The World’s 50 Best Restaurants is an initiative that speaks volumes for those devoted to the art of gastronomy. The prestigious title has now set sail in the UAE to honour the remarkable achievements of MENA restaurants in the region. The one-of-a-kind and inaugural ‘Middle East & North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants’ award ceremony and its surrounding events will be held from 4th-8th February, adding a new spring in the step for up-and-coming as well as renowned trailblazers in the field. To find out more about how to get involved with this gastronomic festival, click here to discover the tickets available to purchase.
In partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi, the initiative aims to recognise the region’s diverse culmination of cuisines. “The diversity of cuisines and restaurants across this wide region will ensure this new list is a vital addition to the international gastronomic landscape,” says William Drew, the director of content for 50 Best. “We are delighted that Abu Dhabi will be playing host to the awards ceremony, as the UAE capital has been establishing itself as a culinary force over recent years.”
Calling all food enthusiasts: the programme features the absolute best exclusive dining experiences in its carefully curated list, culinary masterclasses from world-renowned professionals, the first MENA edition of culinary thought-leadership series #50BestTalks, and so much more. The lineup of guests for the event includes Pía León, Will Goldfarb, Tim Raue, Dave Pynt, Natsuko Shoji, and Julien Royer. From León’s experiential lunch on Zaya Nurai island and Pynt’s special barbecue setting at the Emirates Palace hotel, to Pía León’s cultural escapade across Peru’s biodiversity and culinary experience, nothing is off the roster.
The ‘Middle East & North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants’ have also set the highly-anticipated event into motion by announcing Lebanese activist Kamal Mouzawak, founder of Beirut’s first farmers’ market Souk El Tayeb as the recipient of the glorious Foodics Icon Award.
“I feel honoured to be selected as the recipient of the Foodics Icon Award this year. At Souk El Tayeb, we have empowered the lives of many, and I am delighted that the hard work of the team has been recognised,” said Mouzawak. “We aim to use this opportunity as well to amplify our voice and the need for strong communities in elevating nations and therefore improving the food industry.”
Time to clear your schedule for 7th February for the unveiling of the ‘Middle East & North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants’ list, which will be streamed live from Abu Dhabi. Follow along on 50 Best’s Facebook channel.
