Will Cristiano Ronaldo star in ‘Fast & Furious’?

Vin Diesel, the star and a producer of the beloved car franchise, on Friday on Instagram teased the professional soccer player Cristiano Ronaldo’s involvement in the upcoming finale film. (Instagram)
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Updated 14 December 2025
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Will Cristiano Ronaldo star in ‘Fast & Furious’?

DUBAI: Saudi Arabia-based football star Cristiano Ronaldo may be joining the “Fast & Furious” family. 

Vin Diesel, the star and a producer of the beloved car franchise, on Friday on Instagram teased the professional soccer player’s involvement in the upcoming finale film.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Vin Diesel (@vindiesel)

The two posed for a photo together, both dishing out thumbs-ups, as the actor shared that he created a role for Ronaldo, who currently plays for Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr.

“Everyone asked, would he be in the ‘Fast’ mythology … I gotta tell you he is a real one,” Diesel captioned the post, without revealing too many details. “We wrote a role for him …” 

Although Ronaldo’s appearance has yet to be officially confirmed, the news has created excitement among fans of both the franchise and the footballer. Diesel previously provided details about the final film, scheduled for release in April 2027. He said the movie will reunite his character, Dominic Toretto, with Paul Walker’s Brian O’Conner.

“Just yesterday I was with Universal Studios. ... The studio said to me, ‘Vin, can we please have the finale of ‘Fast & Furious’ in April 2027?’ I said, ‘Under three conditions because I've been listening to my fan base,’” he explained, noting that he wanted the franchise to return to Los Angeles, "return to the car culture, to the street racing" and also reunite his and Walker's characters onscreen, according to The Hollywood Reporter.


Michelin Guide Saudi Arabia announces final wave of restaurants

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Michelin Guide Saudi Arabia announces final wave of restaurants

DUBAI: The Michelin Guide in Saudi Arabia on Monday unveiled the final wave of restaurants in its three-part rollout, with three new Bib Gourmands awarded to restaurants in Riyadh, and one each in Jeddah and AlUla.

A total of 52 restaurants, spanning across Riyadh, Jeddah and AlUla, make up the Michelin Guide Saudi Arabia 2026 selection, with 11 establishments earning the Bib Gourmand distinction.

The Bib Gourmand award highlights restaurants within the selection which offer good quality food at an affordable price, whereas the Michelin Selected restaurants are noted for the high standard of their cooking and consistency. It’s an endorsement that they’re worth visiting, aligned with the guide’s professional standards.

In Riyadh, the newly awarded Bib Gourmand restaurants include Lebanese eatery Em Sherif Café, local favorite Najd Village, and Persian-inspired Sasani. 

Jeddah’s new Bob Gourmand awardee is Samia’s Dish, known for its Hijazi classics.

And, finally, in AlUla, the Bib Gourmand was awarded to Tofareya, a local favorite in a charming village house at the foot of AlUla’s fort, serving authentic Saudi dishes.

Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the Michelin Guide, said in a statement: “Michelin Inspectors enjoyed dining everywhere whether humble village houses steeped in heritage to chic contemporary spaces that celebrate modern design. The country’s tables showcase a rich mix of influences, blending Saudi roots with Levantine warmth, Peruvian flair, and international sophistication. This diversity reflects a nation proud of its culture yet open to the world.”

The wave of announcements mark a milestone in the Kingdom’s evolving culinary landscape.

Poullennec spoke to Arab News in Paris in October the future of Saudi Arabia’s food scene. “When we are talking about Saudi, we still have to consider that it’s an emerging both gastronomic and hospitality destination … the second step … is to see more independently run and smaller properties blossom.”