Manama: Vatel Bahrain organised the MENA Food and Beverages culinary training programme in partnership with Chef Fajer Al Mansoori and Exhibition World Bahrain (EWB). The programme focused on culinary arts, food preparation, and professional presentation, emphasizing Middle Eastern and North African cuisines. It reflects the College's focus on applied learning by providing structured training in professional environments that connect academic study with the practical needs of the hospitality sector.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the programme forms part of the academic curriculum and introduces students to traditional dishes from the Middle East and North Africa, including Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Egypt, and Lebanon. Students also learned about beverages associated with these cuisines and professional presentation methods that reflect the cultural identity of each cuisine.
Through the programme, students developed an understanding of regional cuisines and applied culinary techniques from Middle Eastern and North African gastronomy. The training strengthened their skills in food preparation and presentation in line with professional standards within the regional hospitality sector.
The hands-on training was conducted at EWB, marking an important stage in the students' academic and professional development. The venue features a kitchen, the largest in Bahrain, over 3,600 square metres and equipped with facilities capable of serving more than 10,000 guests per day.
EWB is supported by a team of professional chefs who design culinary experiences for visitors. These experiences highlight Bahraini cuisine alongside Mediterranean, Asian, and European dishes, offering menus that reflect cultural diversity and meet the needs of various events hosted at the venue.
Shaikh Khaled bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, General Director of Vatel Bahrain, stated that the collaboration with EWB is part of the College's commitment to delivering a distinguished academic curriculum through interactive learning approaches. He noted that the programme provides students with training opportunities aligned with the hospitality industry's evolving requirements.
Fatema Frutan, Director of Studies at Vatel Bahrain, highlighted that such programmes equip students with skills and techniques that enhance their competencies for the labour market. She noted their role in preparing hospitality leaders with a foundation in regional culinary arts, supporting the development of the tourism and hospitality sectors.
Chef Fajer Al Mansoori mentioned that the programme aimed to showcase the richness of MENA cuisines by enhancing students' practical knowledge and introducing them to authentic culinary techniques specific to each tradition.
Huda Al Shamlan, Director of Marketing, Communications, and Partnerships at EWB, said the venue was pleased to host the training programme as part of its collaboration with Vatel Bahrain. She noted that EWB is committed to supporting education and skills development by providing students with access to facilities and expertise, contributing to the preparation of national talent for careers in hospitality and events.