Zadak graduates: Saudi chefs representing the Kingdom in global culinary arts
In a move reflecting the great ambitions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the tourism and hospitality sectors, the graduates of the Saudi Academy of Culinary Arts “ZADEC” and their families expressed their pride and honor in graduating, confirming their full readiness to engage in the labor market and represent Saudi cuisine on the local and global stages, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
Background of the event: Culinary arts as a pillar of Vision 2030
The graduation of this class of 94 students comes within the context of a comprehensive national transformation led by Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the Saudi economy and reduce its dependence on oil. The tourism and hospitality sector is one of the most important drivers for achieving this goal, creating a growing demand for trained and qualified Saudi talent. In this context, specialized academies like Zadak were established to serve as educational beacons, bridging this gap and cultivating a generation of professional chefs capable of competing globally, transforming their passion for cooking into promising careers.
Strategic importance and expected impact
The impact of graduating these chefs extends beyond simply supplying the local labor market with qualified Saudi talent; it also forms part of the Kingdom's soft power. Saudi cuisine, with its diversity and rich flavors that reflect the Kingdom's geography and history, serves as a cultural ambassador capable of showcasing authentic Saudi heritage. These graduates are expected to enrich the luxury restaurant and hotel sector with innovative Saudi dishes presented to international standards, further enhancing the Kingdom's position as a leading global tourist destination. Moreover, the localization of the culinary profession helps to change societal stereotypes surrounding certain jobs and opens new horizons for young Saudis.
Pride of achievement and the beginning of a professional career
At the graduation ceremony, the graduates and their families rejoiced, celebrating the fruits of their labor. Graduation was not the end, but the beginning of their professional journeys. Rania Moalla, founder and chairperson of the Zad Academy, affirmed that the graduates stood today at the dawn of their futures, expressing her pride in this achievement and her gratitude for the continued support of the wise leadership. She noted that many graduates had already signed immediate employment contracts with major hotels and companies, demonstrating the quality of the academy's educational outcomes and the confidence the job market places in them.
Inspiring success stories
The graduates' stories were diverse, painting a picture of passion and determination. Among them were Chef Hassan Al-Khatib, who fulfilled his childhood dream, and Faisal Al-Muzaini, who sees his second degree as the beginning of his journey to becoming one of the best chefs. Also noteworthy was the story of graduate Najiba Al Abu Abdullah, who earned a bachelor's degree in nuclear medicine and added a culinary arts diploma to her academic achievements to pursue her passion. These examples reflect the diversity of backgrounds and aspirations, confirming that culinary arts has become an attractive field for talented Saudis seeking to make their mark.
A promising future for Saudi cuisine
The graduates share a common ambition: to be exemplary representatives of the Kingdom in this vital field. They expressed their gratitude to the academy for providing them with a comprehensive educational program, and to their families, who were the driving force behind their success. As they enter the workforce, these young people bear the responsibility of developing and presenting Saudi cuisine in a modern and innovative way, and of contributing effectively to achieving the goals of Vision 2030, so that Saudi cuisine becomes a distinctive landmark in the world of culinary arts.
