On its 125th anniversary, the Michelin Guide marks a historic moment by opening its pages to Saudi Arabia. This is a momentous step that not only celebrates a century and a quarter of gastronomic excellence, but also opens the door to one of the most dynamic and fascinating regions on the global culinary scene. The announcement is official: starting in 2026, the Kingdom will have its first Michelin-starred selection. A first for the Arabian Peninsula, it’s sure to leave its mark.
The Guide’s famous anonymous inspectors have been at work for months, methodically and discreetly scrutinizing the Saudi gastronomic scene, focusing on the two main cities, Riyadh and Jeddah, but without neglecting emerging gems like Khobar, AlUla, and other lesser-known corners rich in history, aromas, and flavors.
Gastronomy
Making this achievement even more significant is the context in which it occurs. Saudi Arabia, long engaged in a process of cultural and social openness, has also emerged as a surprising protagonist in the field of gastronomy . The local cuisine, rooted in an ancient tradition, has evolved without losing its soul. From the classic kabsa cooked in the heart of Najd to the delicate honey and cheese sambusak, from restaurants proudly guarding family recipes passed down for generations to modern establishments blending international influences, the country offers a vibrant, complex, and surprising gastronomic landscape.
The Michelin Guide didn’t come about by chance. For some time, inspectors had been closely monitoring the Kingdom’s culinary development, recognizing its potential and sensing its direction. Growing traveler interest, the opening of high-end restaurants, and the growing professionalization of the sector have charted a clear path. Saudi Arabia is now ready to join the Michelin family.
«In recent years, we’ve witnessed an impressive evolution in the Saudi Arabian gastronomic scene,» said Gwendal Poullennec, the Guide’s international director. «Our inspectors were impressed by the variety, quality, and energy that inspires restaurants and chefs across the country. The Kingdom is now a destination well worth exploring.»
This recognition is also shared by local institutions. «This collaboration with the Michelin Guide is a celebration of our culture and the talent of our chefs,» said Mayada Badr, CEO of the Culinary Arts Commission, a government institution tasked with promoting the country’s food culture. «It’s an invitation to the world to discover our flavors and our hospitality, deeply rooted in our identity.»
Cooking as an art
But the arrival of the Guide isn’t just a reward for those already working in the sector. It’s also a stimulus for the future. It’s an invitation to young people to believe in cooking as an art and a profession. It’s a strong and clear message: even in the heart of the desert, today, you can pursue macaron-shaped dreams. The official debut of the Saudi selection will take place in three stages , with a schedule already set: on the 15th of each month, from October to December 2025, the first selected restaurants will be announced. It will be a crescendo of anticipation and revelations, culminating in the full edition scheduled for 2026.
In celebrating its 125th anniversary, the Michelin Guide not only looks back at its glorious past, but also renews its commitment to the future: to chronicle, with rigor and passion, the world’s finest restaurants. Saudi Arabia, with its energy, pride, and desire to amaze, is ready to join this story, and to write an exciting new chapter.
