The MICHELIN Guide is heading to Saudi Arabia. For the first time, the prestigious culinary guide will include the Kingdom in its upcoming 2026 edition, with the inaugural selection to be revealed in three stages on their dedicated page from October to December 2025, on the 15th of each month.
Anonymous MICHELIN inspectors are already on the ground, evaluating restaurants in Riyadh and Jeddah as well as emerging dining destinations like AlUla and Khobar. The selection will spotlight chefs and restaurants that combine technical excellence with cultural authenticity, drawing from local traditions while embracing contemporary innovation.
"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 Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guide.
Saudi Arabia’s Culinary Evolution & Revolution
Saudi Arabia is a gastronomic destination to watch.
From centuries-old dishes like kabsa and jareesh to modern takes on regional cuisine, the country offers a rich and varied food culture shaped by its geography, heritage, and evolving global outlook.
The dining scene has also grown more diverse in recent years. In addition to upscale Saudi restaurants preserving traditional recipes, the Kingdom is home to a growing wave of restaurants specialising in international cuisines, from Japanese omakase counters and American smokehouses to modern Greek, Thai, and Chinese eateries. In Riyadh alone, districts like VIA Riyadh, KAFD and Bujairi Terrace now boast a growing number of globally acclaimed restaurants and homegrown concepts.
"Our collaboration with the MICHELIN Guide marks an important milestone in celebrating the unique and diverse culinary scene of Saudi Arabia," said Mayada Badr, CEO of the Culinary Arts Commission. "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."
The expansion into Saudi Arabia comes at a time of unprecedented investment in the country’s tourism, hospitality, and cultural sectors. With initiatives like Vision 2030 encouraging economic diversification and international engagement, the arrival of the MICHELIN Guide adds a new layer of global credibility to the Kingdom’s hospitality ambitions.
Backed by the Culinary Arts Commission, the partnership highlights the country’s goal of nurturing local talent while attracting international attention. According to the MICHELIN Guide, its restaurant selections are based on five universal criteria: quality of ingredients, mastery of cooking techniques, harmony of flavors, the cuisine’s personality, and consistency over time and through the menu as a whole.
In addition to the coveted MICHELIN Stars, the Saudi Arabia guide will include the Bib Gourmand category, awarded to restaurants offering exceptional quality at moderate prices.
What to expect
The MICHELIN Guide Saudi Arabia 2026 will be revealed in three phases, with updates published monthly on the MICHELIN guide website. Food enthusiasts can expect a balanced selection that celebrates everything from street food legends and heritage kitchens to contemporary fine dining.
As the first-ever edition for Saudi Arabia takes shape, it signals a significant moment for the Kingdom’s food scene — a coming-of-age marked by flavour and finesse. In a country where hospitality is a pillar of identity, the MICHELIN Guide's arrival affirms what many locals have long known: Saudi Arabia is ready for the world’s stage.
