Date confirmed for 2026 Michelin Abu Dhabi awards

Abu Dhabi’s best restaurants in 2026 will be celebrated in the city’s dedicated Michelin Guide, launching on 23 October 2025.

 

The world-renowned gourmet guide, now in its fourth edition in the UAE capital, will be revealed during an invite-only awards ceremony at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental in Abu Dhabi. 

 

The awards, in partnership with Experience Abu Dhabi, the destination brand of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, will announce and celebrate the finest culinary talent in the region, honouring restaurants and chefs worthy of the guide’s star rating in 2026.

 

The big reveal will be followed by a cocktail reception, which will include a specially curated menu of innovative canapés by five chefs, who guests will be able to see in action and interact with. 

 

Four of the chefs attending feature in the 2025 Michelin Guide Abu Dhabi selection, including One-Michelin-starred Hakkasan​, as well as Michelin-selected venues: Mate, Butcher & Still​ and Café Milano​. 

 

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Three restaurants were added to the 2025 Michelin Guide Abu Dhabi, while all four restaurants held on to their Michelin stars, including Erth, 99 Sushi Bar, Hakkasan and Talea by Antonio Guida.

 

Three new venues were added to Selected restaurants and two were awarded a Bib Gourmand. 

 

Restaurants are recognised by Michelin inspectors for their quality of ingredients, mastery of technique, harmony of flavours, expression of the chef’s personality and consistency.

 

Sister city Dubai is also home to a Michelin Guide, with the recently unveiled 2026 edition awarding three stars for the first time to two restaurants, while the Michelin Guide Doha 2025 launched in December 2024.

 

The Michelin Guide is set to debut in Saudi Arabia later this year, with its inaugural edition spotlighting the culinary hubs of Riyadh, Jeddah, Khobar, Unesco-listed AlUla and destinations along the Red Sea.

 

Cementing its growing culinary reputation, Abu Dhabi secured three spots in the fourth edition of the Middle East & North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants awards.

 

For more information, visit guide.michelin.com/en/ae