Saudi Philanthropist Rania Moualla Honored Globally for Transformative Culinary Education and Social Impact
Dhahran – Saudi philanthropist Rania Moualla, founder and chairwoman of the ZADK Culinary Academy, has received international recognition for her outstanding contributions to social entrepreneurship, education, and community development.
Moualla was honored with the prestigious Fair Saturday Award during a ceremony at the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain, celebrating her transformative vision in promoting culture, sustainability, and social innovation through gastronomy.
ZADK Culinary Academy founder receives prestigious Fair Saturday Award for leadership, innovation, and community development.
The Fair Saturday Award, launched in 2017, is given to inspiring individuals and organizations whose initiatives create measurable social impact through art, culture, and education. It recognizes leaders who have established new models of action aimed at fostering inclusive, fair, and sustainable growth.
The 2025 ceremony also celebrated notable figures including Nobel laureate Joseph Stiglitz, journalist and author Martin Wolf, actress Adjoa Andoh, dancer and choreographer Ahmad Joudeh, pianist Joaquin Achucarro, and cultural association Gerediaga Elkartea.
Speaking at the award ceremony, Moualla expressed her excitement and gratitude. “ZADK is more than just a non-profit culinary academy,” she said. “Our goal is to preserve local culture, protect heritage, promote job creation, emphasize sustainability, and drive social transformation. I’m thrilled that our success has now been recognized on the international stage.”
Founded with a vision to harness the power of gastronomy for social good, ZADK Culinary Academy aims to create positive social change through excellence in culinary education and innovation. The academy provides aspiring Saudi chefs and restaurateurs with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities to pursue successful careers while nurturing creativity and celebrating local culture and cuisine.
Moualla’s approach goes beyond traditional culinary training. ZADK provides scholarships for qualifying students and offers a variety of programs, including a two-year higher culinary diploma, a one-year associate diploma, a six-month professional certificate, and shorter courses tailored for specific skill development.
These programs equip students with practical experience and theoretical knowledge, ensuring they are ready to meet the demands of the workplace. Employers, in turn, benefit from a highly skilled workforce capable of contributing meaningfully to professional environments.
The academy places a strong emphasis on sustainability and cultural preservation. Students are trained to work with local ingredients, traditional recipes, and innovative cooking methods that honor regional culinary heritage while promoting environmentally conscious practices. ZADK’s curriculum also includes entrepreneurship training, helping graduates build businesses that contribute to local economies and create employment opportunities.
Over the years, ZADK has successfully transformed the lives of countless young Saudis, instilling confidence, leadership skills, and a sense of social responsibility.
By combining culinary excellence with community-focused education, Moualla has developed a replicable model for using vocational training to achieve social impact.
The Fair Saturday Award underscores the global relevance of ZADK’s mission. By linking culture, education, and entrepreneurship, the academy exemplifies how specialized skills can drive meaningful social transformation.
The award also highlights Moualla’s commitment to fostering inclusive growth, where education and training provide pathways for young people to thrive professionally and socially.
In addition to educational programs, ZADK actively engages with local communities to raise awareness about sustainability, nutrition, and cultural heritage.
The academy collaborates with restaurants, cultural institutions, and government organizations to provide internships, workshops, and public events that promote gastronomy as a tool for social good.
Moualla’s work has earned admiration both nationally and internationally for its innovative approach to social entrepreneurship. By combining professional excellence with community engagement, ZADK serves as a model for other educational institutions aiming to create social impact in meaningful and measurable ways.
Looking ahead, Moualla plans to expand ZADK’s programs to reach more regions in Saudi Arabia, providing opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds.
She envisions a future where culinary arts serve as a bridge between tradition and modernity, empowering young professionals while preserving cultural identity and contributing to sustainable development.
The recognition at the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao marks a significant milestone for Moualla and ZADK Culinary Academy. It affirms the importance of education, culture, and entrepreneurship in driving positive societal change and highlights Saudi Arabia’s growing role in fostering innovative social initiatives on the global stage.
Through her pioneering efforts, Rania Moualla has demonstrated that education, culture, and community engagement can be powerful tools for transforming lives, promoting sustainability, and building inclusive societies. Her achievements inspire future generations of Saudi entrepreneurs and social innovators to pursue impactful, purpose-driven careers.
