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RIYADH: Madinah has been designated as a member of UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network in the field of gastronomy, becoming the second Saudi city to receive this recognition after Buraidah.

The announcement was made by UNESCO as part of World Cities Day, which was celebrated on Oct. 31.

Mayada Badr, CEO of the Culinary Arts Commission, told Arab News that the commission was working to establish a globally recognized and sustainable brand for Madinah’s cuisine.

In a collaborative effort with multiple local partners, the Culinary Arts Commission put together the nomination dossier, presenting data, in-depth research and supporting documentation aligned with UNESCO’s standards.

Madinah draws millions of visitors each year, with its culinary identity deeply shaped by its agricultural heritage and centuries of cultural exchange along historic trade and pilgrimage routes.

“Building a global culinary brand serves as the backbone for sustainably boosting tourism and empowering local producers,” Badr said.

“Boosting tourism in Madinah starts with rethinking the city as not just a religious destination, but also as a global cultural and culinary hub, attracting new visitors and encouraging longer stays and higher spending,” she said.

“Supporting local producers boosts the value of distinctive ingredients like Ajwa dates and traditional Madinah herbs. It creates steady income for farmers and families, while safeguarding the region’s rich culinary and agricultural heritage.”

The collaborative model that drove Madinah’s nomination involved extensive cross-sector coordination and community involvement.

Badr said that this approach could be successfully replicated in other Saudi cities.

“Global recognition goes beyond honoring the elite,” she said. “It should act as a driver for empowering small producers and local families, integrating them into the city’s tourism and production value chains.”

“Authenticity and innovation are not at odds, but partners in preservation and continuity.”

The recognition also supports local development opportunities through small and medium enterprises specializing in traditional foods.

Madinah is home to its first culinary market, Al-Tabakha, which fosters collaboration between the public and private sectors.

Badr said that the goal was to replicate the success of Al-Tabakha across the Kingdom, enabling families to own their stories and sell their products directly to local and international audiences.

She stressed that global recognition should directly benefit the local community, creating tangible results for everyday citizens and small vendors, beyond mere cultural pride.

“We seek for each ordinary citizen to experience this international recognition as real gains — more business, higher income and stronger positioning for his small restaurant or products.”

The UNESCO Creative Cities Network, established in 2004, aims to promote innovation as a key driver of sustainable urban development.