Manama, Feb. 3 (BNA): 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, with an emphasis on the Middle East and North African cuisines. It reflects the College’s continued focus on applied learning by providing structured, high-quality training in professional environments that connect academic study with the practical needs of the hospitality sector.
The programme forms part of the academic curriculum. It introduces students to well-known traditional dishes from across the Middle East and North Africa, including those from Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Egypt, and Lebanon. Students were also introduced to beverages associated with these culinary traditions, as well as professional food and beverage presentation methods that reflect the cultural identity of each cuisine.
Through the programme, students developed a comprehensive understanding of regional cuisines and applied advanced culinary techniques drawn from Middle Eastern and North African gastronomy. The training strengthened their skills in food preparation and presentation in line with recognised 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 state-of-the-art kitchen, the largest in the Kingdom of Bahrain, over 3,600 square metres and equipped with advanced facilities capable of serving more than 10,000 guests per day.
EWB is supported by a specialised team of professional chefs who design integrated culinary experiences for visitors. These experiences highlight Bahraini cuisine alongside Mediterranean, Asian, and European dishes, while also offering customised menus that reflect cultural diversity and meet the needs of the wide range of events hosted at the venue.
Shaikh Khaled bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, General Director of Vatel Bahrain, said the collaboration with EWB forms part of the College’s commitment to delivering a distinguished academic curriculum through interactive learning approaches. He noted that the programme provides students with advanced training opportunities aligned with the evolving requirements of the hospitality industry, allowing them to gain practical experience in a leading professional environment and master traditional culinary techniques.
Fatema Frutan, Director of Studies at Vatel Bahrain, highlighted that such programmes equip students with essential skills and techniques that enhance their competencies and strengthen their readiness for the labour market. She noted their role in preparing a new generation of hospitality leaders with a strong foundation in regional culinary arts, supporting the development of the tourism, hospitality, and hotel sectors across the region.
Chef Fajer Al Mansoori said the programme aimed to showcase the richness and diversity of MENA cuisines by enhancing students’ practical knowledge and introducing them to authentic culinary techniques specific to each tradition, alongside the principles of professional presentation, which form a core component of the hospitality experience.
Huda Al Shamlan, Director of Marketing, Communications, and Partnerships at EWB, said the venue was pleased to host the hands-on training programme as part of its collaboration with Vatel Bahrain. She noted that, as a leading destination for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions, EWB is committed to supporting education and skills development by providing students with access to advanced facilities and professional expertise, contributing to the preparation of national talent for careers in hospitality and events.
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