The 50 Best Restaurants Middle East & North Africa will announce its sixth edition in Abu Dhabi on 26 January 2027, in collaboration with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi DCT Abu Dhabi.
The event follows the launch of The 50, a unified master brand bringing together 50 Best’s rankings, awards, content and Discovery platform. As part of the rebrand, Middle East & North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants becomes The 50 Best Restaurants Middle East & North Africa. The ranking’s independence, credibility and methodology remain unchanged.
Rikki Tidball, Managing Director of Events, The 50 Best Restaurants Middle East & North Africa, says: “As we look ahead to the sixth edition of The 50 Best Restaurants Middle East & North Africa, the depth and diversity of the region’s dining scene continue to grow, driven by extraordinary chefs, restaurateurs and hospitality talent across MENA. We are delighted to return to Abu Dhabi in January and bring this community together once again, celebrating the restaurants and people shaping the region today. This year also marks a new chapter for us under The 50, with a new identity but the same commitment to recognising and championing exceptional hospitality.”
Fakhry Alsarraj, Acting Executive Director of the Events, Retail & Culinary Sector at DCT Abu Dhabi, says: “The return of The 50 Best Restaurants Middle East & North Africa reflects the growing recognition of Abu Dhabi’s culinary scene, globally. Bringing leading chefs, restaurateurs and food lovers together here gives us an opportunity to celebrate the very best of MENA’s incredible dining landscape, while showcasing the distinctive experiences emerging across the emirate. From authentic Emirati cuisine and ambitious homegrown concepts to internationally recognised restaurants, Abu Dhabi offers remarkable range and diversity, and events of this calibre help bring that story to a wider audience while strengthening food as an increasingly important part of the visitor experience.”
The programme will include The 50 Best Talks, a hospitality forum; Flavours of The 50, an evening brunch featuring dishes by leading chefs; and The 50 Signature Sessions, collaborative dining events featuring local and regional talent. Selected events will be open to consumers through ticketed entry.
Special awards announced ahead of the event will include the Champions of Change Award, the Art of Hospitality Award and the One to Watch Award.
Further details about the 2027 programme and consumer events will be announced soon.