Maqshush, Hail Kibbeibh Delight Visitors at SNP Expo in Kuwait

Saudi Arabia’s Hail Region Municipality pavilion captivated visitors at the Saudi National Products Exhibition (SNP Expo 2) in Kuwait with a showcase of traditional Hail cuisine, headlined by the winter dishes “Hail Kibbeibh” and “Maqshush,” according to the Saudi Press Agency. The exhibition, which opened in Kuwait and runs through early February 2025, has drawn steady crowds to the Saudi pavilion, where attendees sampled dishes that reflect the northern region’s culinary heritage and the Kingdom’s broader gastronomic diversity.

Visitors expressed particular admiration for the popular winter dishes that define the Hail region, with many describing the tasting experience as a memorable introduction to Saudi food culture. The pavilion’s presentation of Hail cuisine forms part of a wider Saudi effort to promote national products and regional identities on the international stage, an effort that has gained momentum since the Culinary Arts Commission launched its “National and Regional Dishes Narratives” initiative in 2023. That initiative formally designated “Maqshush” as the national dessert of Saudi Arabia and recognized “Hail Kibbeibh” as the regional dish representing the Hail region, giving both dishes an official place in the Kingdom’s cultural record.

But what exactly does it mean for a simple winter dish of wheat flour, ghee, and honey to be elevated to the status of a national dessert? For Saudi Arabia, the answer lies at the intersection of heritage preservation, cultural diplomacy, and the economic ambitions of Vision 2030, where food serves as both a marker of identity and a vehicle for global engagement.

Context and Background

How did two modest northern dishes come to represent an entire nation’s culinary identity? The answer begins with the Culinary Arts Commission, a body established under the Saudi Ministry of Culture to document, preserve, and promote the Kingdom’s food heritage. In 2023, the commission launched the “National and Regional Dishes Narratives” initiative, a systematic effort to identify the dishes that best embody each of Saudi Arabia’s thirteen regions and to select a single national dish that could serve as a culinary ambassador abroad. After a process that drew on regional expertise, historical research, and community input, the commission announced “Maqshush” as the national dessert and “Hail Kibbeibh” as the signature dish of the Hail region.

“Maqshush” is deceptively simple: small loaves of wheat flour are baked in traditional ovens and then topped with ghee, honey, sugar, or molasses, depending on household preference and regional custom. The dish is especially popular during the winter season, when its warmth and richness suit the cooler months, and it is commonly served alongside other northern favorites such as “Hanini” and “Raghfan.” “Hail Kibbeibh,” meanwhile, is a savory counterpoint, made from a blend of lamb meat, rice, onions, lemon, and the distinctive Hail red pepper that gives the dish its characteristic color and heat. Together, the two dishes offer a compact portrait of Hail’s culinary grammar: wheat and lamb, sweetness and spice, oven and hearth.

The SNP Expo 2 in Kuwait provided a natural stage for these dishes. The Saudi National Products Exhibition is designed to introduce Saudi goods, crafts, and cultural products to audiences beyond the Kingdom’s borders, and the Hail Region Municipality pavilion used the occasion to present Hail cuisine as a living tradition rather than a museum piece. Visitors to the pavilion could taste the dishes, learn about their preparation, and connect them to the landscapes and seasons of northern Saudi Arabia. The result, according to the Saudi Press Agency, was a steady stream of admiration from attendees who found the flavors both novel and immediately appealing.

Key Details

What made the Hail pavilion’s presentation so effective at SNP Expo 2? Part of the answer is the sheer sensory appeal of the dishes themselves. “Hail Kibbeibh” arrives with the aroma of lamb and onion, balanced by lemon and the gentle burn of Hail red pepper, a pepper variety that has become emblematic of the region’s agriculture. The dish is hearty without being heavy, and its ingredient list reflects the pastoral and agricultural rhythms of northern Saudi Arabia, where lamb, rice, and wheat have long been staples. Visitors who sampled it at the exhibition often remarked on the depth of flavor achieved with a relatively short list of ingredients, a hallmark of traditional Saudi cooking.

“Maqshush” operates on a different register. Its base is a small loaf of wheat flour, baked until tender, then dressed at the moment of serving with ghee, honey, sugar, or molasses. The choice of topping can vary from household to household and even from day to day, which makes the dish both personal and communal. During the winter season, “Maqshush” is frequently served alongside “Hanini” and “Raghfan,” two other dishes well known in the northern regions, creating a table that feels distinctly seasonal. The Culinary Arts Commission’s decision to name “Maqshush” the national dessert was, in this sense, a recognition not just of a recipe but of a practice: the act of gathering around warm, sweet, hand-made food during the coldest months of the year.

The exhibition also highlighted the broader ecosystem behind these dishes. The Hail Region Municipality’s participation in SNP Expo 2 reflects a coordinated approach in which local government bodies, cultural commissions, and national export-promotion platforms work together to present Saudi regions abroad. The pavilion did not simply serve food; it told the story of Hail’s geography, its agricultural traditions, and its place within the Kingdom’s diverse cultural map. For international visitors unfamiliar with Saudi regional distinctions, the presentation offered an accessible entry point into a country whose culinary landscape is far more varied than many outsiders realize.

International and Regional Impact

Why does a food exhibition in Kuwait matter beyond the exhibition hall? For one thing, Kuwait is a close neighbor and a key partner within the Gulf Cooperation Council, and cultural exchanges of this kind reinforce the deep social and economic ties that bind the two countries. Saudi participation in SNP Expo 2 is part of a broader pattern of Saudi cultural diplomacy in the region, in which exhibitions, festivals, and trade fairs serve as platforms for both commercial and cultural engagement. When Kuwaiti visitors taste “Hail Kibbeibh” and “Maqshush,” they are participating in a form of people-to-people diplomacy that complements official government relations.

The regional impact extends to the Gulf’s wider food and tourism economy. Saudi Arabia’s culinary heritage is increasingly recognized as a tourism asset, capable of drawing visitors to regional festivals, heritage villages, and food-focused experiences. By presenting Hail cuisine in Kuwait, the Kingdom is effectively previewing what international tourists might encounter if they travel to the north of Saudi Arabia, where Hail’s winter climate, agricultural landscapes, and traditional hospitality already attract domestic visitors. The SNP Expo 2 showcase thus functions as both a cultural statement and a soft promotion of regional tourism, aligning with the Kingdom’s efforts to diversify visitor experiences beyond the major urban centers.

Within Saudi Arabia itself, the recognition of “Maqshush” and “Hail Kibbeibh” has resonated as a validation of regional identity. The “National and Regional Dishes Narratives” initiative explicitly aims to give every region a recognized culinary representative, ensuring that the national food story is not monopolized by a single city or style. For Hail, the designation of “Hail Kibbeibh” as its regional dish is a point of pride that connects local farmers, cooks, and entrepreneurs to a national narrative. It also creates economic opportunities: restaurants, food producers, and packaged-goods companies can now market Hail specialties with an official cultural endorsement behind them.

Economic and Strategic Significance

How does a national dessert translate into economic value? The answer lies in the growing global interest in authentic regional cuisines and the premium that consumers place on heritage products with a clear story. Saudi Arabia’s food and beverage sector has expanded rapidly in recent years, supported by Vision 2030’s broader economic diversification agenda, and traditional dishes occupy a distinctive niche within that expansion. “Maqshush” and “Hail Kibbeibh” are not mass-market convenience foods; they are artisanal, region-specific, and tied to seasonal rhythms, which makes them attractive to consumers seeking authenticity. The Culinary Arts Commission’s designations give entrepreneurs a ready-made narrative to build on, whether through restaurant concepts, packaged mixes, or experiential tourism offerings.

Strategically, the promotion of Saudi cuisine abroad supports several Vision 2030 objectives at once. It advances cultural diplomacy by presenting the Kingdom as a country with a rich and welcoming heritage. It supports economic diversification by creating export opportunities for Saudi food products and by strengthening the hospitality and tourism sectors. And it reinforces national identity at home by celebrating regional diversity within a unified Saudi story. The SNP Expo 2 pavilion in Kuwait is a small but telling example of how these threads come together: a local municipality, a national cultural commission, and a regional audience all interacting around two dishes that carry centuries of tradition into a contemporary exhibition space.

The exhibition also demonstrates the value of sustained cultural programming. A single tasting event might generate momentary interest, but the “National and Regional Dishes Narratives” initiative provides a durable framework that can be activated repeatedly in different markets and formats. As Saudi Arabia continues to host and participate in international expos, the dishes recognized under the initiative become recognizable cultural signifiers, much like the foods of other nations with strong culinary diplomacy traditions. Over time, this repetition builds familiarity and affection, which in turn supports tourism, trade, and broader goodwill.

Vision 2030 Alignment

How does a winter dish of wheat flour and honey connect to the Kingdom’s long-term vision? Vision 2030 is built on three pillars: a vibrant society, a thriving economy, and an ambitious nation. The promotion of “Maqshush” and “Hail Kibbeibh” touches all three. It enriches society by preserving and celebrating Saudi heritage; it strengthens the economy by creating opportunities in food, tourism, and cultural exports; and it reflects an ambitious nation confident enough to share its traditions with the world. The Culinary Arts Commission’s work, including the “National and Regional Dishes Narratives” initiative, is a direct expression of the vision’s cultural and economic ambitions, and the Hail Region Municipality’s participation in SNP Expo 2 shows how local institutions can carry that work forward.

As the exhibition in Kuwait continues to draw visitors, the dishes of Hail are doing more than satisfying appetites. They are introducing international audiences to a Saudi Arabia that is diverse, hospitable, and forward-looking, while reminding Saudis themselves that the Kingdom’s heritage is a source of strength and opportunity. The recognition of “Maqshush” as the national dessert and “Hail Kibbeibh” as the dish of the Hail region is not an endpoint but a beginning: a foundation on which future cultural, economic, and diplomatic initiatives can be built. In that sense, every visitor who tastes these dishes at SNP Expo 2 becomes part of a larger story about Saudi Arabia’s place in the world, one that is rooted in tradition and oriented toward the future.

20 Questions

Q1. What dishes did the Hail Region Municipality pavilion showcase at SNP Expo 2 in Kuwait?

A1. The pavilion showcased traditional Hail cuisine, headlined by “Hail Kibbeibh” and “Maqshush,” along with other northern favorites such as “Hanini” and “Raghfan,” according to the Saudi Press Agency.

Q2. What is “Maqshush” and why is it significant?

A2. “Maqshush” consists of small loaves of wheat flour baked in ovens and topped with ghee, honey, sugar, or molasses. It was designated as Saudi Arabia’s national dessert by the Culinary Arts Commission.

Q3. What is “Hail Kibbeibh” and what are its main ingredients?

A3. “Hail Kibbeibh” is a flavorful dish made from a blend of lamb meat, rice, onions, lemon, and Hail red pepper. It was recognized as the regional dish representing the Hail region.

Q4. When did the Culinary Arts Commission launch the “National and Regional Dishes Narratives” initiative?

A4. The initiative was launched in 2023. It aims to document and promote Saudi Arabia’s regional cuisines, designating a national dessert and a representative dish for each region.

Q5. Where is SNP Expo 2 being held and who participated?

A5. The Saudi National Products Exhibition (SNP Expo 2) is being held in Kuwait. The Hail Region Municipality pavilion is among the participants, showcasing regional cuisine and products.

Q6. Why is “Maqshush” especially popular in winter?

A6. “Maqshush” is a warm, sweet dish that suits the cooler months. It is commonly served during winter alongside “Hanini” and “Raghfan,” which are also well known in the northern regions.

Q7. What toppings are used on “Maqshush”?

A7. “Maqshush” can be topped with ghee, honey, sugar, or molasses. The choice of topping varies by household preference and regional custom, making the dish both personal and communal.

Q8. What role does Hail red pepper play in “Hail Kibbeibh”?

A8. Hail red pepper gives “Hail Kibbeibh” its characteristic color and heat. It is a distinctive agricultural product of the Hail region and a key element of the dish’s identity.

Q9. How did visitors at SNP Expo 2 react to Hail cuisine?

A9. Visitors expressed admiration for the popular winter dishes that define the Hail region. Many described the tasting experience as a memorable introduction to Saudi food culture.

Q10. What is the significance of designating a national dessert for Saudi Arabia?

A10. It provides a culinary ambassador for the Kingdom abroad, supports cultural diplomacy, and celebrates regional diversity within a unified national narrative, aligning with Vision 2030 objectives.

Q11. How does the recognition of regional dishes support local economies?

A11. It creates opportunities for restaurants, food producers, and packaged-goods companies to market regional specialties with an official cultural endorsement, supporting tourism and export growth.

Q12. What other dishes are well known in Saudi Arabia’s northern regions?

A12. Alongside “Maqshush,” dishes such as “Hanini” and “Raghfan” are well known in the northern regions. They are often served together during the winter season.

Q13. How does SNP Expo 2 fit into Saudi cultural diplomacy?

A13. SNP Expo 2 is part of a broader pattern of Saudi cultural diplomacy in the region, using exhibitions and trade fairs as platforms for commercial and cultural engagement with neighboring countries.

Q14. What is the Culinary Arts Commission’s role?

A14. The Culinary Arts Commission, under the Ministry of Culture, documents, preserves, and promotes Saudi food heritage. It launched the “National and Regional Dishes Narratives” initiative in 2023.

Q15. How does the promotion of Saudi cuisine support Vision 2030?

A15. It advances cultural diplomacy, supports economic diversification through food exports and tourism, and reinforces national identity by celebrating regional diversity within a unified Saudi story.

Q16. Why is Kuwait a significant venue for this exhibition?

A16. Kuwait is a close neighbor and key Gulf Cooperation Council partner. Cultural exchanges there reinforce deep social and economic ties between the two countries.

Q17. What economic opportunities arise from recognizing regional dishes?

A17. Recognition supports restaurant concepts, packaged food products, and experiential tourism. It gives entrepreneurs a ready-made narrative to build on in domestic and export markets.

Q18. How does the initiative ensure all regions are represented?

A18. The “National and Regional Dishes Narratives” initiative aims to give every Saudi region a recognized culinary representative, ensuring the national food story reflects the Kingdom’s full diversity.

Q19. What makes “Maqshush” and “Hail Kibbeibh” attractive to international audiences?

A19. Both dishes are artisanal, region-specific, and tied to seasonal rhythms. Their authenticity and clear heritage story appeal to consumers seeking genuine culinary experiences.

Q20. What does the future hold for Saudi culinary heritage promotion?

A20. The initiative provides a durable framework for repeated activations in different markets. As Saudi Arabia participates in more international expos, its recognized dishes will build familiarity and goodwill abroad.

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