The Michelin Guide Saudi Arabia 2026 marked a significant milestone with its inaugural Restaurant Celebration event, expanding the guide's roster by 51 newly recognized establishments. Among the additions, 11 restaurants earned the prestigious Bib Gourmand designation, recognizing their commitment to delivering high-quality cuisine at accessible price points, while 40 were included as Selected establishments, reflecting the region's growing culinary diversity.
The celebration also introduced three specialized recognition awards designed to highlight excellence across different aspects of the dining experience. Maiz, led by Chef Elia Kaady, received the Young Chef Award, while Il Baretto's Bar Manager Santiago Latorre was honored with the Exceptional Mocktail Award. The Service Award went to Yaza, recognizing Chef-Owner Hakim Bagabas' contributions to hospitality standards.
The event brought together culinary talent from across the globe, with guest chefs from Michelin-starred establishments in France, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Thailand participating in the celebration. This international dimension underscored the Michelin Guide's role in elevating Saudi Arabia's position within the global fine dining landscape.