Feast Food Festival 2025 Set To Boost Tourism With Culinary Innovations In Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Published on November 26, 2025

The Saudi Feast Food Festival is making a comeback and this time it is going to be more extravagant than before. It is scheduled to take place from the 27th of November to the 6th of December, 2025, at the premises of King Saud University in Riyadh. The Saudi Feast Food Festival which is the Fair of the Kingdom’s Gastronomy offers the public an exciting marshalling of the foods from both the West and the East, thus presenting a rare opportunity to further develop the tourism sector in Saudi Arabia while in the meanwhile savoring its opulent food history.

The festival’s return marks a significant milestone for both the kingdom’s culinary scene and tourism industry. With Saudi Arabia’s vision to diversify its economy and establish itself as a global tourism hub, the Saudi Feast Food Festival plays a vital role in driving this transformation. Organised by the Saudi Ministry of Culture and the Culinary Arts Commission, the event continues to showcase the best of Saudi culinary traditions and modern hospitality, drawing food enthusiasts, professionals, and tourists from around the world.

A Culinary Experience Like No Other

This year’s festival introduces seven immersive zones designed to provide visitors with a multi-sensory experience of Saudi Arabia’s culinary diversity. These themed zones offer everything from live cooking battles to educational workshops, ensuring a truly engaging event for all ages.

The Competition Zone will be one of the main attractions, where chefs will demonstrate their skills through live cooking contests. This interactive setting offers attendees a front-row seat to the latest culinary techniques while allowing them to discover emerging talent in the hospitality industry. Whether you’re an aspiring chef or a food enthusiast, this zone promises an engaging experience.

In the Culinary Arts Heritage Zone, visitors will be transported through time with regional Saudi dishes, historic recipes, and authentic local ingredients that showcase the kingdom’s long-standing food traditions. This area highlights the deep-rooted cultural heritage that defines Saudi cuisine, offering tourists an opportunity to explore the kingdom’s history through food.

Another popular area, the Retail Zone, will feature local and international products, including cookbooks, kitchenware, and artisan crafts. For those looking to take a piece of the festival home, this zone offers an excellent selection of items, perfect for souvenirs or gifts.

New Features for 2025: Expanding the Experience

This year’s festival introduces some exciting new features that will further enrich the overall experience for both locals and international visitors. One of the most anticipated additions is the Honey Discovery Journey. Visitors can explore the fascinating process of honey production, from harvesting techniques to tasting various local and international honey varieties. This new experience aligns with the festival’s focus on promoting sustainable culinary practices and the importance of supporting local producers.

In addition, the Beehive Experience will allow visitors to participate in hands-on beekeeping workshops, offering a deeper understanding of the vital role that bees play in the food industry and ecological sustainability. This engaging, educational experience is ideal for families and eco-conscious visitors.

For food lovers interested in Asian cuisine, the Thailand Zone will be a highlight. Featuring over 10 restaurants serving authentic Thai dishes, this new addition reflects the rising demand for Asian flavours in Saudi Arabia and the broader Middle East region. It is expected to attract tourists keen to explore international culinary trends, while also offering insights into the kingdom’s evolving food scene.

Tourism and Cultural Exchange at the Forefront

With an increasing number of international tourists visiting Saudi Arabia as part of the country’s tourism drive, the Saudi Feast Food Festival is a pivotal event for showcasing the kingdom as a global culinary destination. The festival is designed to attract food lovers, families, professionals, and international tourists who are seeking a unique, immersive cultural experience.

Moreover, the event also contributes to the growth of Saudi Arabia’s hospitality sector, as the festival serves as a strategic platform for businesses, tourism stakeholders, and F&B operators to observe new consumer trends, explore culinary innovations, and exchange ideas. With the growing appeal of the festival, it is expected to generate significant interest in the kingdom’s tourism offerings, both in the short and long term.

Exciting Activities for All

Beyond the culinary showcases, the Saudi Feast Food Festival is full of entertainment and engaging activities designed to attract tourists from all walks of life. Visitors can participate in various workshops, where chefs and experts will share their knowledge on everything from kitchen techniques to food plating. These hands-on sessions are ideal for both beginners and seasoned foodies looking to deepen their culinary skills.

Additionally, the Theatre and Demo Zone will feature interactive cooking shows, allowing visitors to observe the art of plating, presentation, and fine dining techniques up close. The chance to witness chefs in action, combined with the ability to interact with them directly, offers an engaging and educational aspect to the festival, fostering a deeper connection with the culinary world.

Building Saudi Arabia as a Global Culinary Hub

The Saudi Feast Food Festival keeps on changing dynamics and therefore it acts as a great marketing tool for local food customs and at the same time places Saudi Arabia among the main actors in the world’s hospitality and tourism industry. Mayada Badr, head of the Culinary Arts Authority called it a very necessary festival for creating a global culinary brand that not only attracts tourists but also supports local manufacturers and entrepreneurs. The increase of this festival going from Jeddah to Riyadh and widening its zones indicates a bright future for the culinary scene in Saudi Arabia.