Le Cordon Bleu, an international network of hospitality and culinary schools teaching French cuisine, has announced plans to expand into Saudi Arabia.
With Saudi Arabia fast emerging as a true culinary destination, the announcement that a culinary arts and hospitality school will be set up in Riyadh is being hailed as an opportunity for enterprising chefs in the kingdom to elevate their craft to the highest levels.
The deal between the Saudi Culinary Arts Commission and Le Cordon Bleu sets out the intent to establish a 2,000 sq m educational institute.
Aimed at increasing the diversity and quality of Saudi Arabia’s existing food scene, the new culinary arts school will provide enterprising Saudi chefs with an outlet to further develop their skills and build a truly exceptional sector in Saudi Arabia, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
The partnership will also see the development of a curriculum of Saudi cuisine – the first of its kind – that will allow a range of exchange programs for culinary practitioners from around the world, it added.
Saudi Arabia is already home to a thriving food scene – with thousands of independent restaurants and food trucks.
The agreement comes as part of the Commission’s mandate to develop Saudi talent and encourage those looking to professionalise their skills.
Led by CEO Mayada Badr, the Culinary Arts Commission is working to elevate and diversify Saudi’s culinary offering.
“Saudi chefs are already displaying incredible creativity with limited formal training. The foundation of this culinary school will allow them to hone their fundamental and classical skills; which, when deployed with their existing creativity, will create something truly special,” said Badr.
André Cointreau, president of Le Cordon Bleu, said: “Saudi cuisine is fast establishing itself and the country is attracting attention from those looking to experience a new and exciting culinary landscape.
“We are excited to be a part of the transformation currently underway in Saudi Arabia and through our shared values of combining traditional skills with innovation and creativity, we look forward to establishing a joint history with the Saudi culinary arts sector.”
Saudi Arabia’s rich culinary heritage is founded in traditions from each of its 13 regions and today, food and culinary arts continue to be integral to Saudi culture and heritage.