RIYADH: The Michelin Guide hosted its inaugural celebration in Riyadh on Wednesday, where they announced three new special awards, delivered in partnership with Saudi Arabia’s Culinary Arts Commission.
The Michelin Service Award, in partnership with RAK Porcelain, went to Jeddah’s Yaza, helmed by chef and owner Hakim Bagabas, for what was described as an exceptional experience from start to finish.
Il Baretto’s manager Santiago Latorre was given the Exceptional Mocktail Award, as the Michelin Guide inspectors said the cocktail list offers a thoughtful mix of elevated classics and original signature mocktails.
The Young Chef Award went to Elia Kaady, at Maiz in Riyadh, who is considered one of the region’s rising talents.
The event honored the 11 restaurants that were awarded the Bib Gourmand distinction for delivering exceptional cuisine at great value.
The winners were Samia’s Dish and The Lucky Llama in Jeddah, Joontos and Tofareya in AlUla, Em Sharif Cafe, Fi Glbak, KAYZO, Mirzam, Najd Village, Sasani, and Tameesa in Riyadh.
Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the Michelin Guide, told Arab News: “When we look at what Saudi chefs are offering, they are also inspired by all the food cultures, but they are still really faithful to their roots, to their heritage, to their product.
“They are also really willing to tell quite an authentic and unique story. And for us, at the Michelin Guide, it definitely has a value.”
In addition to the Bib Gourmand category, 40 restaurants recognized in the Selected category were awarded plaques following the final wave of announcements on Dec. 15, bringing the total Saudi Michelin Guide restaurants to 51.
The restaurant celebration was followed by a reception where a culinary showcase brought together six guest chefs.
Three international restaurants showcased their gastronomic creations, including Le Gabriel - La Reserve Paris, which has three Michelin stars, Muse by Tom Aikens and Nusara, which both have a star.
Bib Gourmand title holders The Lucky Llama, KAYZO, and Fi Glbak also brought their unique flavors to the table.
“It’s a unique and authentic food culture (in Saudi Arabia) that deserves to be put on the spotlight, as well as the destination should be on the world culinary map. So, that is definitely what we are willing to achieve with the Michelin Guide,” Poullennec said.
Michelin Guide announces 3 new awards at restaurant celebration in Riyadh
https://arab.news/y7s57
Michelin Guide announces 3 new awards at restaurant celebration in Riyadh
- Honors in a pact with Kingdom’s Culinary Arts Commission
- Saudi deserves ‘spotlight,’ guide’s director tells Arab News
Saudi Film Festival to return in April with focus on Korean cinema
- Ahmed Al-Mulla, founder and director of the Saudi Film Festival, said in a statement: “We’re excited to welcome filmmakers to our annual gathering. Our doors are open to all creators, and filmmakers remain at the heart of everything we do
DHAHRAN: The Saudi Film Festival, organized by the Cinema Association in partnership with the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture and supported by the Saudi Film Commission, has announced that it will launch at Ithra in Dhahran between April 23-29.
This year’s festival explores the theme of “Cinema of the Journey,” presenting a selection of Arab and international films, both short and feature-length, that center on journeys and movement as essential storytelling elements.
The program includes road movies, travel narratives and films where physical or emotional journeys drive the narrative.
The theme encourages Saudi filmmakers to explore this subject through their own perspectives. It positions cinema itself as an act of continuous transition, where identity, place, and time converge to shape the human experience.
FASTFACTS
• This year’s Saudi Film Festival will explore the theme of ‘Cinema of the Journey,’ presenting a selection of Arab and international films that center on journeys and movement as essential storytelling elements.
• The program includes road movies, travel narratives and films where physical or emotional journeys drive the narrative.
Following last year’s focus on Japanese cinema, the festival will present a special “Spotlight on Korean Cinema” this year.
Ahmed Al-Mulla, founder and director of the Saudi Film Festival, said in a statement: “We’re excited to welcome filmmakers to our annual gathering. Our doors are open to all creators, and filmmakers remain at the heart of everything we do. This year’s festival creates an atmosphere filled with inspiration, idea exchange, and shared learning. It’s a celebration of cinematic creativity for everyone.”
Tariq Al-Khawaji, deputy director of the festival, added: “At Ithra, we’re proud of our longstanding partnership with the Cinema Association. It has enabled the festival’s growth and thematic diversity year after year, which we see clearly in how we empower filmmakers and create opportunities to engage with global cinema.
“The festival continues to grow across all areas, from preparations and participation to industry expectations locally and regionally. That makes attention to every detail essential.”
Since its launch in 2008, the Saudi Film Festival has played a central role in nurturing local and Gulf cinema. After intermittent early editions, it has now established itself as an annual platform for narrative and documentary competitions, industry programs and project markets.
By bringing together emerging and established filmmakers in Dhahran each year, the festival strengthens Saudi Arabia’s growing presence on the global film stage.
