By caterermiddleeast

Week Highlights Fusion of Cultural Authenticity with Global Culinary Standards

This week, Saudi Arabia’s F&B scene highlights a fusion of heritage, innovation with global collaboration.

Red Sea Global unveiled Shura Links, the Kingdom’s first island golf course, introducing a new dimension to luxury with leisure tourism on Shura Island. In Riyadh, NOMAS debuted at the Marriott Diplomatic Quarter, celebrating Saudi heritage through a fine dining experience led by an all-female management team.

The Saudi Culinary Arts Commission announced a partnership with Gault&Millau to launch the Yellow Guide in 2026, setting a new culinary benchmark for local chefs with restaurants.

Meanwhile, Tashas Group prepares to open its first Saudi café in KAFD, combining thoughtfully designed spaces, a bespoke menu with handcrafted beverages that reflect Riyadh’s growing appetite for premium dining experiences.

Saudi Arabia’s First Island Golf Course Has Officially Opened

Red Sea Global (RSG) has announced the opening of Shura Links, Saudi Arabia’s first island golf course, located on Shura Island at The Red Sea. Designed by Brian Curley, managed by Golf Saudi, the par-72, 7,400-yard course is shaped around mangroves, dunes with coastal terrain, guided by RSG’s regenerative tourism principles.

The development includes a beachfront clubhouse with dining, retail with leisure spaces, alongside a family-friendly putting course with professional coaching facilities. H.E. Yasir Al-Rumayyan described Shura Links as a landmark achievement aligning with Vision 2030, while RSG CEO John Pagano called it a new benchmark for golf with sustainable tourism.

Shura Links opens as Shura Island prepares to welcome its first guests, with upcoming hotel launches including SLS, EDITION with InterContinental. The project reinforces Saudi Arabia’s goal of becoming a global destination for sport, luxury tourism with environmentally conscious development.

New Saudi Fine Dining Concept NOMAS Debuts in Riyadh

NOMAS has opened at the Marriott Riyadh Diplomatic Quarter, introducing a fine dining concept that celebrates Saudi heritage through cuisine with design. Interiors created by Saudi designer Ghadeer Ashour, the design features locally inspired details, including hand-stitched lamps by women artisans in Jeddah with bespoke cutlery that narrates regional stories.

Led by an all-female management team, chef Ahad Alghamdi with outlets manager Ebtisam Alkhaulif, NOMAS aims to highlight the role of Saudi women in hospitality while redefining fine dining through authenticity with cultural depth. The menu traces the Kingdom’s regions, featuring dishes such as Hail Kebiba, Ocean Sayaadih with a signature Najdi lamb shoulder with Hassawi rice.

Blending tradition with innovation, NOMAS positions Saudi cuisine on the global stage, offering a refined yet heartfelt dining experience that preserves heritage while embracing international standards.

Gault & Millau Enters Saudi Market

The Saudi Culinary Arts Commission, under the Ministry of Culture, has partnered with Gault&Millau to launch the renowned Yellow Guide in Saudi Arabia for the first time, supported by Hospitality Services Middle East (HSME). Announced during the Cultural Investment Conference, the collaboration aims to establish an international culinary benchmark while promoting Saudi chefs, preserving traditions with showcasing the Kingdom’s gastronomic diversity.

The inaugural 350-page guide will debut in January 2026, covering Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, AlUla with Abha, with restaurant reviews, chef profiles with regional highlights. A digital platform with annual awards gala will accompany the launch.

Tashas Breaks Saudi Ground with First Café in Riyadh

Tashas Group will make its Saudi debut this October with the opening of tashas KAFD in partnership with Janiya, located in Riyadh’s King Abdullah Financial District. Founded by Natasha Sideris, the café embodies the brand’s premium casual dining ethos, combining design-led interiors with fresh, made-to-order food.

Marble, Oak Interiors Transition Seamlessly from Breakfast to Dinner

The venue features a calm, marble with oak-lined setting designed to transition seamlessly from breakfast to dinner. Culinary director Jill Okkers has developed a bespoke Night Menu with expanded dessert offering, alongside tashas classics such as the Texas Salad with Parmesan, Couscous Crusted Chicken.

Non-alcoholic beverages include handcrafted creations like fruit mojitos, Turkish Delight blends with creamy piña coladas. With Riyadh’s largest cake display offering over 25 varieties, tashas KAFD aims to become a dining destination for both business with leisure, reflecting the brand’s focus on quality, comfort with community within Saudi Arabia’s evolving culinary landscape.

Original Article:

Caterer Middle East. (2025). From Red Sea openings to Riyadh’s rising dining culture. Caterer Middle East. Retrieved from https://www.caterermiddleeast.com/saudi-arabia/red-sea-openings-riyadh-dining-culture-saudis-biggest-fb-stories-this-week