The World’s 50 Best Restaurants is bringing its Middle East & North Africa awards back to Abu Dhabi next February for what will be its fifth year celebrating the region’s food scene.
The awards ceremony on 3 February 2026 is happening once again with support from Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism. Since launching, the list has become a useful spotlight for restaurants and chefs across the region, putting Middle Eastern and North African dining on the international map.
This year’s list, revealed in January, featured restaurants from 11 cities, with Dubai’s Orfali Bros taking the top spot for the second year running.
William Drew, who heads up content at 50 Best, says reaching the five-year mark feels significant. “Over the past four years, the awards have spotlighted remarkable restaurants and shone a light on diverse food traditions from across the region, while also recognising emerging talent alongside established names,” he explains. “What excites us most is seeing chefs push boundaries, reinterpret heritage and create dining experiences that live long in the memory.”
Fakhry Al Sarraj from Abu Dhabi’s Events Bureau notes how the city has grown into a serious food destination. “Our city has become a recognised gastronomic destination, home to a vibrant and evolving dining landscape shaped by local talent, hospitality academies and internationally acclaimed concepts,” he says.
The Abu Dhabi programme will include #50BestTalks, a forum for industry discussions, plus Flavours of 50 Best, an evening brunch showcasing dishes from top chefs. There will also be 50 Best Signature Sessions, collaborative dinners featuring local and regional talent. Many of these events will be open to the public with tickets available.
Before the main ceremony, several special awards will be announced, including the Champions of Change Award, the Art of Hospitality Award and the American Express One To Watch Award. More details about the full programme and ticketing will be shared later.
Choosing the Best Restaurants: How the voting works
The list comes together through the Middle East & North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants Academy, made up of 250 food experts from 19 countries across the region. They’re split into six geographical panels (the Gulf, Saudi Arabia, Levant-plus, Israel, North Africa East and North Africa West), each led by an Academy Chair. Members include food writers, critics, chefs, restaurateurs and seasoned food lovers.
Each voter can name up to 10 restaurants, with at least four needing to be outside their home country. Any restaurant in the MENA region is eligible, and to make the final ranking, a place needs votes from at least two different countries. The sponsors have no say in the voting process whatsoever.
