Michelin Guide 2026 recognises 178 restaurants across UAE
Dubai accounts for 122 of the selections, spanning 38 cuisines, while Abu Dhabi contributes 56 restaurants to the fifth edition.
The Michelin Guide 2026 edition recognises 178 restaurants across Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with 122 selections in Dubai and 56 in Abu Dhabi. The fifth edition of the Dubai guide, unveiled at Atlantis The Royal, features restaurants representing 38 cuisines. The UAE food services market was valued at $23.21 billion in 2025, according to industry figures cited by Khaleej Times.
Michelin Guide star promotions and retentions#
Orfali Bros received a promotion to Two Michelin Stars, two years after receiving its first star. The restaurant's cooking draws on Aleppian, Armenian and Turkish heritage. Trèsind Studio and FZN by Björn Frantzén each hold Three Michelin Stars in the 2026 edition. STAY by Yannick Alléno, Row on 45 and Il Ristorante Niko Romito each maintain Two Michelin Stars. The 2026 edition includes two Three Michelin Star restaurants, four Two Michelin Star restaurants and 14 One Michelin Star restaurants.
New one star and Bib Gourmand additions#
Birch and KIGO join the selection with One Michelin Star. Birch, led by chef Arslan Berdiev, reflects his Turkmen heritage through contemporary cooking. Its menu focuses on produce including Uzbek tomatoes, while an open kitchen places the preparation at the center. KIGO offers Sushi Omakase and Kaiseki experiences. Dubai's 2026 selection includes 22 Bib Gourmand restaurants, with four new additions. Middle Child joins with Italian dishes, S.E.A Bistrot brings Asian cooking, and Three Bros, the sister restaurant to Orfali Bros, also joins the Bib Gourmand selection. YUBI Dubai completes the new additions, serving made-to-order hand rolls.
Professional awards and Mindful Voices platform#
Gonzalo Platero and Window receive the Michelin Opening of the Year Award. Ninad Jani of avatāra receives the Michelin Sommelier Award. Akinori Tanigawa and the KIGO team receive the Michelin Service Award. Ossiano's Executive Chef Rémy Marquignon receives the Michelin Young Chef Award. Carbone Dubai's Zahra Erfanian Azmoodeh receives the Michelin Exceptional Cocktails Award. The 2026 edition introduces Mindful Voices to Dubai, with Zachary Roy, Operational Manager of LOWE, featured as a Mindful Voice. LOWE follows a nose-to-tail philosophy and sources traceable ingredients locally where possible.
UAE dining sector and tourism contribution#
The UAE is home to nearly 26,800 restaurants and cafes, including around 13,000 in Dubai. The country's tourism industry generated Dh257.3 billion ($70 billion) and contributed approximately 14 percent of national GDP, according to figures cited by Khaleej Times. The UAE food products market reached $15.68 billion in 2025. Industry projections expect the country's broader food and beverage sector to expand to nearly $43.98 billion by 2029. Atrangi by Ritu Dalmia at Madinat Jumeirah was named a Michelin Selected restaurant for the third consecutive year since opening in 2023. The complete 2026 selection can be accessed via the Michelin Guide website and mobile application.
Sources2 sources across 2 domains
- hospitalitynewsmag.comHospitality News Magazine122 restaurants in Dubai spanning 38 cuisines, Orfali Bros promotion to Two Stars, new One Star and Bib Gourmand additions, professional awards, Zachary Roy and LOWE details
- khaleejtimes.comKhaleej Times178 restaurants across Dubai and Abu Dhabi, 56 in Abu Dhabi, UAE food services market $23.21 billion in 2025, tourism contribution Dh257.3 billion, 26,800 restaurants and cafes, food and beverage sector projection $43.98 billion by 2029, Atrangi recognition
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