● Global slow food movement aims to foster a deeper connection between consumers and their food sources
Dadan Culinary Arts Centre serves as a global hub for eco-gastronomy, blending AlUla’s heritage with contemporary values of a sustainable food system
AlUla, Saudi Arabia –-: The slow food movement has a new home in the ancient oasis city of AlUla, with the opening of the Dadan Culinary Art Centre, where sustainable agriculture, local food traditions, and mindful dining are celebrated.
The global slow food movement aims to foster a deeper connection between consumers and their food sources, advocating for the use of seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, and supporting all members of the community – values that have guided AlUla’s evolution as a sustainable destination right from the start.
The Dadan Culinary Arts Centre serves as a global hub for eco-gastronomy, blending the heritage of AlUla’s verdant oasis with the contemporary values of a fair and sustainable food system. Located near the historic site of Dadan, once the capital of the Dadan and Lihyan kingdoms over 2,000 years ago, the centre offers curated dining, interactive workshops, and personal encounters with AlUla’s farmers, all set amid stunning natural landscapes.
A highlight of the centre is the Dadan Farmers Market, which showcases the city’s agricultural riches every weekend. The lively marketplace offers an array of fresh, seasonal produce, harvested from the oasis and surrounding farms. Local families, whose livelihoods are deeply tied to oasis agriculture, present their goods and invite guests to connect with the authentic flavours of AlUla. Visitors can savour dishes prepared using traditional methods or select fresh ingredients to enjoy in the picnic area, embracing the oasis-to-table philosophy that is the heart of the centre’s mission. Every purchase directly supports local farmers, fostering a deeper connection between producers and consumers.
The Diyar Restaurant, located within the centre and named after the Arabic word for ‘home’, offers an unforgettable dining experience that celebrates the principles of the slow food movement. Overlooking the majestic mountains near Dadan, this warm and inviting restaurant serves dishes prepared with sustainably sourced, locally grown ingredients. Under the guidance of award-winning Chef Sergio Rama, known for his dedication to seasonal and traditional cooking methods, Diyar Restaurant redefines hospitality by transforming simple meals into a celebration of community and heritage.
Another way to learn about AlUla and its people is through the various workshops at the Dadan Culinary Arts Centre, which offer visitors the chance to deepen their connection to sustainable practices and local traditions. Whether learning the fundamentals of farm-to-table cooking, mastering the art of pickling and fermentation, or exploring the versatile uses of moringa in oils and soaps, participants gain hands-on insights into multiple crafts and food practices.
With the Dadan Culinary Arts Centre, AlUla invites the world to rediscover the pleasure of wholesome dining and the richness of the city’s food traditions, all set against the backdrop of its timeless oasis.
