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GAULT&MILLAU SAUDI ARABIA LAUNCHES FIRST EDITION, HONORING ALMOST 250 RESTAURANTS ACROSS THE KINGDOM

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The first edition of the Gault&Millau Saudi Arabia Gala took place on June 2, 2026, at Radisson Manhal – Riyadh, marking a major milestone for the Kingdom’s rapidly evolving culinary and hospitality sectors. In the presence of ambassadors and official representatives, the gala and awards ceremony brought together chefs, restaurants, hospitality professionals, journalists, influencers and partners to highlight culinary excellence and honor the talents shaping the future of Saudi gastronomy.

Held in collaboration with the Saudi Culinary Arts Commission, under the Ministry of Culture, with the support of HSME, the event marks the official launch of Gault&Millau Saudi Arabia and reaffirmed the standing of the prestigious Yellow Guide as a trusted benchmark for culinary quality, creativity and excellence in the Kingdom.

A major highlight of the evening was the unveiling and distribution of the official Gault&Millau Saudi Arabia Guide. Featuring a carefully curated selection of almost 250 restaurants across five of the Kingdom’s major cities — Riyadh, Jeddah, AlUla, Abha and Dammam — the guide sets a new national benchmark for culinary quality and creativity, positioning Saudi Arabia firmly on the global gastronomic stage. Through this national selection, the guide aims to uncover hidden gems, showcase regional diversity and highlight Saudi Arabia’s distinctive flavors, traditions and innovations. The guide also shines a spotlight on the remarkable achievements of women restaurateurs and chefs, whose leadership continues to shape and elevate Saudi Arabia’s dining scene.

Each selected restaurant receives an official Gault&Millau plaque, reflecting its inclusion in the national guide and acknowledging its contribution to the growth and visibility of the Kingdom’s dynamic F&B industry.

The evening also honored exceptional culinary and hospitality talent through five special trophies, three of which were presented to brilliant women in the industry:

  • Chef of the Year: Wed Saleh
  • Pastry Chef of the Year: Hachem Taleb
  • General Manager of the Year: Sara Katanani
  • Emerging Chef of the Year: Elia Kaadi
  • Young Talent of the Year: Nihal Felemban

A special Inspiring Leadership Award was presented to Mayada Badr, CEO of the Culinary Arts Commission, for empowering the industry and for her valuable work and vision

Patrick Hayoun, CEO of Gault&Millau France and International, said: “The launch of Gault&Millau Saudi Arabia represents an important step in our international journey and reflects the remarkable momentum of the Kingdom’s culinary scene. Through this first edition, we are proud to highlight almost 250 restaurants and recognize the chefs, teams and talents shaping a distinctive Saudi gastronomic identity. Gault&Millau’s mission has always been to discover, support and promote culinary excellence, and Saudi Arabia offers an extraordinary landscape of creativity, ambition and authenticity.”

Mayada Badr, CEO of the Saudi Culinary Arts Commission, added: “The launch of the first Gault&Millau Saudi Arabia Gala reflects the growing maturity, creativity and diversity of the Kingdom’s culinary sector. At the Culinary Arts Commission, we are committed to preserving Saudi culinary heritage while empowering chefs, restaurants and hospitality professionals to innovate and reach new levels of excellence. This platform contributes to strengthening the visibility of Saudi gastronomy locally and internationally while supporting the Kingdom’s broader cultural transformation.”

Joumana Dammous Salame, managing director of HSME, commented: “We are proud to support the launch of Gault&Millau Saudi Arabia in collaboration with Gault&Millau and the Saudi Culinary Arts Commission. This first edition is an important moment for the Kingdom’s culinary scene, bringing together restaurants, chefs, journalists, influencers and partners around one shared ambition: to celebrate excellence, encourage innovation and give Saudi gastronomy the recognition it deserves on both the regional and international stage.”

Beyond recognition, the gala provided a platform for connection and collaboration, fostering dialogue, visibility and new opportunities for Saudi culinary talent within the region and beyond.

The Gault&Millau Saudi Arabia platform is built around three primary components:

Printed Guide: The Gault&Millau Saudi Arabia Guide will serve as a key resource for exploring the Kingdom’s culinary scene. The edition includes expert reviews of top restaurants, chef profiles and signature recipes. It also features city- and region-based highlights, along with toque ratings from 1 to 5, covering a wide range of price points and making the guide accessible and inclusive for all readers.

Digital Platform: The Gault&Millau Saudi Arabia website, part of the international platform, will offer an engaging digital experience with updated restaurant reviews, practical details and direct links, providing greater visibility for local establishments.

Annual Gala: The Gault&Millau Saudi Arabia Gala is designed as an annual cornerstone gathering, offering networking opportunities for chefs, journalists, influencers and partners while showcasing Saudi culinary excellence to both national and international guests. Honoring the country’s top culinary talents, the event will feature an awards ceremony with Gault&Millau plaques and trophies.Through this collaboration, Gault&Millau and the Saudi Culinary Arts Commission aim to elevate local culinary talent, create new industry standards and promote international connections that will help shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s culinary landscape. Further editions are planned, with new cities set to join the prestigious listing

Editor’ note:  Attached list of

  • restaurants with 3 toques – REMARQABLE RESTAURANTS
  • restaurants with 2 toques- CHEF’S RESTAURANTS
  • restaurants with 1 toque- GOURMET RESTAURANTS
  • Selected restaurants

ABOUT GAULT&MILLAU

Founded in 1969 by journalists Henri Gault and Christian Millau, the Yellow Guide has dedicated over 50 years to identifying and listing the finest restaurants, artisans and specialty shops across various regions. Today, Gault&Millau continues its mission to support chefs and emerging talents worldwide by discovering and promoting local gastronomy on a global scale.

As a recognized authority in gastronomy and hospitality across 20 countries, Gault&Millau has become a benchmark for culinary excellence, building a prestigious network of over 14,000 restaurants and attracting millions of followers. With the expertise of more than 400 professional inspectors, Gault&Millau aims to discover, celebrate and elevate both established and emerging culinary talents. The brand’s mission is to showcase local culinary traditions globally, offering a trusted standard of quality and fostering growth within the industry.

ABOUT THE SAUDI CULINARY ARTS COMMISSION

Founded in 2020, the Saudi Culinary Arts Commission is leading the further development of the Kingdom’s culinary arts sector. By driving investment and building robust regulatory frameworks, the Commission is supporting the next generation of Saudi chefs and hospitality professionals as they aspire to reach their full potential.

Together with the Ministry of Culture, the Commission is working to unlock a thriving cultural sector to preserve and elevate the culinary traditions that make the Kingdom unique.

To learn more about the Saudi Culinary Arts Commission, please visit https://culinary.moc.gov.sa/en and the Commission’s pages on Instagram @mocculinary and X @MOCCulinary.

ABOUT HOSPITALITY SERVICES MIDDLE EAST (HSME)

Founded over 30 years ago, Hospitality Services specializes in organizing hospitality and foodservice exhibitions and events across the region, including HORECA Lebanon, HORECA Jordan, HORECA Kuwait, HORECA Riyadh, HORECA Oman, Salon du Chocolat et de la Pâtisserie Dubai, Salon du Chocolat et de la Pâtisserie Riyadh and Whisky Live Beirut. The firm’s events extend to publications and platforms that serve the hospitality, foodservice and tourism industries, namely Hospitality News Middle East, Lebanon Traveler and Taste & Flavors.

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Hospitality

NALU MATCH DAYS BRINGS SUMMER FOOTBALL ENERGY TO HUDAYRIYAT ISLAND

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June 3, 2026

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This summer, Nalu is set to bring a new kind of match-day energy to Hudayriyat Island with the launch of Nalu Match Days, its first dedicated football screening experience in partnership with Heineken.

Running from 11 June to 19 July 2026, the activation will transform Nalu into a lively indoor destination for FIFA World Cup 2026, creating a social setting to come together over live screenings, sharing-style food and a buzzing tournament atmosphere.

Designed as a summer gathering space for Abu Dhabi’s football community, fans, friends, groups, and sports enthusiasts, Nalu Match Days combine live sport with the venue’s relaxed dining style. Guests can settle in for afternoon fixtures, evening games, and late-night screenings, with the restaurant open daily from 12:00pm to 3:00am throughout the tournament.

The venue will feature two distinct settings: a social, and energetic  ground-floor dining space for fiends, couples, families, and medium-sized groups, and an elevated lounge offering a more intimate VIP experience with larger screens and a more immersive viewing atmosphere, creating a destination for both dedicated football followers and those drawn to the electric atmosphere.

Complementing the experience, the Nalu FIFA Sharing Platter brings together a selection of match-day favourites, including two tacos with a choice of barbacoa or pastor, classic fries, guacamole dip, six chicken wings, and olives, priced at AED 169.

The Heineken partnership will bring a distinct football-night atmosphere to Nalu Match Days, enhancing the overall experience with curated touches across the venue. Guests can also enjoy beverage packages including 8 litters Heineken tower AED 400, Heineken or Corona bucket of eight bottles for AED 200, a shots selection at AED 240 for six shots, and exclusive pricing with pints at AED 30, half pints at AED 18, and bottles at AED 28.

With live match screenings, sharing plates, drinks packages and a lively indoor atmosphere, Nalu Match Days is set to become one of Hudayriyat Island’s go-to social destinations for FIFA World Cup 2026. Nalu Match Days will run from 11 June to 19 July 2026, Monday to Sunday, from 12:00pm to 3:00am at Nalu Restaurant, Hudayriyat Island, Abu Dhabi.

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Hospitality

THE ALLEY AT EDGE RIYADH AL RABIE OFFICIALLY OPENS ON JUNE 1 – BRINGING RIYADH’S ULTIMATE MATCH NIGHT & FIFA WORLD CUP EXPERIENCE TO LIF

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June 3, 2026

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Edge Riyadh Al Rabie proudly announces the official opening of The Alley on June 1, introducing a bold new social and entertainment destination designed to redefine hospitality experiences in North Riyadh.

Blending elevated casual dining, immersive entertainment, live sports culture, and social-driven experiences, The Alley is positioned to become one of Riyadh’s premier lifestyle destinations, with a major focus on delivering one of the city’s most exciting FIFA World Cup viewing experiences.

As football culture continues to unite communities across the Kingdom, The Alley will serve as a dedicated destination for fans to experience the energy and excitement of the FIFA World Cup in a dynamic and vibrant atmosphere. Featuring large-screen live match broadcasts, high-energy social seating, curated food and beverage experiences, and themed match-night activations, the venue is designed to transform every game into a complete hospitality event.

“The Alley was created around moments that bring people together, and there is nothing more powerful than the atmosphere surrounding the FIFA World Cup,” said management at Edge Riyadh Al Rabie. “We wanted to build a destination where guests can experience every match with energy, excitement, and a true sense of community.”

Located within Edge Riyadh Al Rabie, The Alley reflects the growing demand for experience-led hospitality concepts that combine entertainment, dining, and social engagement in one destination. Designed for both hotel guests and the wider Riyadh community, the venue offers a modern social environment tailored for repeat visits and everyday experiences.

Among its standout offerings is The Alley Game Night, a recurring social activation combining interactive games, curated bites, drinks, and entertainment experiences in a lively setting designed to encourage connection and group engagement.

Sports entertainment remains central to the venue’s identity, with The Alley’s Match Night Experiences expected to become a major attraction during football tournaments and international sporting events. The FIFA World Cup screenings will feature immersive viewing experiences paired with special menus, promotional packages, and an atmosphere specifically curated for football fans and group gatherings.

In addition to major sporting events, The Alley is strategically positioned as an after-work and evening destination for North Riyadh’s expanding residential and corporate communities. Daily activations, happy hour experiences, and flexible lounge-style seating create an accessible yet elevated environment suitable for casual meetups, celebrations, and informal business gatherings.

The opening of The Alley further strengthens Edge Riyadh Al Rabie’s diversified hospitality ecosystem, supporting the property’s broader vision of integrating accommodation, dining, entertainment, wellness, and social experiences into one connected destination.

As Riyadh continues its transformation into one of the region’s leading lifestyle capitals, The Alley represents the city’s growing appetite for hospitality concepts centered around atmosphere, entertainment, and community.

With its official opening on June 1 and its upcoming FIFA World Cup match experiences, The Alley is set to become one of North Riyadh’s most exciting new social destinations — delivering unforgettable nights, vibrant energy, and experiences guests will continue returning for.

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Hospitality

YOUR OFFICE JUST GOT AN UPGRADE: VOCO BONNINGTON DUBAI LAUNCHES ITS WORKATION EXPERIENCE

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June 3, 2026

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As Dubai’s professionals redefine what a productive workday looks like, voco Bonnington Dubai is introducing its Workation offer, a 24-hour stay package for those who believe where you work is just as important as how you work

There is something to be said for a change of scenery. Positioned in the heart of Jumeirah Lake Towers and moments from the DMCC Metro, voco Bonnington brings together the comfort of a luxury stay with the infrastructure of a fully equipped workplace. The result is a seamless experience where productivity and indulgence don’t just coexist, they quietly elevate each other.

The Workation package starts from AED 275 and includes a 24-hour stay with a complimentary upgrade to a deluxe room, access to the pool and gym, two hours of meeting room access for up to five guests, complimentary coffee or tea in the meeting room or Author’s Lounge, and a 20% discount across all food and beverage outlets. Terms and conditions apply.

For anyone who has ever wondered what their workday could look like with a little more breathing room, the answer might be closer than expected. Built around the idea that productivity thrives when the environment does too, the Workation moves away from the tired “work from the beach” fantasy and toward something far more useful: a city-based experience shaped around real schedules and real results.

In a city that rarely slows down, this is something quietly radical. An intentional pause that doesn’t require leaving Dubai or clearing your calendar. Just a better version of the workday, right in the middle of it.

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