AAU Wins Second Place Globally at the Young Chefs Olympiad in India and Signs International Collaboration Agreement

Al-Ahliyya Amman University’s Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism achieved a new international milestone by securing second place globally at the Young Chefs Olympiad held in India. The university was represented by student Adam Odehallah Al-Hadidi, who competed on behalf of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in one of the world’s most prestigious culinary competitions. Al-Hadidi participated in the Final Plate Trophy category, which featured contestants from over 60 countries, creating an intensely competitive environment where reaching the final rounds was itself a significant achievement. He advanced to the finals after delivering an exceptional performance that showcased advanced culinary techniques, time management, artistic presentation, and strict adherence to international standards, ultimately earning second place and proudly elevating Jordan’s presence on the global culinary stage. This success reflects comprehensive academic preparation and intensive training under the guidance of Chef Bilal Wardah, who played a pivotal role in honing Al-Hadidi’s skills to meet the highest professional standards. In recognition of his outstanding mentorship, Chef Wardah was awarded Best Trainer at the Olympiad, highlighting the quality of practical training provided by the university’s Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism. Jordanian participation also emphasized national culinary identity, presenting traditional Jordanian dishes with a contemporary twist that showcased local ingredients, heritage, and quality, promoting Jordanian cuisine as an integral part of the country’s cultural identity on the global culinary map. During the Olympiad, the university also signed an academic cooperation agreement with the International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM) to enhance collaboration in student and expertise exchange, joint training programs, and the development of hospitality and tourism education according to international best practices. This step underlines Al-Ahliyya Amman University’s commitment to expanding its global partnerships and connecting educational outcomes with direct international experience, opening wider opportunities for its students in regional and global markets.