‘Ramadan Iftar’ on the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage

People gather for a communal Iftar during Ramadan (AP)
People gather for a communal Iftar during Ramadan (AP)
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‘Ramadan Iftar’ on the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage

People gather for a communal Iftar during Ramadan (AP)
People gather for a communal Iftar during Ramadan (AP)

UNESCO has included the "social and cultural traditions" associated with the Ramadan Iftar, observing the sunset during the holy month, on its intangible heritage list.

The application for the sociocultural tradition was jointly submitted by Türkiye, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, and Iran to the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization on Wednesday.

The Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, which has been meeting in Botswana since Monday, included the Iftar among the intangible heritage of humanity.

"Iftar (also called Eftari or Iftor) is observed by Muslims at sunset in the month of Ramadan, upon completion of all religious and ceremonial rites," said UNESCO.

Iftar, which follows the sunset call to prayer during Ramadan, often consists of "gatherings or meals, strengthening family and community ties and promoting charity, solidarity and social exchange," it said.

The UN body noted that the knowledge and skills are typically transmitted within families through oral instruction, observation, and participation, and children and youth are often entrusted with preparing components of traditional meals.

During this process, parents also transmit knowledge about the benefits of fasting and the social values and functions of Iftar.



Saudi Culinary Arts Commission Launches Academic Program

Saudi Culinary Arts Commission Launches Academic Program
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Saudi Culinary Arts Commission Launches Academic Program

Saudi Culinary Arts Commission Launches Academic Program

The Saudi Culinary Arts Commission announced on Wednesday the launch of the Academic Culinary Arts Program as part of its strategic projects to develop a new generation of Saudi chefs by providing support for high-quality education that combines innovation and excellence in line with international best practices.

The program aims to empower national talent and support them with academic training programs that develop the skills of Saudi chefs, reflecting the identity of Saudi culinary arts and opening sustainable horizons in one of the most promising sectors in the Kingdom in line with its Vision 2030.

The program will be implemented in cooperation with eight specialized universities and institutes in the regions of the Kingdom. They include the Hotel and Tourism Management Institute, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Bunyan Academy, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, University of Prince Mugrin, King Abdulaziz University, King Khalid University, and ZADK Saudi Culinary Academy.

The program extends over 12 months. It includes both practical and theoretical training, as well as training fellowships and accredited certificates that qualify graduates to enter the job market directly with organized career paths that meet national and international standards.

The Academic Culinary Arts Program embodies the commission's vision of developing national skills and empowering local talent, reflecting the identity of Saudi culinary arts and promoting the Kingdom's position towards building a promising future in the culinary arts.