In a historic partnership, the Saudi Culinary Arts Commission and Gault&Millau bring the Kingdom its first Yellow Guide, spotlighting the rich culinary traditions, innovations, and talents that define the Saudi dining experience, while setting new international benchmarks.
In a landmark development for the Kingdom’s culinary scene, Gault&Millau—the globally renowned authority on gastronomy—has officially launched its prestigious Yellow Guide in Saudi Arabia. Announced at the recent Cultural Investment Conference by the Saudi Culinary Arts Commission under the Ministry of Culture, this strategic partnership, supported by Hospitality Services Middle East, signals a bold new chapter for Saudi Arabia’s evolving hospitality and gastronomy sectors.
Operating for over fifty years across 20 countries, Gault&Millau is celebrated for its rigorous and independent restaurant inspections, honouring culinary excellence through a global network of over 400 professional inspectors. Now, with its arrival in Saudi Arabia, the Yellow Guide promises to spotlight the country’s rich and diverse culinary heritage, offering a trusted resource that highlights standout chefs, innovative restaurants, and emerging food movements.
Prominent cities featured in the debut guide include Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, AlUla, and Abha—places where culinary traditions blend with modern creativity. The guide highlights restaurants that have shown mastery in both local and international cuisines, reflecting the dynamic and multicultural nature of the Saudi dining landscape.
Among the luminaries celebrated by the Yellow Guide are chefs who have been instrumental in elevating Saudi gastronomy to international acclaim. Their kitchens not only represent culinary artistry but also serve as cultural ambassadors, fostering pride and pushing the boundaries of Saudi culinary identity.
These trailblazing chefs and restaurants have shaped a vibrant scene where Saudi flavours meet global techniques, often underscoring sustainability, innovation, and local sourcing—all critical in positioning Saudi Arabia as a future epicentre of Middle Eastern fine dining.
Beyond its gastronomic impact, the Gault&Millau Saudi partnership carries profound cultural and economic resonance. The Kingdom’s Vision 2030 initiative aims to diversify the economy, with culture and tourism playing pivotal roles in this endeavour.
The Yellow Guide’s independent recognition mechanism bolsters this vision by amplifying Saudi Arabia’s culinary credibility worldwide, attracting culinary tourism and investment.
Moreover, the guide serves as a platform for nurturing local talent, encouraging standards of excellence, and creating jobs within the food and hospitality sectors. This move aligns seamlessly with Saudi Arabia’s ambitious targets to develop a vibrant, sustainable, and globally competitive hospitality industry.
From left to right: Zeina Dammous Nahas, Project Manager HSME, Joumana Dammous-Salame, Managing Director of HSME, Patrick Hayoun, CEO of Gault&Millau France and International, Mayada Badr, CEO of the Saudi Culinary Arts Commission.
The introduction of the Gault&Millau Yellow Guide marks more than just a culinary listing—it symbolises Saudi Arabia’s emergence on the global fine dining map, all the while acknowledging the Kingdom’s unique heritage while embracing its future potential.
As this partnership continues to flourish, food lovers around the world will discover the depth, sophistication, and inventiveness of Saudi cuisine—all carefully curated through the discerning eyes of Gault&Millau experts.
Saudi Arabia’s culinary story now has a prestigious new voice, one that promises to elevate, inspire, and celebrate every facet of its rich and diverse food culture.
Lead Image From left to right: Joumana Dammous-Salame, Managing Director of HSME, Patrick Hayoun, CEO of Gault&Millau France and International, Mayada Badr, CEO of the Saudi Culinary Arts Commission.
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