Contributions to Achieving the Objectives of the Network – the Medina’s Candidature projects
The Medina’s candidature ad UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy proposes national and international initiatives, programs and projects aimed at achieving the objectives of the Network at the city level by enhancing the role of culture and creativity in sustainable development.
National Projects
Sustainable Agricultural in an Urban Setting
The project empowers local food entrepreneurs to utilize urban green spaces sustainably, train small-scale farmers in arid-land practices, and grow traditional crops central to its gastronomy. By addressing desertification, food resilience, and urban heat, it creates vibrant spaces that connect citizens to heritage and promote sustainable consumption. Funded over four years, it aligns with multiple SDGs and fosters global collaboration with other arid-land UNESCO Creative Cities.
Saudi Culinary Boutiques (SCB)
The project enhances local culinary traditions by supporting training, quality standards, and entrepreneurship. Key initiatives include Irth, a space for innovation blending tradition and modernity, and Sard, a certification system promoting authenticity and heritage storytelling. Backed by the City of Madinah and the Saudi Ministry of Culture, these efforts align with Vision 2030 and multiple Sustainable Development Goals.
The Aleyon City Center Oasis: Preserving Madinah’s Heritage
In Laayoune, the historical heart of Madinah, a project is being developed to blend farming, business, and residential spaces while preserving the environment and heritage. It focuses on promoting local food resources, especially the iconic Ajwa date, and creating an “Oasis” that merges tradition, education, and innovation. The initiative emphasizes sustainability, cultural preservation, and community engagement..
International projects
Flavors without borders
Flavors Without Borders is a global initiative designed to promote cultural exchange among chefs, food producers, and culinary experts within the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN). Building on Madinah’s rich history of over a thousand years of blending and integrating foreign culinary techniques and ingredients into its unique gastronomy, the project aims to establish a universal platform for cultural dialogue through food.
Echoes of Arabia: Food, Culture, and Connection
Inspired by UNESCO’s FOOD Atlas format, this project employs a digital storytelling platform to document, preserve, and share the rich food traditions and practices of the region. Stories, traditions and practices from small producers and productive families will be documented, preserved and transmitted. Food will be used as a tool for intercultural dialogue, social cohesion and sustainable development. New generations will be educated and encouraged to adopt traditional foods and environmental preservation.
Madinah as a Hub for Culinary Innovation and Women’s Empowerment
The project offers a platform to Arab women from UCCN, and from underrepresented social groups, to showcase their skills and promote their creative initiatives in an annual international culinary competition. This initiative transforms Madinah into a hub for innovative culinary ideas and a catalyst for women’s empowerment, gender equality, sustainable progress, and cultural pride.
