The MICHELIN Guide Saudi Arabia 2026 officially launched in Riyadh with the recognition of 51 establishments, marking the guide's inaugural edition in the Kingdom. The inaugural celebration unveiled a tiered classification system comprising 11 Bib Gourmand restaurants, known for offering exceptional cuisine at moderate prices, and 40 Selected establishments representing quality dining across various culinary categories.
Three Special Awards were presented to recognize distinct achievements within the Saudi Arabian dining sector. Chef Elia Kaady of Maiz received the Young Chef Award, acknowledging emerging talent in the culinary field. Il Baretto was honored with the Exceptional Mocktail Award, reflecting growing recognition of non-alcoholic beverage innovation, while Yaza in Jeddah secured the Service Award for excellence in hospitality standards.
The MICHELIN Guide distinguished its launch strategy through a phased website rollout emphasizing three pillars of the Saudi dining landscape: hospitality practices, women in the culinary and service industries, and traditional bread craftsmanship. This thematic approach underscores regional culinary heritage while establishing benchmarks for restaurant quality across the Kingdom's hospitality sector.