Saudi Arabia to Host 2026 CIA Plenary and Two World Championships in Major Boost for Global Events Strategy
Kingdom secures prestigious culinary congress and international sporting championships as part of Vision 2030 expansion
Saudi Arabia has been confirmed as host of the 2026 plenary session of the CIA, the global body representing culinary associations, alongside the announcement that the Kingdom will stage two upcoming World Championships, reinforcing its accelerating push to become a leading destination for major international events.
The CIA plenary, which brings together senior representatives from culinary institutions and hospitality sectors worldwide, is expected to draw hundreds of delegates to discuss innovation, standards and the future of global gastronomy.
Saudi organisers said the decision reflects growing international confidence in the Kingdom’s hospitality infrastructure and event-hosting capabilities.
In parallel, authorities confirmed that Saudi Arabia will serve as the venue for two World Championship competitions in the coming cycle.
While final scheduling details are still being formalised, officials indicated that the championships will showcase elite talent and attract global audiences, contributing to the country’s expanding portfolio of cultural and sporting events.
The announcements align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy, which seeks to diversify the economy beyond hydrocarbons by investing heavily in tourism, entertainment, sport and international congresses.
Over recent years, the Kingdom has secured hosting rights for a series of high-profile sporting events and global forums, backed by large-scale infrastructure projects and upgraded transport networks.
Event planners highlighted Riyadh and Jeddah as potential venues equipped with modern convention facilities and hospitality capacity capable of supporting large international gatherings.
Organisers also pointed to ongoing investments in training, culinary arts development and sports academies as part of a broader ambition to build domestic expertise alongside international visibility.
Officials described the CIA plenary and the two championships as milestones in Saudi Arabia’s transformation into a regional hub for global events, underlining the Kingdom’s intention to combine cultural exchange, professional development and world-class competition within a rapidly evolving tourism landscape.
The CIA plenary, which brings together senior representatives from culinary institutions and hospitality sectors worldwide, is expected to draw hundreds of delegates to discuss innovation, standards and the future of global gastronomy.
Saudi organisers said the decision reflects growing international confidence in the Kingdom’s hospitality infrastructure and event-hosting capabilities.
In parallel, authorities confirmed that Saudi Arabia will serve as the venue for two World Championship competitions in the coming cycle.
While final scheduling details are still being formalised, officials indicated that the championships will showcase elite talent and attract global audiences, contributing to the country’s expanding portfolio of cultural and sporting events.
The announcements align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy, which seeks to diversify the economy beyond hydrocarbons by investing heavily in tourism, entertainment, sport and international congresses.
Over recent years, the Kingdom has secured hosting rights for a series of high-profile sporting events and global forums, backed by large-scale infrastructure projects and upgraded transport networks.
Event planners highlighted Riyadh and Jeddah as potential venues equipped with modern convention facilities and hospitality capacity capable of supporting large international gatherings.
Organisers also pointed to ongoing investments in training, culinary arts development and sports academies as part of a broader ambition to build domestic expertise alongside international visibility.
Officials described the CIA plenary and the two championships as milestones in Saudi Arabia’s transformation into a regional hub for global events, underlining the Kingdom’s intention to combine cultural exchange, professional development and world-class competition within a rapidly evolving tourism landscape.
