The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 to be hosted in Abu Dhabi this November

The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 awards, sponsored by S.Pellegrino & Acqua Pannais heading to Abu Dhabi in November 2026. Renowned for its rich heritage, refined hospitality and diverse food culture, hosting the event programme and awards ceremony in Abu Dhabi marks a significant new chapter for the influential annual celebration of the best restaurants in the world.

An extensive event programme – backed by 50 Best’s host partner, Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi – will build up to the much-anticipated awards ceremony in November when The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 ranking will be revealed. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore and experience the sophisticated capital of the UAE, a coveted destination for immersive cultural landmarks, cutting-edge gastronomy and bold, boundary-pushing culinary innovation.

Craig Hawtin-Butcher, Managing Director, 50 Best, says: “We are thrilled 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 cannot wait to gather the international culinary community in Abu Dhabi, a city that both embraces and values its food culture.”

Highlights for the programme in Abu Dhabi will include a series of key events which are the foundation of 50 Best Restaurants celebrations: thought-leadership forum #50BestTalks, exploring some of the most pertinent topics affecting the hospitality industry today; a 50 Best Signature Sessions series of collaborative dining events open to the public, which sees chefs from 50 Best-ranked restaurants cooking alongside renowned local talent for exclusive dining opportunities; a Chefs’ Feast showcasing the finest quality ingredients and cooking techniques the region is known for; and the awards ceremony and countdown itself.

The November event will be preceded by several special awards announcements, designed to honour the achievements of both individuals and establishments in the lead-up to the awards ceremony.

Fakhry Alsarraj, Director of Abu Dhabi Events Bureau, part of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, says: “Hosting The World’s 50 Best Restaurants awards ceremony in Abu Dhabi reflects the emirate’s exciting and ever-evolving gastronomic landscape, offering cuisines from around the globe alongside world-class culinary education and training. It also reinforces Abu Dhabi’s growing reputation as a leading culinary destination, shaped by a diverse dining scene, homegrown talent and a strong commitment to nurturing excellence across every level of the food and hospitality sector.”

50 Best will continue to use its global platform to highlight even more noteworthy restaurants and bars worldwide – through the 50 Best Discovery platform and its 50 Best lists, special awards and content series. 50 Best will take the opportunity in 2026 and beyond to amplify diverse voices and positive messages, foster progressive and cross-border collaboration and greater gastronomic discovery and exploration.

The 50 Best organisation’s role in promoting restaurants and showcasing culinary talent remains as important as ever, continuing to support the hospitality sector by inspiring diners to seek out exciting gastronomic experiences, whether near or far.

50 Best works with professional services consultancy Deloitte as its official independent adjudication partner to help protect the integrity and authenticity of the voting process and the resulting list of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026.