3 Abu Dhabi restaurants retain Michelin stars in 2026 guide

The event was held at the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental. (Supplied)
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Updated 24 October 2025
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3 Abu Dhabi restaurants retain Michelin stars in 2026 guide

ABU DHABI: The launch event for the Michelin Guide Abu Dhabi 2026 was held on Thursday at the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, with three of the city’s restaurants retaining their coveted star status.

Now in its fourth edition, the annual guide provides a directory of the best places to eat in Abu Dhabi, including the cream of the crop, the one Michelin star-rated Erth, Hakkasan and Talea by Antonio Guida.

Michelin stars are awarded on the basis of several criteria, including the quality of ingredients, harmony of flavors, consistency over time and across the menu, and the expression of a chef’s personality through their dishes.

This year’s guide also includes 10 restaurants recognized in the Bib Gourmand category, which recognizes those places that offer high-quality food at more moderate prices.

Joining the list for first time in 2026 were Bua Thai Cafe, Goldfish and 3Fils Abu Dhabi, with the latter also picking up the Opening of the Year Award, which was presented to its chef Jun Kamiyama.

Almayass, Al Mrzab, Beirut Sur Mer, Mika, Otoro, Ryba and Tazal all retained their Bib Gourmand status from last year.

It was a special night for Vittorio Nania from Villa Toscana, who won the Young Chef Award.

“When you have passion, there is no recipe,” he said as he collected his prize. “Just believe in what you believe and push harder every day. That’s it.”

The year’s Michelin Service Award, which is presented to an individual or team that shows exceptional hospitality or service, went to chef Ricardo Bout from Ray’s Grill, a steakhouse at Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers known for its panoramic views and signature chargrilled steaks.

The Michelin guide also includes “Selected” restaurants, which are recommended for their quality. Joining the list for the 2026 edition were Antonia, Cipriani Dolci, Novikov Abu Dhabi, Pinched by Kunal Kapur, Sand & Koal, Strawfire by Ross Shonhan, Taparelle and Villa Mamas.

Those that remained on the list from last year were Broadway, Em Sherif Sea Cafe, Namak, Meylas, Li Jiang, Li Beirut, Finz, Dai Pai Dong, Coya, Byblos Sur Mer, Martabaan by Hemant Oberoi, Cafe Milano, Villa Toscana, Zuma, Catch at St. Regis, Bord’ Eau by Nicolas Isnard, Mijana, terra, Al Farah, Ray’s Grill, Kopitiam by Chandy’s, Jose by Pizzaro, Mate, NIRI, Paradiso, Punjab Grill, Oii, Grand Beirut, La Petite Maison, Butcher & Still, 99 Sushi Bar, Moksh, Fouquet’s, Oak Room and Tean.


Golden Globes honor Hend Sabry, Alia Bhatt at Red Sea International Film Festival

Updated 11 December 2025
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Golden Globes honor Hend Sabry, Alia Bhatt at Red Sea International Film Festival

  • Sabry given Omar Sharif Award, Bhatt the Horizon Award
  • Praise for the 2 women’s pioneering roles in world cinema

DUBAI: The Golden Globes on Wednesday recognized Tunisian-Egyptian actress Hend Sabry and Indian actress Alia Bhatt at a gala dinner held during the fifth Red Sea International Film Festival in Saudi Arabia.

Sabry, famous for her roles in “Asmaa,” “The Yacoubian Building” and “Blue Elephant 2,” received the Omar Sharif Award.

Sabry, famous for her roles in “Asmaa,” “The Yacoubian Building” and “Blue Elephant 2,” received the Omar Sharif Award. (Getty Images)

Bhatt, known for her performances in “Raazi,” “Gangubai Kathiawadi” and “Dear Zindagi,” was honored with the Golden Globes Horizon Award.

Bhatt, known for her performances in “Raazi,” “Gangubai Kathiawadi” and “Dear Zindagi,” was honored with the Golden Globes Horizon Award. (Getty Images)

The event featured a star-studded guest list, including US filmmakers Sean Baker and Darren Aronofsky, US actresses Sigourney Weaver and Shailene Woodley, British actress Naomie Harris, and French-Ukrainian star Olga Kurylenko.

Also in attendance were British actor-director Idris Elba, Venezuelan-American actor Edgar Ramirez, Indian actor Salman Khan, British-Malaysian actor Henry Golding, and British-Pakistani actor Riz Ahmed.

Helen Hoehne, president of the Golden Globes, said at the event that Sarby was “a truly iconic performer and humanitarian whose body of work reflects the depth, power and global impact of Arab cinema, while paying tribute to Omar’s remarkable legacy as a pioneering Egyptian artist.”

The late Sharif was the first Egyptian-born actor to win a Golden Globe, and was also a three-time recipient for his roles in “Lawrence of Arabia” and “Doctor Zhivago.”

“I am deeply honored to receive a prestigious award named after one of the true legends of cinema from this part of the world,” Sabry said.

“My career has been devoted to uplifting women with complex stories and I am thrilled to be sharing this Golden Globes stage with Alia Bhatt, one of the next generation’s brightest and most talented stars.

“It’s a significant moment for women in our industry and I am so pleased to be part of the Golden Globes’ enduring history.”

Hoehne said Bhatt was recognized for her “exceptional contributions to international cinema and the continued rise of the Middle East as a dynamic and influential hub for film and television on a global stage.”

The Golden Globes Horizon Award recognizes an emerging creative talent whose rising profile is shaping both regional and international culture.

“This is an honor to be recognized by the Golden Globes and I am grateful for the opportunity to speak for a new generation of aspiring performers and women who are making a difference in film and television around the world,” Bhatt said.

“At a time when global voices are coming together to tell more inclusive and impactful stories, this recognition feels especially meaningful.

“The Golden Globes are an iconic part of the global awards universe and I am delighted to be part of it and look forward to continuing my career in telling more stories of powerful and deserving women.”