The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) included the Saudi city of Buraidah in its Creative Cities Network as a creative city in the field of gastronomy, according to the statement announced by the organization Monday on the occasion of World Cities Day. The Chamber of Commerce & Industry in the Al-Qasim Province, in partnership with the Culinary Arts Commission, succeeded in preparing a file for the inclusion of Buraidah city in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. The file preparation was carried out under the continuous supervision and follow-up of the Emirate of Al-Qasim Province, the Heritage Commission and its branch in the Al-Qasim Province, the National Committee for Education, Culture and Science, the Saudi Heritage Preservation Society, and the Permanent Delegation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to UNESCO. Buraidah city is the headquarters of the Emirate of Al-Qasim Province, and it is one of its largest cities. The city is distinguished by its diversity in nature, which made it an attractive tourist site. It is located in the middle of a wide agricultural area, which is considered one of the largest agricultural areas in the Kingdom with 20% of the total agricultural area of the Kingdom. Therefore, it attracts large numbers of tourists to enjoy its historical and cultural attractions. Notably, since 2004, the UNESCO Creative Cities Network aims to highlight the creativity of its members in seven areas: crafts and folk arts, media arts, film, design, gastronomy, literature and music. The Network includes more than 116 cities in 73 countries. All creative cities, despite their geographic, demographic and economic disparities, are committed to develop and share best creative practices in order to promote creative industries, boost participation in cultural life, and integrate culture into sustainable urban development policies. And as part of the implementation of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the New Urban Agenda, the Network provides a platform for cities to highlight the role of culture as an important factor in building sustainable cities. — SG
