hosted for three consecutive years, this time set within Ramadan and tied to the Year of Handicrafts 2025. The presence of prayer bead-making, henna art, and an Al-Qatt Al-Asiri-inspired exhibition gave the evening a heritage focus alongside its program of speeches and graduate recognition. How does the Ramadan setting shape the way guests experience cultural events?
SPA did not include the full list of officials and leaders in attendance, the total number of guests, or further details on the beneficiary projects showcased during the evening.
Who hosted the 2025 Storytellers Suhoor and where did it take place? The Cultural Development Fund (CDF) hosted the 2025 “Storytellers” Suhoor, as reported by SPA. The gathering brought together high-ranking officials, cultural and development sector leaders, entrepreneurs, and creators across various cultural fields. The event was held in a distinctive Ramadan atmosphere and marked the third consecutive year the CDF has hosted the “Storytellers” event. The evening featured a keynote speech by CDF Chief Executive Majed Al-Hogail, followed by remarks from representatives of the Elite Chefs Center, the team behind the CHEFPreneur program.
What is the CHEFPreneur program and how many graduates were celebrated? The CHEFPreneur program is a specialized training initiative designed to equip aspiring chefs with both culinary expertise and entrepreneurial skills, enabling them to launch their own projects and establish competitive businesses in the field. It is one of the initiatives supported by the Cultural Development Fund. The 2025 Storytellers Suhoor celebrated 42 graduates of the program, recognizing their successful completion of the training journey. Representatives of the Elite Chefs Center, the team behind the program, delivered remarks during the evening.
What cultural activities took place at the 2025 Storytellers Suhoor? The gathering included cultural activities aligned with the Year of Handicrafts 2025. Guests engaged in traditional craft experiences such as prayer bead-making and henna art. A special art exhibition featured works by visual artist and craftswoman Naifah Alshahrani. Inspired by the traditional Al-Qatt Al-Asiri, the exhibition paid tribute to the rich heritage of southern Saudi Arabia, and the interplay of colors and intricate details added a unique artistic touch to the evening. The event was held in a distinctive Ramadan atmosphere.
What is the Cultural Development Fund’s role in the cultural sector? The CDF describes the Storytellers gathering as part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen connections within the cultural sector, explore new opportunities, and support the sector’s exceptional momentum. As a key financial enabler, the fund continues to play a vital role in nurturing Saudi culture and inspiring creativity. In line with its commitment to supporting projects it has enabled, the CDF showcased several beneficiary projects during the event, allowing guests to experience their creative offerings firsthand.
How many years has the CDF hosted the Storytellers event? The 2025 edition marks the third consecutive year the CDF has hosted the “Storytellers” event. The 2025 gathering was held in a distinctive Ramadan atmosphere and included cultural activities aligned with the Year of Handicrafts 2025, such as prayer bead-making and henna art. It also featured a keynote speech by CDF Chief Executive Majed Al-Hogail and remarks from representatives of the Elite Chefs Center, the team behind the CHEFPreneur program.