
The Michelin Guide is Coming to Saudi Arabia
The Michelin Guide is heading to the Arabian Peninsula with its first-ever edition covering Saudi Arabia, zeroing in on restaurants across Riyadh and Jeddah. Announced in partnership with the Culinary Arts Commission, the launch will introduce the international star rating system to the Kingdom's fast-growing food scene.
Selections will be revealed in three stages, starting October 15th and continuing monthly through December 2025. Michelin's anonymous inspectors are currently evaluating restaurants across key cities, with the usual star system and Bib Gourmand honours in play.
This marks a significant expansion for the guide, which only began covering destinations outside Europe in 2006. It currently operates regional editions in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Qatar. What began in 1900 as a driving companion created by a tire company has become one of the most influential standards of global dining prestige.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


CairoScene
an hour ago
- CairoScene
Saudi Arabia Caps Foreign Ownership in Listed Companies at 49%
The Capital Market Authority's new rule restricts foreign ownership in any Saudi-listed company to 49%, with immediate effect for all current and future investors. Aug 18, 2025 Saudi Arabia's Capital Market Authority (CMA) has announced a new regulation that prohibits foreign investors from owning more than 49% of shares in any company listed on the Saudi stock exchange. The decision, which takes immediate effect, applies to all foreign investors, including both individuals and institutions, and covers all companies currently listed or to be listed in the future. The CMA's move is part of ongoing efforts to regulate foreign participation in the Saudi capital market and ensure compliance with national policies. The new rule sets a clear ceiling for foreign ownership, regardless of the investor's country of origin or the sector in which the company operates. According to the CMA, the 49% cap applies to the total shares of any single entity, and not just to a specific class of shares. The regulation is binding for all foreign investors, whether they hold shares directly or through investment funds, derivatives, or other financial instruments. The authority has also clarified that any existing foreign ownership above the new threshold must be brought into compliance, though the mechanism for this adjustment has not been detailed in the announcement. The CMA stated that the new rule is designed to align with broader economic and regulatory objectives, and to provide clarity for both local and international market participants. The authority will continue to monitor compliance and may take further action if necessary. The regulation does not affect the rights of Saudi nationals or entities to own shares in listed companies, nor does it impact existing rules for strategic investors or government-related entities. The CMA has called on all market participants to review their current holdings and ensure adherence to the new ownership limits.


Daily News Egypt
2 hours ago
- Daily News Egypt
MSMEDA teams up with Franchise International to drive Arab franchising growth
The Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (MSMEDA) has partnered with Franchise International—one of Saudi Arabia's leading national franchising institutions—to support and empower Egyptian and Saudi brands, accelerate franchise operations, and prepare local businesses for expansion into regional and international markets. The move comes in line with directives from Egypt's political leadership to strengthen the SME sector, enhance its access to foreign markets, and boost its contribution to the national economy. Basil Rahmy, CEO of MSMEDA, said the cooperation is part of preparations for the Egyptian-Saudi International Franchise Exhibition, scheduled for early 2026. Billed as the largest event of its kind in the Arab world, the exhibition is expected to feature over 300 brands from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and global markets, with strong participation from government bodies and investment authorities from both countries. Rahmy explained that the initiative aims to launch practical programmes to accelerate franchise operations in Egypt and upgrade local brands to international competitiveness standards. The event will also host the latest edition of the Arab Franchise Award, recognising innovation and excellence across the region's franchising sector. He emphasised the importance of partnering with Franchise International, noting that the initiative aligns with the directives of Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly—who chairs MSMEDA's board of directors—to support Egyptian brands, particularly those driven by entrepreneurs, and help them sustain growth and expand internationally. Rahmy added that the exhibition would provide extensive support to the development of franchising in Egypt and Saudi Arabia, creating opportunities for entrepreneurs and boosting entrepreneurship. Abeer Abdullah Julaikh, Chairperson of Franchise International and organiser of the exhibition, welcomed the cooperation with MSMEDA, describing the agency as one of the most influential Arab institutions dedicated to SME development. She said the partnership marks 'a new and qualitative phase' in advancing the Arab franchising sector and strengthening the presence of Saudi and Egyptian brands in both markets, leveraging her institution's long-standing expertise in organising international specialised forums. Both parties underlined that the exhibition will serve as a strategic platform to enhance Arab cooperation in franchising, build strong economic bridges between Arab entrepreneurs, and create investment opportunities in regional and global markets, contributing to sustainable development. Raafat Abbas, General Supervisor of Development Sectors at MSMEDA, highlighted that expanding Egypt's franchise sector is one of the agency's current strategic priorities. This includes improving the business environment, developing the regulatory and legislative framework, and supporting both franchisors and franchisees. He stressed the importance of promoting the export of Egyptian brands by raising the quality and competitiveness of their products and services, capitalising on the growing strength of national brands capable of expansion at home and abroad. Abbas revealed that MSMEDA has already begun implementing a cooperation plan with around 70 brands across various food and service sectors as part of this strategy.


CairoScene
16 hours ago
- CairoScene
Saudi Arabia Approves Digital ID for Foreign Property Ownership
Saudi Arabia's new policy allows non-resident foreigners to use digital ID for property purchases, expanding access to real estate ownership in the Kingdom. Saudi Arabia has approved the use of digital identification for non-resident foreigners seeking to own property in the Kingdom. The decision, announced by the Saudi Cabinet, enables individuals who do not hold Saudi residency to use their digital ID as official documentation when purchasing real estate. Previously, property ownership in Saudi Arabia was largely restricted to citizens and residents with specific permits. The latest move opens the door for a wider range of international buyers, including investors and individuals who do not reside in the country. The digital ID system is designed to verify the identity of non-resident foreigners through secure online platforms, reducing paperwork and simplifying compliance with local regulations. The approval comes amid broader reforms in Saudi Arabia's real estate sector, which has seen a series of regulatory updates intended to boost transparency and encourage foreign participation. The government has stated that the use of digital ID will be subject to established verification protocols to ensure the integrity of property transactions. Details on the implementation process and eligibility criteria for digital ID use are expected to be released by the relevant authorities in the coming weeks.