Saudi Culinary Leader Honored for Strengthening Cultural Ties with Italy

Riyadh – Saudi Arabia’s culinary diplomacy received a meaningful boost as Mayada Badr, CEO of the Culinary Arts Commission, was awarded the prestigious Order of the Star of Italy.

The recognition, presented at a reception hosted at the Italian ambassador’s residence in Riyadh, celebrates her efforts to strengthen cultural and gastronomic ties between Saudi Arabia and Italy.

Badr described the honor as a deeply personal and professional milestone.

She noted that receiving such recognition from Italy reflects the growing collaboration between the two nations in culture, cuisine and creative exchange.

Italy’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Carlo Baldocci praised Badr’s leadership in building strong connections rooted in food, shared heritage and cultural appreciation.

He emphasized that the award is reserved for foreign nationals who significantly contribute to strengthening bilateral cooperation, calling Badr’s work truly deserving.

Badr attended the ceremony with her family and close colleagues, marking the occasion as a celebration of collective achievement.

She highlighted how food remains one of the most universal forms of communication, helping people understand each other long before any formal dialogue begins.

She noted that both Saudi Arabia and Italy share a deep tradition of hospitality, warmth and generosity.

According to her, these values make culinary collaboration between the two nations feel natural and meaningful.

Badr reflected on the long journey of food across history, describing how spices, ingredients and recipes traveled across trade routes and evolved with each culture they touched.

She emphasized that cuisine has no borders and that its ability to connect diverse communities remains unmatched.

The Culinary Arts Commission has spent two years documenting traditional Saudi dishes to preserve and share the country’s rich food identity.

This research, she explained, is laying the groundwork for international showcases and cultural partnerships.

One of the major global events ahead is a food and cultural festival in Milan, where the commission will present Saudi cuisine to a wide international audience.

The exhibition will also highlight Saudi handicrafts, offering visitors a full cultural experience.

Badr expressed excitement about presenting regional dishes, culinary stories and artisanal crafts to global visitors in Italy.

She added that such platforms help broaden international understanding of Saudi Arabia’s heritage and modern creativity.

She also drew attention to Saudi Feast, one of the kingdom’s largest culinary festivals organized by the commission.

The festival opened last week and continues until Saturday, welcoming visitors from across the country.

Saudi Feast features more than 100 restaurants offering over 300 diverse dishes representing all 13 regions of the kingdom.

The event also includes artisanal stalls, cultural performances and immersive culinary activities.

One of the highlights is the “honey experience,” which showcases the kingdom’s longstanding beekeeping traditions and regional honey varieties.

Visitors can taste, learn and explore the craftsmanship behind this important cultural product.

Through local festivals and international showcases, the Culinary Arts Commission continues to promote Saudi culinary identity worldwide.

Badr’s recognition by Italy stands as a symbol of the growing global appreciation for Saudi culture and its evolving creative industries.

Her journey reflects a broader national effort to share Saudi artistry with global communities.

It also underscores the power of food as a bridge that fosters friendship, understanding and cultural respect.