The annual restaurant event, backed by 50 Best’s host partner Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi – will build up to the awards ceremony in November when The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 ranking will be revealed.
Highlights for the programme in Abu Dhabi will include a series of key events, including 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, where chefs from 50 Best-ranked restaurants will cook 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.
“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,” says Craig Hawtin-Butcher, managing director at 50 Best.
“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.”
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.
“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,” says Fakhry Alsarraj, director of Abu Dhabi Events Bureau, part of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi.
“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.”
The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025 event, held in Turin, Italy, saw Maido in Lima, Peru named The World’s Best Restaurant. Maido will join the Best of the Best list of former number one restaurants and therefore will not be eligible to appear in the ranking for 2026 and beyond.
“We are thrilled that S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna will proudly sponsor the upcoming The World’s 50 Best Restaurants awards ceremony,” says Paolo Passoni, head of international partnerships and events at S.Pellegrino.
“For more than 125 years, S.Pellegrino has embodied the spirit of Italian elegance, sharing the taste and culture of Italy with dining tables across the globe. Now, as a demonstration of our commitment to nurture the future of gastronomy, the journey continues this year in Abu Dhabi, where a deep respect for culinary craft and heritage marks a new chapter in the awards history.”