On Tuesday, the Michelin Guide was finally launched for the first time in the Middle East, during a glitzy ceremony at Dubai Opera.
Eleven restaurants were awarded stars, including two that got two stars, but there were another 14 that made it into the Bib Gourmand category.
Named after Bibendum, the Michelin Man and official company mascot of the Michelin Group, it's "not quite a star, but most definitely not a consolation prize," according to the guide.
It recognises "just-as-esteemed" and friendly establishments that serve good food at reasonable prices.
This is what made the cut in Dubai.
Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant
Representing Emirati cuisine in the Michelin Guide is Al Khayma, which the inspector describes as a part-restaurant, part-museum, where diners eat in an inviting air-conditioned courtyard, served by staff dressed in traditional garments. “Bread is freshly cooked within view, and live music adds to the ambience,” says the guide. “Rustic Emirati dishes are carefully prepared, well-presented and full of flavour.” Expect everything from classic Middle Eastern mezze, such as hummus and tabbouleh, to more Khaleeji staples, including saloona, tharid and machboos.
Open daily, 8am-11am; Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, Dubai; 055 180 2080; www.alkhayma.com
Bait Maryam
Bait Maryam, which opened in 2017, is the baby of chef and founder Salam Dakkak, who can still be found in the kitchen every day — or chatting with diners in the congenial dining space, which is charmingly decorated to resemble a relaxed living room. Once a school owner and cooking teacher in Saudi Arabia, Dakkak felt compelled to bring her moreish style of cooking to Dubai and offer a taste of home to those living away from their families.
Not only was it included on the Bib Gourmand list, but Dakkak and her team were also given the Welcome and Service Award.
“This passionately run home offers a warm welcome and delicious, homestyle Levantine dishes cooked with love,” said the inspector. “Ask the service professional for the chef’s specialities and make sure to add dessert to your list.”
Open daily, 10am-11pm; cluster D, Jumeirah Lakes Towers; 04 241 8447; www.baitmaryam.com
Brasserie Boulud
Award-winning French chef and restaurateur Daniel Boulud opened his Dubai restaurant in 2020. Brasserie Boulud, a concept by the man behind New York’s two Michelin-starred hot spot Restaurant Daniel, offers contemporary, French-inspired cuisine, with classics including escargots and canard roti to tarte Tatin. It is the chef’s first outpost in the Middle East.
“Creating a little piece of France in Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk is this classically styled brasserie deluxe with its marble flooring, red leather banquettes and art deco touches,” writes the inspector. “Great value business lunch.”
Open Monday to Friday, 12.30pm-3pm and 6pm-midnight, Saturday, 1pm-4pm and 6pm-midnight, Sunday is closed; Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk, Wafi, Sheikh Rashid Road; 04 281 4020; www.sofitel-dubai-theobelisk.com
Fi'lia
The menu at Fi’lia, the Italian-Mediterranean restaurant at SLS Dubai Hotel & Residences, features the word “nonna” (Italian for grandmother) a lot. The offerings are divided into dishes by nonna, mamma and fi’lia, the last word being a truncated form of the Italian word for daughter, figlia, in what is a conscious decision to highlight the achievements — and recipes — of women through the generations.
Chef Sara Aqel created much of the menu herself, relying heavily on traditional recipes from grandmothers — her friends' as well as her own — and her mother.
“Set on the 70th floor, it offers impressive views; menus list everything from artisan pizza and pasta to contemporary twists on traditional dishes,” says the inspector.
Open daily, noon-3.30pm and 6.30pm-midnight; SLS Dubai Hotel & Residences, Marasi Drive, Business Bay; 04 607 0737; www.sbe.com
folly
Set in Souk Madinat Jumeirah, folly has everything needed for a restaurant to be a success: location, style, a killer view and chefs who know their way around a kitchen.
Created by Nick Alvis and Scott Price, and opened in 2017, folly has since become famed locally for its inventive and seasonal food.
“The ingredient-led menu offers precise, modern dishes which are pared-back in style, with an appealing clarity of flavour,” said the inspector. "Staff are warm and engaging.”
Open Monday to Thursday, 5pm-midnight, Friday, 4pm-midnight, Saturday and Sunday, 1pm-midnight; Souk Madinat Jumeirah; 04 430 8535; www.folly.ae
Goldfish
This modern sushi and yakitori neighbourhood restaurant won the judges over for its “funky” interiors, “bright and keen” service, great food and reasonable prices. Watch the chefs work as you dig in.
“Vibrant, modern Japanese dishes from sushi, uni and yakitori to sharing plates and Wagyu steak are the order of the day at this funky, buzzing spot located in a smart mall,” the inspector writes.
Open daily, noon-midnight; Galleria Mall, Al Wasl Road; 04 886 4966; www.goldfishsushiyakitori.com
Ibn AlBahr
The fresh Lebanese seafood dishes and nautical themes at this Club Vista Mare location won over inspectors’ hearts. Not to mention the “beautiful terrace with a great view of the beach”.
The food includes cold and hot mezze staples, salads and classic dishes with fish, including kebab, biryani and curry. There’s also a small kids’ menu.
"Head to the fresh fish counter to choose what you’d like to eat; simple yet delicious dishes let the ingredients speak for themselves," says the guide.
Open daily, 8am-midnight; Club Vista Mare, Palm Jumeirah; 04 553 9575; www.ibnalbahr.me
Indya by Vineet
Located at the Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa, Indya by Vineet serves "vibrant, modern Indian cooking".
The restaurant is located poolside at the hotel and serves a street food-style menu with "choices from the earth (vegetarian), land (meat) and sea". Indian chef Vineet Bhatia is behind the eatery.
Open daily from 12.30pm-3.30pm, 6pm-midnight; Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa; 04 399 5555; www.indya-dubai.com
Kinoya
Buzzing neighbourhood eatery Kinoya has an authentic izakaya feel. Started by chef Neha Mishra in The Greens, there are five ramen varieties on the Japanese menu, alongside sushi, sashimi, robata and tempura.
"Ingredients are good quality, cooking is careful, prices, low and flavours, delicious," says the guide.
Loyal patrons will know to watch out for a rotating specials, often created with seasonal ingredients.
Open Tuesday to Sunday, noon-1am; The Onyx Tower 2, The Greens, Dubai; 04 548 6776; kinoya.ae
Ninive
A chic eatery at Jumeirah Emirates Towers, the design of Ninive reflects the style of a Bedouin tent, with low-lighting care of lanterns, plush rugs, low tables and cosy sofa seating. The guide describes menu highlights as "well-priced dishes from all over the Middle East and North Africa".
The cuisine spans the Middle East and North Africa, with influences from Iran, Iraq, Turkey and Morocco, offering a taste of the "region’s culinary history" created using modern techniques.
Open Sunday to Thursday, 6pm-2am, Friday and Saturday, 6pm-3am; Jumeirah Emirates Towers; 04 326 6105; www.ninive.ae
Orfali Bros
Orfali Bros is a modern, minimalist bistro in Jumeirah 1's wasl 51. It is the kind of place chefs like to eat, including folly's Nick Alvis. "They're doing some really cool stuff and I love the food," Alvis has previously told The National. The menu is an exercise in boundary-pushing, experimenting with taste, textures and ingredients to create something unique, from red umami prawns to fluffy pides in various creative flavours.
Open daily, noon-midnight; wasl 51, Jumeirah 1, Dubai; 04 259 2477, www.orfalibros.com
Reif Japanese Kushiyaki
The casual-dining concept in Jumeirah is helmed by chef Reif Othman with a focus on kushiyaki — Japanese grilled meat and poultry held together on a kushi (skewer). Aside from the chicken and beef skewers, there are also clay pots, ramen, gunkan sushi, gyoza and raw dishes to be had. A star dishes section reads like chef Othman's greatest hits, with wings, angel hair pasta, steamed bun burgers and Wagyu sandos.
Open Monday to Thursday, noon-11pm; Friday, noon-midnight; Saturday and Sunday, 11am-midnight; dar wasl mall, Al Wasl Road, Dubai; 050 235 7071, www.reifkushiyaki.com
Shabestan
Deira restaurant Shabestan is synonymous with authentic Persian fare in Dubai. Located in the Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek, it has been run by one family for three generations.
With views overlooking Dubai Creek, the menu features classic Persian dishes, with grilled meats, fish and vegetables, including a selection of authentic starters.
Open Wednesday to Monday, noon-11pm, Tuesdays from 12.30pm-11pm; Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek; 04 222 7171
Teible
New to the Dubai food scene, Teible opened its doors in February at the Jameel Arts Centre.
The brainchild of entrepreneur Peter Ahn, Teible aims to offer a vibrant menu designed around an increasingly important eat-local philosophy, which is motivated by a four-pillar value system: sustainability, seasonality, simplicity and integrity.
Fresh produce takes centre stage at Teible, with executive chef Carlos Frunze working closely with farmers across the UAE. A home-grown food-for-thought concept in every sense of the expression, Teible takes diners not only on a culinary journey, but also an intellectual one of curiosity, surprise, experimentation and awe.
The guide notes that the menus "showcase seasonal, local — and occasionally fermented — ingredients in great value dishes".
Open Wednesday to Monday, 8am-4pm and 6pm-11pm; Jameel Arts Centre, Jaddaf Waterfront, Dubai; 04 243 6683; www.teible.com
Scroll through the gallery below to see the Michelin Guide event in Dubai
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
Company profile
Name: Tratok Portal
Founded: 2017
Based: UAE
Sector: Travel & tourism
Size: 36 employees
Funding: Privately funded
UAE SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Ali Khaseif, Fahad Al Dhanhani, Mohammed Al Shamsi, Adel Al Hosani
Defenders: Bandar Al Ahbabi, Shaheen Abdulrahman, Walid Abbas, Mahmoud Khamis, Mohammed Barghash, Khalifa Al Hammadi, Hassan Al Mahrami, Yousef Jaber, Mohammed Al Attas
Midfielders: Ali Salmeen, Abdullah Ramadan, Abdullah Al Naqbi, Majed Hassan, Abdullah Hamad, Khalfan Mubarak, Khalil Al Hammadi, Tahnoun Al Zaabi, Harib Abdallah, Mohammed Jumah
Forwards: Fabio De Lima, Caio Canedo, Ali Saleh, Ali Mabkhout, Sebastian Tagliabue
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
Timeline
2012-2015
The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East
May 2017
The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts
September 2021
Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act
October 2021
Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence
December 2024
Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group
May 2025
The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan
July 2025
The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan
August 2025
Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision
October 2025
Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange
November 2025
180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
COMPANY PROFILE
Founders: Sebastian Stefan, Sebastian Morar and Claudia Pacurar
Based: Dubai, UAE
Founded: 2014
Number of employees: 36
Sector: Logistics
Raised: $2.5 million
Investors: DP World, Prime Venture Partners and family offices in Saudi Arabia and the UAE
Wicked: For Good
Director: Jon M Chu
Starring: Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Ethan Slater
Rating: 4/5
Tell-tale signs of burnout
- loss of confidence and appetite
- irritability and emotional outbursts
- sadness
- persistent physical ailments such as headaches, frequent infections and fatigue
- substance abuse, such as smoking or drinking more
- impaired judgement
- excessive and continuous worrying
- irregular sleep patterns
Tips to help overcome burnout
Acknowledge how you are feeling by listening to your warning signs. Set boundaries and learn to say ‘no’
Do activities that you want to do as well as things you have to do
Undertake at least 30 minutes of exercise per day. It releases an abundance of feel-good hormones
Find your form of relaxation and make time for it each day e.g. soothing music, reading or mindful meditation
Sleep and wake at the same time every day, even if your sleep pattern was disrupted. Without enough sleep condition such as stress, anxiety and depression can thrive.
Ads on social media can 'normalise' drugs
A UK report on youth social media habits commissioned by advocacy group Volteface found a quarter of young people were exposed to illegal drug dealers on social media.
The poll of 2,006 people aged 16-24 assessed their exposure to drug dealers online in a nationally representative survey.
Of those admitting to seeing drugs for sale online, 56 per cent saw them advertised on Snapchat, 55 per cent on Instagram and 47 per cent on Facebook.
Cannabis was the drug most pushed by online dealers, with 63 per cent of survey respondents claiming to have seen adverts on social media for the drug, followed by cocaine (26 per cent) and MDMA/ecstasy, with 24 per cent of people.
Recent winners
2002 Giselle Khoury (Colombia)
2004 Nathalie Nasralla (France)
2005 Catherine Abboud (Oceania)
2007 Grace Bijjani (Mexico)
2008 Carina El-Keddissi (Brazil)
2009 Sara Mansour (Brazil)
2010 Daniella Rahme (Australia)
2011 Maria Farah (Canada)
2012 Cynthia Moukarzel (Kuwait)
2013 Layla Yarak (Australia)
2014 Lia Saad (UAE)
2015 Cynthia Farah (Australia)
2016 Yosmely Massaad (Venezuela)
2017 Dima Safi (Ivory Coast)
2018 Rachel Younan (Australia)
Pharaoh's curse
British aristocrat Lord Carnarvon, who funded the expedition to find the Tutankhamun tomb, died in a Cairo hotel four months after the crypt was opened.
He had been in poor health for many years after a car crash, and a mosquito bite made worse by a shaving cut led to blood poisoning and pneumonia.
Reports at the time said Lord Carnarvon suffered from “pain as the inflammation affected the nasal passages and eyes”.
Decades later, scientists contended he had died of aspergillosis after inhaling spores of the fungus aspergillus in the tomb, which can lie dormant for months. The fact several others who entered were also found dead withiin a short time led to the myth of the curse.
The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre twin-turbo flat-six
Power: 480hp at 6,500rpm
Torque: 570Nm from 2,300-5,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch auto
Fuel consumption: 10.4L/100km
Price: from Dh547,600
On sale: now
Pakistanis%20at%20the%20ILT20%20
%3Cp%3EThe%20new%20UAE%20league%20has%20been%20boosted%20this%20season%20by%20the%20arrival%20of%20five%20Pakistanis%2C%20who%20were%20not%20released%20to%20play%20last%20year.%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%0D%0D%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EShaheen%20Afridi%20(Desert%20Vipers)%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3ESet%20for%20at%20least%20four%20matches%2C%20having%20arrived%20from%20New%20Zealand%20where%20he%20captained%20Pakistan%20in%20a%20series%20loss.%20%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EShadab%20Khan%20(Desert%20Vipers)%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3E%0DThe%20leg-spin%20bowling%20allrounder%20missed%20the%20tour%20of%20New%20Zealand%20after%20injuring%20an%20ankle%20when%20stepping%20on%20a%20ball.%20%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EAzam%20Khan%20(Desert%20Vipers)%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EPowerhouse%20wicketkeeper%20played%20three%20games%20for%20Pakistan%20on%20tour%20in%20New%20Zealand.%20He%20was%20the%20first%20Pakistani%20recruited%20to%20the%20ILT20.%20%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EMohammed%20Amir%20(Desert%20Vipers)%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EHas%20made%20himself%20unavailable%20for%20national%20duty%2C%20meaning%20he%20will%20be%20available%20for%20the%20entire%20ILT20%20campaign.%20%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EImad%20Wasim%20(Abu%20Dhabi%20Knight%20Riders)%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EThe%20left-handed%20allrounder%2C%2035%2C%20retired%20from%20international%20cricket%20in%20November%20and%20was%20subsequently%20recruited%20by%20the%20Knight%20Riders.%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on
Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins
Read part one: how cars came to the UAE
Rocketman
Director: Dexter Fletcher
Starring: Taron Egerton, Richard Madden, Jamie Bell
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
The President's Cake
Director: Hasan Hadi
Starring: Baneen Ahmad Nayyef, Waheed Thabet Khreibat, Sajad Mohamad Qasem
Rating: 4/5
6.30pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-3 Group 1 (PA) | US$95,000 | (Dirt) 2,000m
7.05pm: Meydan Classic Listed (TB) ) | $175,000) | (Turf) 1,600m
7.40pm: Handicap (TB) ) | $135,000 ) | (D) 1,600m
8.15pm: Nad Al Sheba Trophy Group 3 (TB) ) | $300,000) | (T) 2,810m
8.50pm: Curlin Handicap Listed (TB)) | $160,000) | (D) 2,000m
9.25pm: Handicap (TB)) | $175,000) | (T) 1,400m
10pm: Handicap (TB) ) | $135,000 ) | (T) 2,000m
Five personal finance podcasts from The National
To help you get started, tune into these Pocketful of Dirham episodes
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Balance is essential to happiness, health and wealth
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What is a portfolio stress test?
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What are NFTs and why are auction houses interested?
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How gamers are getting rich by earning cryptocurrencies
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Should you buy or rent a home in the UAE?
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
INDIA SQUAD
Rohit Sharma (captain), Shikhar Dhawan (vice-captain), KL Rahul, Suresh Raina, Manish Pandey, Dinesh Karthik (wicketkeeper), Deepak Hooda, Washington Sundar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Axar Patel, Vijay Shankar, Shardul Thakur, Jaydev Unadkat, Mohammad Siraj and Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper)
COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3ECompany%20name%3A%20Znap%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EStarted%3A%202017%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EFounder%3A%20Uday%20Rathod%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EBased%3A%20Dubai%2C%20UAE%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EIndustry%3A%20FinTech%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EFunding%20size%3A%20%241m%2B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EInvestors%3A%20Family%2C%20friends%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
