The Michelin Guide Dubai annual ceremony is being postponed as the effects of the Iran war continue to affect major events across the Gulf region. The restaurant rating organisation has confirmed that a revised date has not yet been announced. The delay is being seen as another sign of how regional instability is being felt across hospitality, tourism, aviation and live events.
Michelin Guide Dubai stated that the postponement had been taken as a careful and necessary decision. The organisation noted that the regional conflict had created wider implications for the industry and that resilience and adaptability were being required from restaurants and event organisers. Michelin Guide Dubai also acknowledged the contribution of the emirate’s restaurant community and said its achievements would be celebrated soon.
The annual Michelin Guide Dubai ceremony is regarded as an important event for the emirate’s dining sector. Michelin stars and Bib Gourmand distinctions are awarded to restaurants across Dubai, making the event significant for chefs, restaurateurs and hospitality investors. The postponement is therefore expected to be closely watched by Dubai’s food and beverage industry.
The delay has been announced as several GCC events are being rescheduled or cancelled because of the continuing impact of the Iran war. Arabian Travel Market, which had originally been planned for May 2026, has been moved to September 2026. Cruise sailings and Formula One races in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain were also cancelled earlier this year.
Aviation operations in the Middle East have also been affected. British Airways, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Swiss International Air Lines and Cathay Pacific have extended changes to their Middle East services into the summer season. These adjustments indicate that the impact of the regional conflict is continuing across travel and tourism.
Restaurant guide operators, however, are continuing to expand across the Gulf. Gault&Millau recently launched its first Saudi Arabia guide, recognising 250 restaurants across Riyadh, Jeddah, AlUla, Dammam and Abha. The launch made Saudi Arabia the second GCC market after the United Arab Emirates to receive an annual Gault&Millau guide.