A new hands-on cultural experiences programme is launching across Saudi Arabia
Interactive cooking classes and traditional craft workshops are set to roll out across the Kingdom, giving residents a new way to connect with local heritage
For anyone curious about Saudi culture, this new initiative is all about trying it for yourself.
The Ministry of Culture has launched Cultural Experiences, a series of interactive activities that bring local traditions, crafts and cuisine to life. Plus, it’s easy to join and genuinely fun.
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Instead of simply learning about heritage, the idea is to experience it for yourself. The programme is open to everyone and focuses on relaxed, practical sessions where you can try things first-hand – whether that’s cooking traditional dishes or learning a new craft.
The first phase introduces two main experiences.
The Cooking Experiences will take place this April at the Hotel and Tourism Management Institute (HTMi Saudi Arabia) in Riyadh, Al-Baha and Jazan. These sessions will spotlight Saudi cuisine, with professional chefs guiding participants through classic local dishes.
It’s not just about following a recipe either. You’ll also hear the stories behind the food, learn about regional ingredients, and understand how these dishes fit into Saudi culture.
The second experience focuses on traditional handicrafts. These workshops are led by skilled artisans who’ll demonstrate how to create handmade pieces using traditional techniques.
It’s a chance to try something creative and to gain a new appreciation for crafts passed down through the generations.
That’s not all, though. Additional experiences are set to roll out in phases. Upcoming sessions will be announced on the Ministry of Culture’s official platforms and via WeBook, where you’ll also be able to check timings and register.
Once signed up, participants will receive confirmation details, including the location, time and what to expect.
Here are some cooking experiences you can join.
April 17 & 18 | April 24 & 25: Cooking Experiences – Riyadh
Each weekend brings a different menu with two dishes to choose from. On April 17, it’s ma’dous or sago and tatli, followed by a mystery box or dibiyaza on April 18. The following weekend, you can choose between rijlah stew and sweet lahoh on April 24, then ma’asoub and an evaporated-water dessert, or another mystery box on April 25.
Location: HTMi Saudi Arabia, 6788 Eastern Ring Branch Rd, Ar Rabwah, Riyadh 12824
Timings: Apr 17 & 24, 4pm to 8pm | Apr 18 & 25, 2pm to 6pm
Cost: SAR150 per person. Book your spot here.
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April 17 & 18 | May 1 & 2: Cooking Experiences – Jazan
Meanwhile, in Jazan, the format is similar, with a rotating menu featuring two dishes each day. On April 17, participants can try Al-baf Al-madani or qashd & haneeni, followed on April 18 by a choice between a mystery box challenge and balaleet & bakila. The sessions continue on May 1 with red jareesh with chicken or a mystery box challenge, while May 2 wraps up with mutazeez or tawa.
Location: Higher Institute of Tourism and Hospitality in Jazan, 7953 Ameer Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz Road, Industrial Area, Jazan 82614
Timings: Apr 17 & May 1, 4pm to 8pm | Apr 18 & May 2, 2pm to 6pm
Cost: SAR100 per person. Book your spot here.
April 24 & 25 | May 1 & 2: Cooking Experiences – Baha
Same goes for Al Baha, where each session offers two dishes to choose from. On April 24, participants can choose between saleeg and haneeni, followed by a mystery box challenge or maqshoush on April 25. The following weekend continues with Al-baf Al-madani or a mystery box challenge on May 1. On May 2, the final session offers a choice between bean soup with Zamzam evaporated water and vermicelli with Taif rose jam.
Location: HTMi Al Baha (inside College of Technology), King Fahd Rd, Aqiq, Al Bahah 65414
Timings: Apr 24 & May 1, 4pm to 8pm | Apr 25 & May 2, 2pm to 6pm
Cost: SAR100 per person. Book your spot here.
Images: Social / Unsplash
