With a growing reputation as a top-tier dining destination, the city is set to host the world's finest culinary talents.
This November, the global gastronomic community will gather in Abu Dhabi for The World's 50 Best Restaurants 2026, sponsored by S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna. The city has previously hosted the Middle East and North Africa's 50 Best Restaurants (most recently in February 2026), but this marks the first time the global list will be announced in the UAE capital.
Highlights of the event programme, in collaboration with 50 Best's host destination partner, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, will include: #50BestTalks, a thought-leadership event at which leading figures in the hospitality industry will share their insights; 50 Best Signature Sessions, an event series which pairs local talent with 50 Best-ranked restaurants for unique dining experiences; and the ever-popular Chefs' Feast, an exclusive event for the restaurant teams on this year's list, with a culinary offering celebrating the best of local food culture.
Chefs gather on stage at The World's 50 Best Restaurants 2025 awards ceremony
The event programme will culminate with the announcement of The World's 50 Best Restaurants 2026 ranking. Last year, Lima's Maido was named The World's Best Restaurant and will join other former No.1 restaurants on the Best of the Best list at this year's ceremony. Best of the Best restaurants are not eligible to appear in future rankings.
The awards ceremony will be streamed live on the 50 Best YouTube channel. The ceremony will also include a series of special award winners, including the Icon Award and Chefs' Choice Award. In 2025, the Icon Award was won by Massimo Bottura and Lara Gilmore, with Albert Adrià taking home the Chefs' Choice Award.
Dominique Crenn being interviewed by senior content editor Rachael Hogg at #50BestTalks in 2025
The winners of several awards will be revealed in the weeks before the events in Abu Dhabi. In the run-up, the extended 51-100 list will also be unveiled, further highlighting the diversity and range within the global restaurant scene.
Ahead of the 2026 edition of The World's 50 Best Restaurants, read all about the 2025 ranking and special award winners here.
