Latest news with #MayadaBadr
Barnama
25-06-2025
- Business
- Barnama
MICHELIN Guide Expands To Saudi Arabia, Eyes Riyadh And Jeddah In 2026 Debut
BUSINESS KUALA LUMPUR, June 25 (Bernama) -- The MICHELIN Guide has announced its first-ever entry into Saudi Arabia, with a new restaurant selection set to spotlight the culinary scenes of Riyadh and Jeddah while also extending its reach to emerging gastronomic hubs such as AlUla, Khobar, and other regions of the Kingdom. According to a statement, the guide's anonymous inspectors have been operating in the country for the past year, evaluating restaurants based on MICHELIN's globally recognised criteria. The inaugural Saudi Arabia edition will debut in three phases, with selections to be revealed on the 15th of each month from October to December 2025 via "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 MICHELIN Guide International Director, Gwendal Poullennec. The expansion is seen as a milestone for the Kingdom's growing hospitality and tourism sectors, aligning with broader national efforts to showcase Saudi Arabia's cultural assets to a global audience. The move is being carried out in collaboration with the Saudi Culinary Arts Commission. Saudi Culinary Arts Commission Chief Executive Officer, Mayada Badr said: 'Our collaboration with the MICHELIN Guide marks an important milestone in celebrating the unique and diverse culinary scene of Saudi Arabia. '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.' Saudi Arabia offers a distinctive blend of traditional flavours and modern culinary innovation, with influences spanning regional specialities to international cuisine, including Japanese, Chinese, Greek, and Thai. The MICHELIN Guide's entry is expected to attract both domestic and international food enthusiasts eager to explore this evolving gastronomic landscape. The Saudi Arabia 2026 selection marks the latest step in the MICHELIN Guide's expansion into the Middle East, following earlier launches in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha.
Gulf Insider
24-06-2025
- Gulf Insider
The MICHELIN Guide Officially Expands to Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia's culinary scene has just levelled up. The MICHELIN Guide, arguably the world's most recognised name in restaurant ratings, has officially expanded into the Kingdom with its first-ever Saudi edition covering Riyadh and Jeddah. The guide also begins dipping a toe into other destinations like AlUla and Khobar, promising more to come as Saudi Arabia's gastronomic story unfolds. For those unfamiliar, MICHELIN's reputation rests on its famously anonymous inspectors, who travel the world in search of culinary brilliance. In Saudi Arabia, they've been quietly tasting their way across the Kingdom for some time, and now their findings are set to take centre stage. 'Over the past few years, our MICHELIN inspectors have been keeping a watchful eye on the Kingdom's culinary progression,' says Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guide. 'They continue to relish the wonderful spectrum that this fast-developing country has to offer.' The guide's entry into Saudi Arabia doesn't just celebrate fine food, it nods to the broader evolution of a nation balancing deep-rooted tradition with contemporary flair. From the deserts of Najd to the Red Sea coast, the Kingdom offers a backdrop as rich as its recipes. UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Diriyah sit side by side with futuristic megaprojects, making the culinary offerings just one piece of an increasingly fascinating puzzle. Hospitality is at the heart of Saudi culture. Whether you're being handed a dish of fragrant kabsa in a traditional home or biting into a modern chef's reimagining of a centuries-old recipe, there's a common thread: generosity, pride, and flavour. And let's talk diversity. Beyond local dishes like masabeeb (honey-drenched pancakes) and sambosas with a Saudi twist, the Kingdom's dining scene features Japanese omakase counters, upscale Greek bistros, American comfort food, and more. Riyadh's VIA district alone is a who's who of global restaurant brands. Simply put, Saudi Arabia's restaurant culture is no longer just booming; it's global, and now, MICHELIN-approved. Mayada Badr, CEO of the Saudi Culinary Arts Commission, says this moment has been a long time coming: 'Our collaboration with the MICHELIN Guide marks an important milestone in celebrating the unique and diverse culinary scene of Saudi Arabia. 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.' It's more than just recognition. MICHELIN's arrival will put local chefs on an international platform, encourage culinary innovation, and attract food travellers to experience Saudi's flavours first-hand. Behind the stars and hype is a consistent methodology. MICHELIN inspectors work independently and anonymously, rating restaurants on five core criteria: Quality of the ingredients Mastery of cooking techniques Harmony of flavours Personality of the chef through the cuisine Consistency over time and across the menu The famous stars are awarded as follows: One Star for high-quality cooking, worth a stop for high-quality cooking, worth a stop Two Stars for excellent cooking, worth a detour for excellent cooking, worth a detour Three Stars for exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey There's also the Bib Gourmand category, celebrating places that serve good food at moderate prices—because great doesn't always have to mean pricey. Rather than a single grand unveiling, MICHELIN will roll out its first Saudi restaurant selection across three digital releases. On the 15th of each month from October to December 2025, new names will be revealed on the official platform. So, whether you're a seasoned foodie or just curious where to eat on your next trip to Riyadh or Jeddah, the Kingdom's MICHELIN moment is now, and the guide is just getting started.
The National
24-06-2025
- Business
- The National
After UAE and Qatar, Saudi Arabia to get its own Michelin Guide
The Michelin Guide is coming to Saudi Arabia. The inaugural list of restaurants recommended by the prestigious food guide will focus on the cities of Riyadh and Jeddah, but may include eateries in other regions in the kingdom, such as Khobar and Alula. The Michelin Guide Saudi Arabia stands out, in that the list of award-winning restaurants will be revealed for the first time in three stages: October 15, November 15 and December 15. '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. The guide has also revealed that its independent, anonymous inspectors have thoroughly explored areas in the kingdom to identify the most outstanding dining establishments, taking note of its 'diverse and dynamic food culture'. 'Our collaboration with the Michelin Guide marks an important milestone in celebrating the unique and diverse culinary scene of Saudi Arabia,' says Mayada Badr, chief executive of Saudi 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.' Launched in 1900 by the eponymous French tyremaker, the original Michelin Guide was meant to give practical advice to people driving the first motor vehicles around France. By 1920, it was charging for guidebooks filled with lists of hotels in Paris and restaurants broken down by category. How are Michelin stars awarded to restaurants? Selections are based solely on the quality of the food, using the Michelin Guide 's long-standing approach. Anonymous inspectors will assess restaurants using five criteria. Quality of the ingredients Mastery of cooking techniques Harmony of flavours Personality of the chef reflected through the cuisine Consistency both over time and through the menu as a whole One Michelin star is awarded to restaurants for 'high-quality cooking that is worth a stop'; two Michelin stars stand for 'excellent cooking that is worth a detour'; and three Michelin stars are given out for 'exceptional cuisine that is worth a special journey'. Saudi Arabia is the region's latest inclusion to the Michelin Guide, which arrived in Dubai in June 2022, followed by Abu Dhabi a few months later in November. The inaugural Michelin Guide Doha was published in December 2024.
Syyaha
24-06-2025
- Business
- Syyaha
The MICHELIN Guide Expands Its Culinary Horizons to Saudi Arabia
The MICHELIN Guide announced today its latest expansion into the vibrant culinary landscapes of Saudi Arabia. This new selection will focus on the bustling cities of Riyadh and Jeddah, while also beginning to explore the diverse regions of the Kingdom, including Khobar, AlUla, and many more. The prestigious guide revealed that its independent, anonymous inspectors have been thoroughly exploring these areas to identify the most outstanding dining establishments. This selection will highlight the best of Saudi Arabia's dining scene, showcasing talented chefs and teams who embody passion, creativity, and respect for local culinary traditions. '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,' explained Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guide. Saudi Arabia stands as a unique destination, offering an exquisite blend of ancient history, rich culture, and modern luxury. The Kingdom's diverse landscapes, from the vast deserts to the stunning Red Sea coastline, provide a backdrop for unforgettable experiences. It is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Diriyah, and its deep historical and cultural heritage sets it apart. This distinctive blend makes Saudi Arabia an unmatched destination for food lovers, history enthusiasts, and avid travelers. The warmth and generosity of the Saudi people further enhance the travel experience, making every visitor feel welcome and valued. From the heartwarming traditional Saudi restaurants keen to preserve and showcase recipes that have been handed down through the generations, to the always-packed restaurants, and jaw-dropping malls such as VIA Riyadh that feature renowned global brands. Saudi Arabia's diverse and dynamic food culture, from the aromatic spices of traditional dishes to the contemporary creations of modern chefs, is now set to receive the global recognition it deserves. The MICHELIN Guide's presence will not only highlight the culinary talents within the Kingdom but also attract food enthusiasts and connoisseurs from around the globe, eager to explore the unique and exquisite flavors that Saudi Arabia has to offer. Unforgettable experiences aplenty; be it kabsa in a Najd setting or Mubahar rice with the locals, fabulous mini cheese and honey glazed sambosas galore or a mouthwatering masabeeb, the generosity, pride, and hospitality remain firmly in the memory. Additionally, our inspectors observed an impressive culinary diversity, where American cuisine mingles with Japanese, Chinese, Greek, and Thai. Whether it's exceptional Saudi dishes or global favorites, Saudi Arabia offers something for every international traveler eager to explore the captivating sights while savoring the diverse culinary offerings. Mayada Badr, the CEO of the Saudi Culinary Arts Commission, said: 'Our collaboration with the MICHELIN Guide marks an important milestone in celebrating the unique and diverse culinary scene of Saudi Arabia. It shines a light on the creativity and excellence of our chefs and restaurants, and invites the world to discover the distinct flavors and experiences the Kingdom has to offer.' For decades, the MICHELIN Guide has been the gold standard in recognizing and celebrating exceptional dining experiences. Its arrival in Saudi Arabia is a testament to the country's burgeoning culinary landscape, where tradition meets innovation, and local flavors are elevated to new heights. As the MICHELIN Guide begins its journey in the Kingdom, it invites both locals and visitors to embark on a culinary adventure like no other. The MICHELIN Guide Methodology The MICHELIN Guide was created in 1900 by the Michelin tire company to support the growth of automobile mobility. Since then, it has remained loyal to its original mission: to settle in mature gastronomic destinations, to guide international travelers and local foodies to the best restaurants, to highlight world culinary scenes, and to promote travel culture. The selection will be made according to the MICHELIN Guide's historic methodology, focusing only on the quality of the cuisine proposed by the restaurants, which the anonymous MICHELIN Guide Inspectors evaluate by following five universal criteria:• The quality of the ingredients• The mastery of cooking techniques• The harmony of flavors• The personality of the cuisine • The consistency both over time and through the menu as a whole
Arab News
24-06-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Michelin Guide launches first-ever Saudi edition
DUBAI: The Michelin Guide is set to launch in Saudi Arabia, marking a major milestone in the Kingdom's evolving culinary landscape. For the latest updates, follow us on Instagram @ Organized in partnership with the Culinary Arts Commission, a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Culture, the 'new selection will focus on the bustling cities of Riyadh and Jeddah, while also beginning to explore the diverse regions of the Kingdom, including Khobar, AlUla, and many more,' according to the Michelin Guide. The announcement confirmed that Michelin inspectors are 'are already in the field' and will begin evaluating restaurants. Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the Michelin Guide, said in a statement: "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.' Mayada Badr, the CEO of the Saudi Culinary Arts Commission, said: 'Our collaboration with the Michelin Guide marks an important milestone in celebrating the unique and diverse culinary scene of Saudi Arabia. It shines a light on the creativity and excellence of our chefs and restaurants, and invites the world to discover the distinct flavors and experiences the Kingdom has to offer.' The restaurant selection for the inaugural edition will be unveiled towards the end of the year 2025. The guide currently operates in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Qatar.
