Following the success of previous editions, the MENA event programme is heading back to the UAE’s capital to reveal a new ranking in 2025
Put the date in your calendar: the fourth edition of Middle East & North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants, will be announced on Tuesday 28 January 2025.
Chefs, restaurateurs and food lovers will head to Abu Dhabi to recognise the greatest dining destinations across the region, in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi). The largest emirate is an emerging global gastronomic hotspot, home to a vibrant culinary scene, world-class hospitality academies and diverse dining concepts.
After a hiatus from the live awards ceremony in 2024, the 2025 in-person events programme will provide an opportunity for the food world to gather, exchange knowledge and explore different cuisines, culminating in the awards ceremony on Tuesday 28 January 2025. Find out more about how the voting works and who makes up the Academy.
The goal of 50 Best is to inspire global travellers and food enthusiasts to embark on new culinary journeys and explore the vibrant dining scene of the Middle East and North Africa. It remains a hugely challenging period for many in the region, but it’s important to support the hospitality sector in such times.
Further announcements about 50 Best Signature Sessions and Flavours of 50 Best will follow soon
The third list of Middle East & North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants, announced in February 2024, highlighted the diversity and richness of the region’s gastronomy, featuring restaurants from 14 cities, with Dubai’s Orfali Bros Bistro being named The Best Restaurant in the Middle East & North Africa 2024, taking the No.1 spot for the second consecutive year.
Highlights from the programme in Abu Dhabi in 2025 will include: the thought-leadership forum, #50BestTalks; Flavours of 50 Best, an evening event featuring dishes from some of the world's leading chefs; plus an extensive series of 50 Best Signature Sessions – collaborative dining events uniting chefs from across the globe with the best regional talent. Food-loving consumers will be able to book seats at the Signature Sessions, with more information coming soon.
Watch out for three special awards announcements which will precede the live ceremony, including the Middle East & North Africa’s Best Female Chef Award, the Art of Hospitality Award and the American Express One To Watch Award.
The upcoming edition of Middle East & North Africa's 50 Best Restaurants, will be announced on Tuesday 28 January 2025. To keep up with the latest announcements, follow us on Instagram, find us on Facebook, visit us on X and subscribe to our YouTube channel.
