What ZADK_Saudi does

ZADK Saudi Culinary Arts Academy is a non-profit, independent Saudi culinary education institution founded in 2019 and headquartered in Al Khobar, Eastern Province. It operates as an educational endowment (waqf) inaugurated by HRH Prince Saud bin Naif, with a stated mission to reduce Saudi youth unemployment and address the shortage of qualified culinary professionals in the Kingdom's growing tourism and hospitality sectors. The academy delivered 99 graduates in 2025 and 94 in 2026, and serves four primary customer segments: Saudi youth seeking culinary careers, corporate and hospitality businesses, underprivileged families, and aspiring professional chefs.

The academy offers a portfolio of programs including a 2-year Higher Diploma in Culinary Arts, Associate Diploma, Saudi Swiss Diploma (in partnership with Culinary Arts Academy Switzerland), Intensive Culinary Program, six-month Al Olayan program, Hospitality English Program, Saudi Cuisine Program, and short Lifestyle Courses. Programs are delivered through purpose-built kitchen facilities in Al Khobar, supplemented by a Moodle LMS and Academia Student Information System for digital learning. Revenue streams include tuition, corporate training and consultancy, gift shop sales, and cookbook publications (cookbooks priced 100–250 SAR), with a Student Support Fund providing scholarships funded by book proceeds and donations.

Its business model is sales-led, with direct admissions through the website (academiaerp.com), corporate partnerships, and government collaborations with HRDF, TVTC, and ETEC. The academy has secured multi-year strategic partnerships with Basque Culinary Center (international advisory), Adeera (Public Investment Fund), NEOM's Topian food company, Plaza Premium Group, HRDF Ta'heel, United Catering (DAMAC), and Lamar Holding (new campus funder). The institution holds UN Tourism TedQual accreditation, ETEC institutional accreditation, and ISO 9001 and ISO 22000 certifications, giving it a strong regulatory moat as Saudi Arabia's first culinary arts academy.

Name

ZADK_Saudi

Legal name

ZADK Culinary Academy

Website

https://zadk.com.sa

Company type

Private

Founded year

2019

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

ZADK Saudi Culinary Arts Academy is a non-profit educational endowment founded in 2019 in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia, delivering accredited culinary diplomas, short courses, and corporate training to Saudi youth, hospitality businesses, and underprivileged families, with HRDF, PIF, and NEOM partnerships supporting its Vision 2030 workforce mission.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Culinary Arts Education

NAICS

Technical and Trade Schools (6115), All Other Schools and Instruction (61169)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Professional Culinary Arts (Chef Training) (EDAOAKAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Cooking Classes & Chef-Led Workshops (THAJAGAI), Culinary Arts & Cooking (Baking, Pastry, Global Cuisines) (EDAAAGAG), Culinary Skills Workshops (Baking, Regional Cooking, Food Prep Skills) (THAJAKAE)

Keywords

• Culinary arts education
• Hospitality training programs
• Professional chef diplomas
• Saudi cuisine heritage
• Corporate culinary training

Headquarters

HQ city

Al Khobar

HQ country

Saudi Arabia

HQ region

Middle East

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Diploma and Certificate Programs: Revenue from formal culinary arts diploma programs (Higher Diploma, Associate Diploma, Intensive Culinary Programs) and professional certifications
2. Short Courses and Lifestyle Programs: Shorter duration programs including lifestyle courses, team building workshops, and customized corporate training
3. Gift Shop Sales: On-campus gift shop selling cookbooks, aprons, and culinary tools
4. Cookbook Publications: Sale of culinary books including 'The Saudi Kitchen: Our Heritage Between Past and Present' available at Jarir Bookstore, with proceeds funding the student support fund
5. Corporate Training and Consultancy: Customized training programs for organizations and consultancy services in culinary arts

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

ZADK Culinary Arts Academy is a non-profit educational institution delivering formal culinary arts diploma and certificate programs (Higher Diploma, Associate Diploma, Saudi Swiss Diploma, Intensive Program, Six-Month Program, Hospitality English Program, Saudi Cuisine Program) plus short lifestyle courses. The academy also offers corporate services including consultancy, team building workshops, and customized training for hospitality organizations, alongside a small gift shop for culinary merchandise.

Product overview

ZADK Saudi Culinary Arts Academy is a non-profit culinary education institution offering a comprehensive portfolio of programs including a 2-year Diploma in Culinary Arts, Associate Diploma in Culinary Arts, Saudi Swiss Diploma (in partnership with Culinary Arts Academy Switzerland), Intensive Culinary Program, Six Month Program, Hospitality English Program, Saudi Cuisine Program, and Lifestyle Courses. The academy also provides professional services including consultancy, team building workshops, customized training, and a gift shop. The programs are delivered through Moodle LMS and Academia SIS platforms, supporting Saudi Vision 2030 by training culinary professionals for the hospitality and tourism sectors.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Higher Diploma in Culinary Arts A comprehensive 2-year diploma program training students in all skills for culinary excellence, covering fundamentals of classical cooking, baking, pastry arts, Saudi cuisine, international cuisines, and kitchen management. Targets Saudi students pursuing professional chef careers.
• Associate Diploma in Culinary Arts An associate-level diploma program covering culinary fundamentals, baking and pastry arts, Saudi cuisine, international cuisines, kitchen management, food safety, and nutrition. Targets Saudi students seeking professional culinary qualifications in a shorter format.
• Saudi Swiss Diploma in Culinary Arts A specialized diploma delivered in partnership with the Culinary Arts Academy Switzerland, combining Swiss culinary expertise with Saudi culinary traditions and providing international certification.
• Intensive Culinary Program An intensive culinary training program designed to rapidly develop culinary skills with a modern curriculum and traditional culinary values, suited for accelerated entry into the culinary workforce.
• Al-Olayan (Six Month) Program A six-month intensive culinary training program sponsored by Al-Olayan / Mubarak Al-Olayan Foundation, focusing on bakery and pastry arts and provided through the HRDF goal program for Saudi youth.
• Hospitality English Program (HEP) An English language program designed for hospitality professionals to improve their communication skills for the culinary and hospitality industry.
• Saudi Cuisine Program A specialized program focused on teaching traditional Saudi cuisine, preserving culinary heritage while incorporating modern techniques.
• Lifestyle Courses Short courses for hobbyists and enthusiasts looking to develop cooking skills for personal interest, available to the general public.
• Consultancy Services Professional consulting services provided by ZADK's expert chefs to help hospitality clients achieve their culinary and operational goals.
• Team Building Workshops Corporate team building programs through cooking classes and culinary experiences, including lessons, challenges, dining tours, and unique eating experiences designed to strengthen bonds between colleagues and families.
• Customized Training Tailored training programs designed to meet specific client needs within Saudi Arabia and across Gulf countries, serving various culinary and hospitality sectors.
• ZADK Gift Shop Retail shop offering cooking books, aprons, and cooking tools to enhance customers' kitchen experience, including the 'Saudi Kitchen' cookbook (77 authentic Saudi recipes).
• Student Support Fund A social responsibility initiative providing financial assistance and scholarships to underserved students aspiring to study at ZADK, funded through cookbook sales and community donations.

Quantifiable outcome

• Guaranteed employment for students receiving full scholarships upon graduation with best companies in culinary and hospitality sectors
• +1 more outcomes

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and secondary.

• Plaza Premium GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 July 2026Partnership with the global leader in independent airport lounge sector and world's largest independent airport hospitality operator to deliver an employment-linked training program preparing Saudi talent for careers in food & beverage, hospitality, and tourism sectors. This strategic partnership aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 objectives for empowering Saudi youth.
• Atta Al-Kheir AssociationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 May 2026Cooperation with Atta Al-Kheir charity association to implement intensive two-month training programs with 160 training hours covering baking, pastry arts, food safety, personal development, critical thinking, and entrepreneurship for 8 students.
• Benaa Foundation and Khalid Al Turki CompanycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 February 2026Cooperation agreement to implement training program in bakery and pastry arts with 80 training hours for Foundation beneficiaries. Sponsored by Khalid Al Turki Company & Partner, represented by CEO Rami Al Turki, with Academy Chairwoman Rania Moualla.
• NCMS (National Company for Management and Services)secondaryStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 February 2026Partnership with NCMS, a leading catering and facilities management company, to support students through HRDF program, empowering Saudi youth with practical experience and developing national competencies aligned with Vision 2030.
• Meat & Livestock AustraliasecondaryTechnology or Integration · 1 February 2026Partnership with Aussie Meat Academy providing hands-on workshops for students on meat preparation, primal cuts, proper steak slicing techniques, and professional cooking methods led by Chef Tariq Ibrahim.
• Nadhal FarmssecondaryTechnology or Integration · 6 January 2026Sustainable partnership for supplying fresh, local produce from the Eastern Region. Farms supported ZADK's initiative to convert academy courtyard into a small indoor garden for students to grow local ingredients for kitchens and practical lessons, maintained by Green Club students.
• Topian (NEOM)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 December 2025Strategic cooperation agreement with NEOM Food Company 'Topian' to enhance students' research and practical capabilities, support innovation in developing high-quality food recipes using advanced culinary technologies including 3D food printing, with training using agricultural products, plant proteins, and aquaculture products.
• Adeera (Public Investment Fund)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 December 2025MoU with Adeera, a Public Investment Fund company, to support and empower Saudi talents in culinary arts within hospitality and tourism sectors. Includes cooperation in training programs, talent development, recruitment, employment, research, innovation, and event organization.
• HRDF (Human Resources Development Fund) - Ta'heelcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 December 2025Partnership with HRDF goal program to support and empower job seekers in culinary arts field. Signed at the Development Financing Conference in Riyadh. Students sponsored through HRDF receive guaranteed employment upon graduation.
• Lamar HoldingcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 November 2025Partnership with Lamar Holding as a major supporter of the new campus building. Partnership reflects shared commitment to developing culinary arts education in the Kingdom and empowering the next generation of Saudi talents. Led by Dr. Lina Nur Al-Din, Managing Director and CEO.
• United Catering Company - DAMACcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 August 2025Sponsorship partnership within HRDF goal program, where the company sponsors students in employment-ending diploma program, contributing to empowering Saudi chefs and building a promising future in culinary arts.
• GoodysecondaryStrategic or Co-development Partner · 6 April 2024Cooperation agreement with Goody Culinary Solutions to train students on innovation in the food sector. Includes annual events such as cooking competitions and virtual workshops, enhancing awareness of culinary arts market.
• Basque Culinary Center (Spain)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational advisory board member and inspiration source for ZADK's establishment. Joxe Mari Aizega, General Manager of Basque Culinary Center, has praised the ZADK project. The center provided the model for Saudi Arabia's first culinary academy.
• Culinary Arts Academy SwitzerlandcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Saudi Swiss Diploma in Culinary Arts program delivery, providing international certification and curriculum alignment with Swiss culinary standards.
• Atta Al-Kheir (Affiliated with Fatat Al-Khaleej Association)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMoU to provide specialized cooking courses for productive families, equipping participants with professional culinary skills to improve home-based food businesses through practical training and professional guidance.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Ecole Ducasse: French culinary and pastry arts school with international campuses. Comparable through its emphasis on rigorous professional certification, French culinary heritage, and corporate training services.
• Le Cordon Bleu: Globally recognized culinary education network with multiple international campuses offering professional chef diplomas. Comparable as a global brand authority in culinary education and as a potential competitor in the GCC if it expands into Saudi Arabia.
• Institute of Culinary Education (ICE): New York-based culinary school offering diploma programs in culinary arts, pastry, and hospitality management. Comparable through career-focused curriculum, industry partnerships, and recognized accreditation.
• Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts: US-based culinary and pastry arts school offering diploma and degree programs. Comparable professional culinary training with online and campus options, sustainability focus, and industry-aligned curriculum.
• Culinary Institute of America: Leading US-based culinary college offering associate and bachelor degree programs in culinary arts. Comparable professional chef training model with industry partnerships and accreditation emphasis.

Regional players

• GUSTO Italian Culinary Institute: UAE-based culinary school offering Italian-focused professional training programs. Regional peer in the GCC culinary education market with comparable diploma offerings and employer placement focus.
• International Centre for Culinary Arts (ICCA Dubai): Dubai-based professional culinary school offering City & Guilds certified programs. Regional peer serving the GCC market with similar diploma and short-course offerings targeting hospitality career aspirants.
• SCAFA (School of Culinary and Finishing Arts): Dubai-based culinary school offering professional chef diplomas and short courses. Regional peer serving GCC hospitality employers with comparable diploma-based training and corporate workshop offerings.

Direct peers

• Culinary Arts Academy Switzerland: Swiss culinary school partnered with ZADK to deliver the Saudi Swiss Diploma in Culinary Arts. Direct peer due to joint curriculum delivery, international diploma offering, and shared focus on professional chef certification.
• Basque Culinary Center: Spanish culinary research and training institution that served as inspiration and model for ZADK's establishment. Direct peer with overlapping research-driven curriculum design and international culinary education mission.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/ZADK_Saudi
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCpk543g6nd6gFROpxTn81Uw
• Facebookfacebook.com/ZADKSaudi
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/zadksaudi
• Instagraminstagram.com/ZADK_Saudi

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about ZADK_Saudi