Could Riyadh be the Middle East’s next culinary capital?

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Riyadh’s Bujairi Terrace in Diriyah boasts a range of fine dining experiences. (Supplied)
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Updated 06 April 2023
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Could Riyadh be the Middle East’s next culinary capital?

  • Dozens of Michelin-starred restaurants have come to the Saudi capital over the past three years
  • Local and foreign diners can now enjoy an array of international and traditional Saudi foods in Riyadh

RIYADH: In a high-end restaurant, polished glasses sit atop a sleekly designed wooden table surrounded by lush green plants. On the table are spreads of artfully presented Greek specialties: tzatziki, Santorini salad, eggplant dip and beef gyros tacos. At first glance, a diner might think they were in the Greek isles, or at least an upscale Mediterranean restaurant in London or Dubai.

This eatery, however, is Meraki Riyadh, the popular upscale Greek restaurant chain which first opened in London in 2017 and launched in the Mandarin Oriental Riyadh in September 2021. While Meraki would hardly shock diners in any other global city, in Riyadh — a metropolis which once had a comparatively bland food scene — it might come as a welcome surprise. 




Meraki Riyadh, a popular upscale Greek restaurant chain, launched in the Mandarin Oriental Riyadh in September 2021. (Supplied)

Over the last three years, a multitude of fine dining restaurants have opened in the Saudi capital, coinciding with Saudi Arabia’s grand social and economic transformation spearheaded by Vision 2030. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s ambitious reform plan aims to increase household spending on cultural and entertainment activities to 6 percent, up 2.9 percent from when the Vision was unveiled in 2016.

Sushi, caviar, tapas, babka bread, dim sum and fondue — dozens upon dozens of international dishes are now being served in the Saudi capital as some of the world’s best restaurants and chains open alongside the rise of homegrown Saudi outfits serving a mix of traditional and fusion fare.

“Riyadh has, without a doubt, a really exciting restaurant scene,” Ciara Philips, a British cultural strategist who moved to Riyadh at the end of 2020, told Arab News.

In a country where nearly 70 percent of the population is under the age of 40, bolstering the Kingdom’s entertainment and hospitality sectors is of prime importance — not just for the influx of foreigners, but also for locals who, until a few years ago, were unable to find such a vast selection of food.




Fine dining at the new popular upscale Saudi contemporary fusion restaurant MAIZ. (Supplied)

“I’ve lived in world cities from New York, to London, Paris and Dubai … it’s up there with the best, if not surpassing, in terms of local food entrepreneurship, trendy food concepts, incredible interiors, and exceptional service and hospitality,” said Philips. “Attention to detail, as well as the love and positive embrace of the new, and a burgeoning night-time economy all add to that vibrancy.”

“This is matched with the genuine warm welcome and generosity of Saudis — food is shared and gifted so often at work and when receiving guests in the home — and I’m carrying the extra pounds to prove it,” Phillips said.

In November 2022, Saudi lifestyle curator Cool Inc announced that it would bring around 20 restaurants that hold coveted Michelin stars in their home cities are bringing their culinary offerings to Riyadh and Jeddah this year. Such names will add to the growing list of top outlets in the capital and Jeddah, which already include the Cantonese cuisine of Hakkasan, Japanese restaurant Roka, the French delicacies of La Petite Maison, and Italian fine dining restaurants such as Scallini, Angelina, and Cipriani.




Hakkasan Riyadh offers the best of Chinese cuisine at Bujairi Terrace in Diriyah. (Supplied)

In January, Cool Inc selected a diverse portfolio of international restaurants, including Wolfgang Puck’s restaurants Spago and Cut, Scott’s seafood outlet, WAGYUMAFIA, and the Indian-themed Gymkhana to open in the Saudi capital. Additionally, Cool Inc announced its Destination Dining & Member’s Clubs initiative that aims to connect the Kingdom with global industry culinary experts and visionaries.

At the end of 2022, the long-awaited Bujairi Terrace opened in the historic Diriyah district overlooking Turaif, once the original seat of the first Saudi state. Boasting a multitude of high-end Saudi and international dining experiences in an area of 15,000 square meters, its opening marked the first phase of the $50-billion project of the Diriyah Gate Development Authority.

“As a cradle of Arabian civilization for centuries, Saudi Arabia has welcomed and hosted people from across the region and the world since its inception,” Kiran Haslam, Chief Marketing Officer at Diriyah Company, told Arab News. “From the earliest traders and merchants to pilgrims journeying across the continent; scholars, architects and visionaries, Diriyah has been the epicenter of the Arabian Peninsula for hundreds of years.”




Riyadh’s Bujairi Terrace in Diriyah boasts a range of fine dining experiences. (Supplied)

“Bujairi Terrace is effectively bringing the world together through food,” Haslam said. “It offers a peerless experience in gastronomical discovery and is a perfect catalyst, much like the wider Diriyah project, for the immense progress all around us in establishing the Kingdom as a truly great global gathering place.”

Riyadh’s up-and-coming culinary status is not just due to its plethora of famous international names, however, a slew of homegrown restaurants offering Saudi cuisine with a contemporary twist are popping up all over the capital. 

Under the Ministry of Culture, the Culinary Arts Commission is working to showcase and develop unique Saudi culinary traditions and position the Kingdom as a global destination for the culinary arts. The first European Food Festival under the commission was held in March this year, with the Saudi Arabian Chef’s Association hosting a contest for Saudi and international cuisine.

Inside the Takya restaurant at Burjairi Terrace, local and international diners enjoy beautifully prepared Saudi traditional dishes with a modern flair.




Takya restaurant, at Burjairi Terrace offers a contemporary fusion of traditional Saudi dishes from the country’s various regions. (Supplied)

“The idea was to create a place where people can dine in comfort and peace,” Hessah Al-Mutawa, co-owner of Takya, told Arab News. The restaurant offers a contemporary fusion of traditional Saudi dishes from the country’s various regions. The design of the restaurant, done by Hessah’s sister and restaurant co-owner Hadeel, is inspired by various Saudi architectural and cultural elements. “We want to involve the interior of the restaurant to tell a story.”

Expats living in Riyadh say the new Saudi-led restaurants are enticing and unique. However, Moe Inani, a Saudi chef based in Riyadh, believes what is still lacking in Riyadh’s growing culinary scene is a strong contingent of homegrown restaurants.

Inani, who originally hails from Jeddah, became a sous-chef at Saison, a Michelin-starred restaurant in San Francisco, where he learned to prepare sushi. He now uses his experience to create novel twists on more traditional local cuisine such as Red Sea fish.




Moe Inani, a Saudi executive chef and co-owner of Chifty restaurant, learned his craft in
San Francisco. (Supplied)

“I think the scene has definitely improved over the past couple of years, but I think most of the brands and restaurants that we have are international brands being brought from outside the Kingdom, mostly from Europe and the US by food and beverage businessmen,” Inani told Arab News. “Most of the local fine dining brands are fast food restaurants serving burgers and shawarmas.”

Inani stressed that it would take time and experience to be able to open “successful local brands.”

“For locally grown concepts, what is needed is knowledge first and foremost,” he said. “I think the country is definitely moving in the right direction to begin with by sending students or people that are interested in the culinary field to go study at different culinary schools around the world.”

Simply pursuing studies in the culinary arts, emphasizes Inani, is not enough. Experience with different foods and time are also key. “Once Saudis gain experience working with chefs abroad, they can then come back to the Kingdom and use it to help improve Saudi Arabia’s local culinary offerings,” he said.




The Japanese restaurant ROKA was an immediate hit with local food lovers when it opened in Riyadh. (Supplied)

Riyadh, Inani believes, has the potential to become a global culinary capital. But to do that, it is crucial it develops its own identity and its own chefs through locally grown concepts and experience.

Change, however, is already underway. At the new popular upscale Saudi contemporary fusion restaurant MAIZ, local and international diners eagerly drink homemade mocktails and dine on dishes such as caviar on masabeeb pancakes, featuring caviar from locally farmed sturgeon and whipped cream made with local dried limes.

“Fusion offerings at this scale weren’t available just a few years ago,” quips one diner.

As Philips puts it: “Move over, New York City: Riyadh is the city that never sleeps when it comes to incredible food on offer, from snacks to fast food to serious fine dining — you can eat what you want at all times of the day.”

 


Exhibitions at Prophet’s Mosque bring Islamic heritage to life

The exhibitions enrich the visitor experience with historical and cultural insights reflecting Islamic heritage. (SPA)
Updated 2 min 27 sec ago
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Exhibitions at Prophet’s Mosque bring Islamic heritage to life

  • The Rare Manuscripts exhibition in annex 204 of the southern courtyards, which is open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., showcases “historical manuscripts, documents, and inscriptions that trace the evolution of Islamic writing”

MADINAH: The corridors and courtyards of the Prophet’s Mosque feature “unique sites and exhibitions that enrich the visitor experience, offering historical and cultural insights that reflect Islamic heritage and Madinah’s hospitality,” according to an article published by the Saudi Press Agency on Saturday.

A key attraction is the Architectural Evolution of the Prophet’s Mosque exhibition, located on the southern courtyard opposite exits 308 and 309, which uses interactive displays to highlight the mosque’s architectural development. It is open daily from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Opposite exits 306 and 307 is the International Exhibition of the Prophet’s Biography. Open from 4:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. daily, it offers “a contemporary presentation of Prophet Muhammad’s life and teachings.”

The Rare Manuscripts exhibition in annex 204 of the southern courtyards, which is open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., showcases “historical manuscripts, documents, and inscriptions that trace the evolution of Islamic writing.”

The mosque’s library, at gate 10 on the western side, is open 24 hours a day and includes sections on manuscripts, rare books, audio archives, and art collections.

Near Uthman Gate, the Manuscripts and Rare Books Department serves researchers and enthusiasts. It houses more than 4,000 original manuscripts, nearly 60,000 digital copies, 4,600 photocopies, and 450 different editions of the Qur’an. It operates in two shifts: 8 a.m.–noon and 4–8 p.m.

“Together, these exhibitions and centers enhance the cultural and educational value of visiting the Prophet’s Mosque, offering pilgrims a more enriching experience,” the SPA stated.

 


New campaign urges Saudis to safeguard artifacts

Updated 21 June 2025
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New campaign urges Saudis to safeguard artifacts

  • Nationwide effort aims to curb threats to heritage sites and artifacts

RIYADH: The Heritage Commission launched the “Aadat” national awareness campaign to enhance public understanding of the importance of Saudi antiquities.

The campaign underscores the vital role of artifacts in reinforcing the Kingdom’s cultural and national identity, reflecting the succession of civilizations across its land over millennia.

It is part of a broader series of initiatives by the commission to spotlight Saudi antiquities and raise awareness of threats they face, such as encroachments and illegal trafficking.

HIGHLIGHT

The campaign promotes the idea that protecting antiquities is a shared responsibility, rooted in a deep appreciation of their role in the nation’s cultural heritage.

The campaign promotes the idea that protecting antiquities is a shared responsibility, rooted in a deep appreciation of their role in the nation’s cultural heritage, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

It adopts a comprehensive approach using various media and outreach tools, including field campaigns in public areas, markets, malls, and universities across multiple regions.

The commission also plans to introduce interactive pavilions to showcase key archaeological sites and highlight the Kingdom’s geographical and cultural diversity.

It stressed that the campaign continues its ongoing efforts to safeguard artifacts, which are rich in symbolic and cultural meaning.

Each artifact, the commission noted, tells a story from the past, and its preservation is essential to maintaining the national memory for future generations.

The commission announced last week that 744 new archaeological sites have been added to the National Antiquities Register, raising the total to 10,061 across the Kingdom.

This milestone underscores the richness and diversity of Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage and reflects the commission’s ongoing commitment to documenting and preserving these sites.

The newly registered sites are spread across several regions: Riyadh (253), Makkah (11), Madinah (167), Qassim (30), Eastern Province (13), Asir (64), Tabuk (72), Hail (13), Northern Borders (2), Jazan (23), Najran (86), and Jouf (10).

Stressing the importance of community involvement in heritage preservation, the commission urged citizens and residents to report unregistered sites via the Balagh platform, social media, or the Unified Security Operations Center at 911.

 


Saudi Arabia, France civil aviation authorities discuss boosting cooperation

Saudi and French civil aviation officials pose for a group photo in Paris. (SPA)
Updated 21 June 2025
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Saudi Arabia, France civil aviation authorities discuss boosting cooperation

  • Discussions were held on mutual investment opportunities in aircraft design and assembly, as well as the incentives Saudi Arabia offers to attract high-quality investments in the aviation industry

PARIS: A delegation from the Saudi civil aviation sector, led by General Authority of Civil Aviation President Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, visited the Airbus factory in Toulouse, France, as part of the 55th Paris Air Show at Le Bourget, which ends on June 22.

The visit strengthens cooperation with France in areas such as manufacturing, technology transfer, and localization of the aerospace industry, Saudi Press Agency said in a report.

Discussions were held on mutual investment opportunities in aircraft design and assembly, as well as the incentives Saudi Arabia offers to attract high-quality investments in the aviation industry.

 

 


Saudi FM reaffirms support for Palestine, condemns Israeli strikes on Iran at OIC meeting in Istanbul

Updated 21 June 2025
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Saudi FM reaffirms support for Palestine, condemns Israeli strikes on Iran at OIC meeting in Istanbul

  • Was speaking during opening session of 51st meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the OIC

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan reaffirmed the Kingdom’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause during the opening session of the 51st meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, held in Istanbul on Saturday.

The foreign minister also condemned the Israeli strikes on Iran, describing them as a “blatant” violation of international law and an infringement on Iranian sovereignty and security.

The meeting, hosted by Turkiye, marked the start of its presidency of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers. Prince Faisal congratulated Turkiye on assuming the role and extended thanks to Cameroon for its efforts during its previous term.

In his address, Prince Faisal underscored the importance Saudi Arabia placed on the Palestinian issue, highlighting the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to end the war in Gaza, alleviate the worsening humanitarian crisis, and unify Arab and Islamic positions on the conflict.

He reiterated Saudi Arabia’s firm support for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state along the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Turning to the Israeli-Iranian conflict, he said: “These attacks threaten the security and stability of the region,” and called for an immediate halt to military operations, de-escalation, and a return to negotiations between Iran and the international community.

Prince Faisal also reiterated Saudi Arabia’s continued backing of efforts to resolve the crisis in Yemen, expressing support for a comprehensive political solution and the restoration of peace, stability, and security in the country.


Saudi foreign minister holds talks with Egyptian and Pakistani counterparts on OIC sidelines

Updated 21 June 2025
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Saudi foreign minister holds talks with Egyptian and Pakistani counterparts on OIC sidelines

ISTANBUL: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan held separate meetings on Saturday with his Egyptian and Pakistani counterparts on Saturday.

The discussions were held on the sidelines of the 51st session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Council of Foreign Ministers in Istanbul.

During talks with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, the two sides reviewed the close relations between the Kingdom and Egypt and discussed regional developments and their impact on the security of the region, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Prince Faisal also met with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. The discussions focused on bilateral ties, as well as regional and international developments and ongoing efforts to address them, SPA added.

Both meetings were attended by Prince Musab bin Mohammed Al-Farhan, advisor to the Foreign Minister for Political Affairs, and Fahd bin Asaad Abu Al-Nasr, Saudi ambassador to Turkiye.