Saudi Cities Enter UNESCO’s Creative Network
The UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) has expanded again, with Madinah and Riyadh being welcomed as official members. This milestone marks a notable moment for Saudi Arabia, underscoring the kingdom’s commitment to culture, creativity, and economic diversification. Madinah joins the list for its deep culinary heritage, while Riyadh is recognized for design and innovation, reinforcing the country’s growing global cultural footprint.
From Culinary Traditions to Global Recognition
Madinah’s inclusion reflects a robust and evolving culinary landscape that blends tradition with modern techniques. The city’s rich food history—shaped by centuries of trade, hospitality, and regional flavors—serves as a living archive of taste. By joining the UNESCO network, Madinah gains a platform to promote its local ingredients, methods, and culinary stories, enabling chefs, scholars, and entrepreneurs to collaborate on preservation and innovation initiatives. This designation helps highlight regional dishes, food markets, and culinary tourism as engines of cultural exchange and sustainable development.
Why Food Heritage Matters on the Global Stage
Food is a universal language, capable of sparking dialogue across cultures. Madinah’s culinary narrative offers visitors an authentic lens into Saudi Arabia’s daily life, history, and hospitality. The UCCN endorsement positions the city to attract international collaborations in gastronomy, training programs, and value-driven tourism—supporting small producers, local markets, and cultural sustainability.
Riyadh: Design, Innovation, and a Modern Creative Economy
Riyadh’s designation in the design and creative field reflects its rapid evolution as a hub for innovative thinking, urban development, and creative industries. The city’s architecture, product design scene, and digital culture are transforming how residents interact with space, technology, and art. As a UNESCO Creative City, Riyadh will leverage global partnerships to nurture local design talent, strengthen incubators, and showcase Saudi Arabia’s design achievements to the world.
Design as a Catalyst for Economic Diversification
Saudi Arabia has been driving a broad cultural and economic shift, with design playing a central role in diversification strategies. For Riyadh, becoming part of the UCCN offers a pathway to international exposure, knowledge exchange, and investment in creative infrastructure. The city can host design festivals, exhibitions, and collaborative studios that connect Saudi designers with peers from other Creative Cities around the globe, reinforcing a vibrant, sustainable economy rooted in creativity.
Implications for Culture, Tourism, and Local Communities
Joining the UNESCO network is not just an honor—it’s a framework for tangible outcomes. For both Madinah and Riyadh, the designation creates opportunities to preserve heritage while embracing innovation. Local communities stand to benefit from increased cultural programming, improved access to education and training, and stronger platforms for micro-entrepreneurs in food, fashion, and design. As visitors explore these cities, they will encounter a blend of tradition and modernity that showcases Saudi Arabia’s evolving cultural identity.
What Comes Next
With UNESCO’s endorsement, Madinah and Riyadh will collaborate with other Creative Cities around the world to share best practices, develop joint projects, and secure sustainable funding for cultural initiatives. Expect new exhibitions, culinary exchanges, design workshops, and international conferences that celebrate the country’s creative diversity. The dual recognition signals a broader Saudi ambition: to position itself as a leading global venue for culture, creativity, and inclusive growth.
Overall, the inclusion of Madinah for culinary heritage and Riyadh for design and innovation marks a milestone in Saudi Arabia’s cultural journey. As these cities weave local flavors and modern design into a global conversation, they invite visitors and investors to engage with a Saudi Arabia that is proudly creative and dynamically connected to the world.
