ALKHOBAR — Emir of the Eastern Province Prince Saud bin Nayef, sponsored the graduation ceremony of 99 male and female students from the sixth, seventh, and eighth cohorts of the Saudi Academy of Culinary Arts (ZADK).

The event was held at the Dammam Chamber of Commerce headquarters.

The students, who completed two-year diploma and one-year associate diploma programs, have signed employment contracts and are set to join the hospitality and tourism sectors as professional chefs.

Their training meets international standards and supports Saudi Vision 2030’s focus on youth empowerment and workforce localization.

Rania Moualla, founder and chairwoman of ZADK’s board of directors, expressed her gratitude for the Emir’s continued patronage. She highlighted the critical support from the public and private sectors that has enabled the Academy to fulfill its mission of equipping young Saudis with career-ready skills.

“All 99 graduates this year have signed job contracts and are fully prepared to enter the labor market, equipped with specialized culinary training,” Moualla said.

She noted that many alumni have already secured roles at international hotels and restaurants, with opportunities for further education abroad, entrepreneurship, and academic roles at the academy itself.

ZADK, a nonprofit endowment academy, is dedicated to advancing Saudi cuisine on the global stage while providing professional culinary education.

The academy aims to localize the profession to international standards and deliver lasting academic, cultural, and social impact. — SG