Saudi Arabia's Jeddah and Taif named 2027 World Region of Gastronomy

Two Saudi Arabia destinations, Jeddah and Taif, have been officially named World Region of Gastronomy 2027, recognising their joint strategy to harness food as a driver of culture‑led, sustainable tourism. The award from the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism (IGCAT) makes Saudi the only country in the Middle East to hold the title twice, following Aseer’s year as World Region of Gastronomy in 2024.

Jeddah and Taif earned the title by meeting IGCAT’s criteria for sustainable regional growth through gastronomy, with an expert jury visit confirming how local stakeholders are using culinary diversity, environmental stewardship, heritage preservation and youth empowerment to build a more inclusive, sustainable food‑tourism offer.

The award underlines how Saudi Arabia is using gastronomy to preserve cultural heritage while advancing its sustainable tourism goals, with hospitality and foodservice operators increasingly embracing farm‑to‑table sourcing and using cuisine as a channel for cultural exchange that encourages visitors to choose authentic, locally rooted dining.

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Examples include Jeddah’s central fish market – supplied directly from the Red Sea and promoted as an immersive cultural stop where visitors can see, select and, in some cases, have fish cooked on site – and the Taif Rose Festival, which combines cultural programming, markets and locally produced food, turning seasonal agricultural cycles into tourism draws that support rural livelihoods and safeguard traditional knowledge.

The recognition builds on Saudi’s growing presence on the global culinary map, including the launch of the Michelin Guide Saudi Arabia 2026, which named 52 restaurants across Riyadh, Jeddah and AlUla, with 11 awarded a Bib Gourmand. Jeddah secured 14 entries, including Bib Gourmand recipient Samia’s Dish, celebrated for its authentic, accessibly priced Hijazi classics.

Saudi’s Culinary Arts Commission is working with King Abdulaziz University, Dar Al‑Hekma University, the Jeddah Governorate Development Authority and local businesses on education, innovation and skills training that strengthen local identity and further elevate Saudi cuisine on the international stage.

For more information, visit igcat.org and culinary.moc.gov.sa