MICHELIN Guide Expands To Saudi Arabia, Eyes Riyadh And Jeddah In 2026 Debut
BUSINESS
KUALA LUMPUR, June 25 (Bernama) -- The MICHELIN Guide has announced its first-ever entry into Saudi Arabia, with a new restaurant selection set to spotlight the culinary scenes of Riyadh and Jeddah while also extending its reach to emerging gastronomic hubs such as AlUla, Khobar, and other regions of the Kingdom.
According to a statement, the guide's anonymous inspectors have been operating in the country for the past year, evaluating restaurants based on MICHELIN's globally recognised criteria.
The inaugural Saudi Arabia edition will debut in three phases, with selections to be revealed on the 15th of each month from October to December 2025 via guide.michelin.com.
"These past few years, our MICHELIN inspectors have been keeping a watchful eye on the Kingdom's culinary progression and continue to relish the wonderful spectrum that this fast-developing country has to offer,' said MICHELIN Guide International Director, Gwendal Poullennec.
The expansion is seen as a milestone for the Kingdom's growing hospitality and tourism sectors, aligning with broader national efforts to showcase Saudi Arabia's cultural assets to a global audience. The move is being carried out in collaboration with the Saudi Culinary Arts Commission.
Saudi Culinary Arts Commission Chief Executive Officer, Mayada Badr said: 'Our collaboration with the MICHELIN Guide marks an important milestone in celebrating the unique and diverse culinary scene of Saudi Arabia.
'It shines a light on the creativity and excellence of our chefs and restaurants and invites the world to discover the distinct flavours and experiences the Kingdom has to offer.'
Saudi Arabia offers a distinctive blend of traditional flavours and modern culinary innovation, with influences spanning regional specialities to international cuisine, including Japanese, Chinese, Greek, and Thai.
The MICHELIN Guide's entry is expected to attract both domestic and international food enthusiasts eager to explore this evolving gastronomic landscape. The Saudi Arabia 2026 selection marks the latest step in the MICHELIN Guide's expansion into the Middle East, following earlier launches in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha.
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