The arrival of the debut Michelin Guide in Dubai elicited all manner of reactions from chefs and celebrated F&B players. From elation and expectation, to pride, pressure and even some disgruntlement, here’s what industry experts think the Michelin Guide means for the city — and its diners.
Long overdue validation
Rumours of the Michelin Guide coming to the UAE have been swirling for nearly a decade, with chefs and foodies alike often expressing their confusion and frustration over the delay. Now that it’s finally here, Saki Takase, F&B operations manager at Teible, says: “The anticipation had been building over the years and was met with an excitement so overwhelming, it was almost petrifying.
"It was the moment of truth; we all looked to the stage, in person or through screens, equally unnerved. It’s an understatement to say the guide has been long awaited.”
Scroll through the gallery to see the restaurants that are part of the Michelin Guide in Dubai
For others, the arrival simply validates what they’ve always known: Dubai boasts world-class culinary gems.
“The restaurants in the city have always operated at a high level compared to many other places worldwide, even prior to the Michelin Guide Dubai,” says Swarup John, managing director at Rock Star Restaurants and Jehangir’s Restaurant. “This simply puts a direct measure on culinary proficiency and pits Dubai restaurants against the best in the world.”
Cookbook author Flavel Monteiro says a local guide was “just a matter of time and now here it is".
"It is a scrumptious and historical moment to have the guide," he says. "It is a great boost for the industry and will change the culinary landscape. Not only does the guide validate Dubai’s impressive range of culinary offerings, but we will also start to see a lot more consistency with restaurants.”
The pressure is on
Consistency is key for two reasons: one, a Michelin-starred restaurant needs to serve high-quality food on a regular basis in order to retain its star. And two, venues aspiring to add a star to their name need to dish out delicious meals day in, day out, for when the anonymous Michelin inspectors come calling.
This puts some amount of stress on chefs but also means diners can expect top-notch food around the city.
Himanshu Saini, the head chef at Michelin-starred Tresind Studio, is well aware of this pressure. “Getting a Michelin star is a great start and a proud moment, but what I'd like to do next is reflect back, evolve the cuisine even further and push for two stars next year,” he says.
“Being the only Indian restaurant in Dubai with a Michelin star, the expectations will be huge, but I want to surpass those.”
Encouraging individuality
Saini is not alone in his ambition. The Michelin Guide is likely to inspire chefs to push culinary boundaries and advance the city’s gastronomic offerings.
Regis Bertrand, UAE general manager for the Michelin Guide’s official partner Classic Fine Food, says: “Chefs will now be inspired to improve from one level to the other, be it a restaurant in the Bib Gourmand category that wants to accomplish a star, or a one-starred venue that wants to attain two or even three stars.”
One such chef is Reif Othman, founder of Hotaru Holdings. Othman’s Reif Japanese Kushiyaki was one of 14 restaurants lauded by the Michelin Guide in its value-for-money Bib Gourmand category.
“Receiving the award solidified our long-running ethos of using premium ingredients and offering consistency,” says Othman. “For home-grown brands, the arrival of the Michelin Guide is an inspiration-driver for restaurateurs and chefs to up their game with a focus on the overall mastery of their craft and dishes.”
Hari Kaimal, chief executive of Goldmead Hospitality, believes Dubai is at the brink of a game-changing moment. “Over the years, there has been a strong evolution in the quality of food and diners have witnessed the development of a diverse culinary scene here in Dubai," he says.
"Now, I am sure there will be more to come. We will see an elevated experience, with more tasting menus, creative art of cooking and speciality chef-led concepts.”
Teible’s Takase offers a different take. She says an F&B scene as versatile as Dubai’s can be both “inexhaustibly demanding and over-pleasing in nature".
"This leads to the misconception that it lacks individuality and is somewhat inferior to other destinations," she says. "But the introduction of the Michelin Guide will drive to eliminating such fallacy and allow the true gastronomic gems and unique home-grown establishments that Dubai is filled with to shine.”
Taste for more
While the years to come will, hopefully, shine a light on home-grown restaurants, the fact remains these were scarce in the first crop of Michelin-starred restaurants.
Bib%20Gourmand%20restaurants
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As Samantha Wood, founder of restaurant review website FooDiva.net, puts it: “Of the 11 one and two stars, only two are independent concepts. The rest are either hotel-operated restaurants in five-star premises or imported, celebrity chef-led venues, including both the two-starred restaurants.
“The Bib Gourmand makes for a far more intriguing selection overall, demonstrative of the real Dubai with its thriving home-grown dining scene.
“I hope tourists, who ultimately are the target audience for this Michelin Guide, will dig deeper to discover a true taste of Dubai. Perhaps the Michelin inspectors could also dig a tad deeper next time? Or maybe they did, and weren’t impressed with the rest of our restaurant scene.
“Either way, one thing’s for sure: Michelin does put Dubai on the global culinary map.”
Calling all gastro-tourists
Finally, the most exciting aspect of being a Michelin-starred destination is the global recognition that comes with it.
Naim Maadad, founder and chief executive of Gates Hospitality, says: “I believe the selection was appropriate for Michelin’s entry into the market. The guide has done wonderful things in terms of recognition and awareness, for the economy and for the city’s positioning in the F&B industry across the globe.”
The presence of an award-winning list of restaurants, says Bertrand, means “new arrivals to the country or tourists can plan their meals with this in mind”.
The rise of gastro-tourism — whereby travellers choose a destination specifically based on its award-winning food scene — is another positive side effect.
“The debut of the Michelin Guide in the Middle East market is bound to create more opportunities for restaurants to showcase themselves and gain recognition globally. This will convert to more footfall and travellers to the region,” says Deepak Bhatia, chief executive of Snowbell Restaurant Management.
As a Michelin-lauded chef, Othman wholeheartedly agrees. “Michelin Guide in Dubai catapults our already buzzing gastronomy scene to a whole new level," he says.
"For tourism, this opens a strong opportunity to attract international visitors planning culinary trips to try Michelin-awarded and listed restaurants. It’s a historic moment.”
Scores
Rajasthan Royals 160-8 (20 ov)
Kolkata Knight Riders 163-3 (18.5 ov)
UNSC Elections 2022-23
Seats open:
- Two for Africa Group
- One for Asia-Pacific Group (traditionally Arab state or Tunisia)
- One for Latin America and Caribbean Group
- One for Eastern Europe Group
Countries so far running:
ARGENTINA SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Franco Armani, Agustin Marchesin, Esteban Andrada
Defenders: Juan Foyth, Nicolas Otamendi, German Pezzella, Nicolas Tagliafico, Ramiro Funes Mori, Renzo Saravia, Marcos Acuna, Milton Casco
Midfielders: Leandro Paredes, Guido Rodriguez, Giovani Lo Celso, Exequiel Palacios, Roberto Pereyra, Rodrigo De Paul, Angel Di Maria
Forwards: Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, Lautaro Martinez, Paulo Dybala, Matias Suarez
Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
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%3Cp%3EAverage%20amount%20of%20biofuel%20produced%20at%20DIC%20factory%20every%20month%3A%20%3Cstrong%3EApproximately%20106%2C000%20litres%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EAmount%20of%20biofuel%20produced%20from%201%20litre%20of%20used%20cooking%20oil%3A%20%3Cstrong%3E920ml%20(92%25)%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ETime%20required%20for%20one%20full%20cycle%20of%20production%20from%20used%20cooking%20oil%20to%20biofuel%3A%20%3Cstrong%3EOne%20day%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EEnergy%20requirements%20for%20one%20cycle%20of%20production%20from%201%2C000%20litres%20of%20used%20cooking%20oil%3A%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3E%E2%96%AA%20Electricity%20-%201.1904%20units%3Cbr%3E%E2%96%AA%20Water-%2031%20litres%3Cbr%3E%E2%96%AA%20Diesel%20%E2%80%93%2026.275%20litres%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Countries recognising Palestine
France, UK, Canada, Australia, Portugal, Belgium, Malta, Luxembourg, San Marino and Andorra
Who was Alfred Nobel?
The Nobel Prize was created by wealthy Swedish chemist and entrepreneur Alfred Nobel.
- In his will he dictated that the bulk of his estate should be used to fund "prizes to those who, during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind".
- Nobel is best known as the inventor of dynamite, but also wrote poetry and drama and could speak Russian, French, English and German by the age of 17. The five original prize categories reflect the interests closest to his heart.
- Nobel died in 1896 but it took until 1901, following a legal battle over his will, before the first prizes were awarded.
Company profile
Name: Tratok Portal
Founded: 2017
Based: UAE
Sector: Travel & tourism
Size: 36 employees
Funding: Privately funded
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Specs
Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
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COMPANY%20PROFILE
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The specs
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Avatar: Fire and Ash
Director: James Cameron
Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana
Rating: 4.5/5
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
England squad
Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford, Nick Pope, Aaron Ramsdale
Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Conor Coady, Marc Guehi, Reece James, Harry Maguire, Tyrone Mings, Luke Shaw, John Stones, Ben White
Midfielders: Jude Bellingham, Conor Gallagher, Mason Mount, Jordan Henderson, Declan Rice, James Ward-Prowse
Forwards: Tammy Abraham, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe, Raheem Sterling
Why seagrass matters
- Carbon sink: Seagrass sequesters carbon up to 35X faster than tropical rainforests
- Marine nursery: Crucial habitat for juvenile fish, crustations, and invertebrates
- Biodiversity: Support species like sea turtles, dugongs, and seabirds
- Coastal protection: Reduce erosion and improve water quality
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
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Quick pearls of wisdom
Focus on gratitude: And do so deeply, he says. “Think of one to three things a day that you’re grateful for. It needs to be specific, too, don’t just say ‘air.’ Really think about it. If you’re grateful for, say, what your parents have done for you, that will motivate you to do more for the world.”
Know how to fight: Shetty married his wife, Radhi, three years ago (he met her in a meditation class before he went off and became a monk). He says they’ve had to learn to respect each other’s “fighting styles” – he’s a talk it-out-immediately person, while she needs space to think. “When you’re having an argument, remember, it’s not you against each other. It’s both of you against the problem. When you win, they lose. If you’re on a team you have to win together.”
UAE%20SQUAD
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FIXTURES
All kick-off times UAE ( 4 GMT)
Brackets denote aggregate score
Tuesday:
Roma (1) v Shakhtar Donetsk (2), 11.45pm
Manchester United (0) v Sevilla (0), 11.45pm
Wednesday:
Besiktas (0) v Bayern Munich (5), 9pm
Barcelona (1) v Chelsea (1), 11.45pm
Profile of VoucherSkout
Date of launch: November 2016
Founder: David Tobias
Based: Jumeirah Lake Towers
Sector: Technology
Size: 18 employees
Stage: Embarking on a Series A round to raise $5 million in the first quarter of 2019 with a 20 per cent stake
Investors: Seed round was self-funded with “millions of dollars”
If you go
The flights
There are various ways of getting to the southern Serengeti in Tanzania from the UAE. The exact route and airstrip depends on your overall trip itinerary and which camp you’re staying at.
Flydubai flies direct from Dubai to Kilimanjaro International Airport from Dh1,350 return, including taxes; this can be followed by a short flight from Kilimanjaro to the Serengeti with Coastal Aviation from about US$700 (Dh2,500) return, including taxes. Kenya Airways, Emirates and Etihad offer flights via Nairobi or Dar es Salaam.
MATCH INFO
Barcelona v Real Madrid, 11pm UAE
Match is on BeIN Sports
If%20you%20go
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Bib%20Gourmand%20restaurants
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