Gault&Millau brings prestigious yellow guide to Saudi Arabia

This launch brings the prestigious Yellow Guide to the Kingdom for the first time, setting a new benchmark for culinary excellence while fostering the growth of Saudi Arabia's rapidly evolving culinary and hospitality sectors.
With a legacy spanning over five decades, Gault&Millau operates across 20 countries and has built a network of more than 400 professional inspectors and over 14,000 restaurants worldwide. The arrival of the Yellow Guide in Saudi Arabia reflects a shared commitment to celebrating culinary talent, highlighting the diversity of Saudi Arabia's culinary sector and offering a trusted, independent resource for both local and international audiences.

Patrick Hayoun, CEO of Gault&Millau France and International, said: "We are honored to bring Gault&Millau to Saudi Arabia in partnership with the Saudi Culinary Arts Commission and with the support of HSME. This collaboration reflects our mission to discover and celebrate culinary excellence worldwide, while shining a light on the chefs, restaurants, and hospitality professionals shaping the Kingdom's gastronomic future."

Mayada Badr, CEO of the Saudi Culinary Arts Commission, added: "The launch of Gault&Millau Saudi Arabia reflects our ongoing efforts to elevate the Kingdom's culinary sector and create opportunities for local chefs and hospitality professionals in the Kingdom. By highlighting our diverse food traditions and sharing them with global audiences, we are shaping a vibrant future for gastronomy in Saudi and the region."

The inaugural edition will focus on five key cities: Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, AlUla and Abha. This introduction aims to uncover hidden gems, showcase regional diversity and celebrate Saudi Arabia's distinctive flavors, traditions and innovations.

The launch of Gault&Millau in Saudi Arabia will feature three primary components :

• Printed Guide: The Gault&Millau Saudi Arabia guide promises to be a key resource for exploring the Kingdom's culinary scene. The 350-page edition will include expert reviews of top restaurants, chef profiles and signature recipes. It will also feature city- and region-based highlights, along with toque ratings (from 1 to 5) covering a wide range of price points, making it accessible and inclusive for all readers.
• Digital Platform: The Gault&Millau Saudi Arabia website, part of the international platform, will offer an engaging digital experience with updated restaurant, reviews, practical details and direct links, providing greater visibility for local establishments.
• Annual Gala: The first Gault&Millau Saudi Arabia Gala will be held in January 2026 (exact date to be confirmed), offering networking opportunities for chefs, journalists, influencers and partners while showcasing Saudi culinary excellence to both national and international guests. Honoring the country's top culinary talents, the landmark event will celebrate the launch of the guide and will feature an awards ceremony with Gault&Millau plaques and trophies, which will be presented during the gala.

Joumana Dammous-Salame, Managing Director of HSME, added: "Elevating and promoting the culinary and hospitality sectors across the region lies at the heart of what we do, and this partnership with Gault&Millau and the Saudi Culinary Arts Commission marks an exciting chapter for us. Through the launch of the renowned Yellow Guide in Saudi Arabia, we will celebrate the chefs, restaurants and traditions that make the kingdom so unique."

Through this collaboration, Gault&Millau and the Saudi Culinary Arts Commission aim to elevate local culinary talent, establish new industry standards and foster international connections that will help shape the future of Saudi Arabia's culinary landscape.

About Gault&Millau

Founded in 1969 by journalists Henri Gault and Christian Millau, the Yellow Guide has dedicated over 50 years to identifying and listing the finest restaurants, artisans and specialty shops across various regions. Today, Gault&Millau continues its mission to support chefs and emerging talents worldwide by discovering and promoting local gastronomy on a global scale.

As a recognized authority in gastronomy and hospitality across 20 countries, Gault&Millau has become a benchmark for culinary excellence, building a prestigious network of over 14,000 restaurants and attracting millions of followers. With the expertise of more than 400 professional inspectors, Gault&Millau aims to discover, celebrate and elevate both established and emerging culinary talents. The brand's mission is to showcase local culinary traditions globally, offering a trusted standard of quality and fostering growth within the industry.

About the Saudi Culinary Arts Commission

founded in 2020, the Saudi Culinary Arts Commission is leading the further development of the Kingdom's culinary arts sector. By driving investment and building robust regulatory frameworks, the Commission is supporting the next generation of Saudi chefs and hospitality professionals as they aspire to reach their full potential. Together with the Ministry of Culture, the Commission is working to unlock a thriving cultural sector to preserve and elevate the culinary traditions that make the Kingdom unique. To learn more about the Saudi Culinary Arts Commission, please visit https://culinary.moc.gov.sa/en and the commission's pages on Instagram @mocculinary and X @MOCCulinary

About Hospitality Services Middle East (HSME)

Established in 1993, Hospitality Services Middle East (HSME) has been serving the hospitality and foodservice industries for over 30 years. The firm organizes first-class trade shows and events across the region, including HORECA events in KSA, Kuwait, Jordan, Lebanon and Oman, and Salon du Chocolat et de la Pâtisserie in Dubai and Riyadh. In addition, HSME provides valuable industry-related content through its online platforms: Hospitality News Middle East, Taste & Flavors and Lebanon Traveler.