Abu Dhabi to host The World’s 50 Best Restaurants awards for the first time in 2026

The World’s 50 Best Restaurants awards ceremony will be held in Abu Dhabi for the first time this November. The globally recognised event, sponsored by S Pellegrino and Acqua Panna, will take place in the capital of the United Arab Emirates, with the official date yet to be confirmed. The move marks a significant milestone for both the awards and Abu Dhabi, as the city aims to highlight its evolving culinary scene and cultural heritage to an international audience.

The awards, which have been running since 2002, are widely regarded as a barometer of global dining trends and a showcase for leading establishments and chefs. The 2026 edition will be organised in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), and will feature a comprehensive programme of events in the lead-up to the ceremony. These include the thought-leadership forum #50BestTalks, a series of collaborative dining events known as 50 Best Signature Sessions, a Chefs’ Feast highlighting local ingredients and techniques, and lastly the big announcement, when the 2026 ranking will be revealed.

The event will also be preceded by a series of special awards recognising individual and collective achievements in the industry. The 2025 iteration, which was held in Turin, Italy, saw Maido in Lima, Peru, named as the world’s number one restaurant. As per the awards’ rules, Maido will join the Best of the Best list and will not be eligible for the 2026 ranking.

Craig Hawtin-Butcher, managing director of 50 Best, said: “We are pleased to announce Abu Dhabi as the location for The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 awards ceremony this November, in collaboration with our host destination partner, Department of Culture & Tourism – Abu Dhabi. The city’s rich history has shaped a dynamic dining scene that celebrates both time-honoured traditions and world-class international cuisine. We look forward to gathering the international culinary community in Abu Dhabi, a city that both embraces and values its food culture.”

The World’s 50 Best Restaurants continues to work with professional services firm Deloitte to ensure the integrity of its voting process. Organisers have stated their intention to use the 2026 event to further promote diversity, cross-border collaboration and gastronomic discovery within the industry.

Further details, including the official date of the ceremony, are expected to be announced in due course.

Food Desk

The World’s 50 Best Restaurants ceremony takes place in November 2026 in Abu Dhabi. For updates and further information about The Worlds 50 Best, visit here.