FAQs

AFSA provides current and practical education sessions at monthly branch meetings and the annual national conference, a cross-region network of professionals, exposure to the best and brightest students who form a potential employment pool, leadership opportunities that build skill-sets benefiting your workplace and yourself, and life-long friendships.

Marketability – demonstrate the applied knowledge and skills you have gained during your career. Distinction – make your resume and background stand out. Achievement – obtain an important professional development milestone. Relevance – stay current on evolving science and food industry trends. Recognition – impress colleagues and peers with a recognized certification. Community – join an exclusive network of like-minded professionals. Validation – prove consistent on-the-job excellence and productivity. Commitment – contribute to your organization and to food science. Gratification – gain new confidence and credibility as you grow. Access – tap into the regional and global market to expand your career options.

AFSA is a volunteer society of the Arab countries. You belong because you want to, not as a requirement to maintain professional practice. Members represent all facets of the food service and hospitality industry — owner/operators and managers in the restaurant and hotel sector, healthcare, educational institutions and business dining, educators, chefs, consultants, entrepreneurs, and suppliers to the industry.

Membership is open to all individuals, from students to experts, academic and research institutes, and companies connected with the food profession. As soon as you become a member you start receiving membership benefits by connecting with a network of members. Choose the path that matches your organization or career stage — corporate, institute, professional, or student.

Yes. Your membership is portable if you relocate to another city or country where there is a branch. If there is no branch where you have moved, you can continue your membership in your existing branch or consider initiating steps to start a new branch in consultation with the governance body.

Members gain practical education sessions at monthly branch meetings and the annual national conference, a cross-region network of professionals, exposure to future industry talent, leadership opportunities that build skill-sets, and life-long friendships. AFSA membership is a passport to knowledge, contacts and professional development throughout all stages of your career.

AFSA offers transparent SAR pricing. Corporate plans run from SAR 20,000 for 3 years to SAR 60,000 for 10 years; institute plans from SAR 10,000 to SAR 30,000; professional membership from SAR 1,000 (Silver) to SAR 10,000 (Diamond, lifetime); and student membership is free of cost. See the Membership Plans page for full benefits.

An AFSA account is a personalized username and password of your choice for use on the AFSA website. It allows access to member-only online services, including the discussion center, knowledge center, and membership directory.

If your business is active in the agro-food, feed or Arab food industry, actively involved in innovation and seeking specific expertise, or if your organization has specific knowledge to share with innovation-minded businesses, AFSA is for you. Your business becomes part of AFSA's extensive regional network, giving you access to potential knowledge and business partners in the Arab countries and abroad.

Your business becomes part of AFSA's extensive regional network, giving access to potential knowledge and business partners in the Arab countries and abroad. AFSA's active communications through a broad range of channels generate regional media coverage of your innovations, and you get the opportunity to take part in a variety of AFSA activities at a reduced rate.