Michelin to launch in Saudi Arabia

Kingdom's first-ever edition to be revealed in three stages from October 2025

The Michelin Guide is set to debut in Saudi Arabia, marking an important milestone in celebrating the kingdom's “unique and diverse culinary scene”.

A collaboration with the Saudi Culinary Arts Commission, the Michelin Guide will shine a light on the “creativity and excellence of our chefs and restaurants”, the Commission's CEO Mayada Badr said in a statement.

This move marks the next step in Michelin’s Middle East expansion, with Doha launching its guide in 2024 and Abu Dhabi and Dubai now on their fourth editions.

Expected to be unveiled late 2025, the inaugural Saudi edition will focus on the culinary hubs of cities Riyadh and Jeddah and beyond to regions such as Khobar, Unesco-listed AlUla and along the Red Sea, where chefs are showcasing local ingredients to craft innovative dishes that remain rooted in tradition.

Michelin says its inspectors are already active on the ground, evaluating restaurants and chefs that exemplify passion, creativity and a “respect for local culinary traditions”.

The inaugural selection – to be revealed in three stages, on the 15th of each month from October to December 2025 – will be made according to the Michelin Guide’s criteria that includes: quality of ingredients, mastery of cooking techniques, harmony of flavours, personality of cuisine and consistency (over time and through the menu as a whole).

Speaking about the launch, Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the Michelin Guide, said: “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.

“The launch of the Michelin Guide in Saudi Arabia will shine a light on the creativity and excellence of its chefs and restaurants, inviting the world to discover the distinct flavors and experiences the kingdom has to offer.”

Saudi’s culinary scene has been gaining global attention for several years now, thanks to its blend of homegrown talent and international influences, with a number of Michelin-lauded chefs and acclaimed restaurants expanding into the kingdom.

Daniel Bouludhas, one of the world’s most celebrated chefs, has opened Café Boulud at Four Seasons Kingdom Tower in Riyadh, while Michael Mina, whose flagship San Francisco restaurant holds a Michelin star, has opened Taleed by Michael Mina at heritage property Bab Samhan in historic Diriyah on the outskirts of Riyadh.

Taleed offers a sophisticated yet approachable take on Hejazi cuisine, a regional style from western Saudi known for its robust flavours and innovative combinations.

One of just a few women to ever earn three Michelin stars, chef Anne-Sophie Pic plans to bring her Dior Café concept to the kingdom and the late Joël Robuchon’s group will launch seven dining concepts on Sindalah Island, Neom.

For more information, visit guide.michelin.com/saudi-arabia

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