The What's On Saudi Arabia Awards returns for its fourth edition in 2026

Written by:
What's On
14th May 2026

**It’s time to register your favourites for What’s On’s leading restaurant, leisure and entertainment awards**

After another huge year of openings, launches and headline-making moments across Saudi Arabia, the What’s On Saudi Arabia Awards is officially returning in 2026, marking its fourth edition in the Kingdom.

Taking place once again at JW Marriott Riyadh, the glittering gala will be held on Tuesday September 15. And we’re excited to announce that registrations are now open.

What's On Saudi Arabia Awards 2025 winners

Spanning restaurants and cafés, hotels, attractions, salons and entertainment concepts, the awards celebrate the very best of Saudi Arabia’s ever-evolving lifestyle scene.

This year, the awards programme expands to 52 categories, with several new additions highlighting some of the Kingdom’s most exciting dining and leisure experiences.

What makes these awards special is that they are voted for by the public. That’s right, the winners of the What’s On Saudi Arabia Awards win because those who frequent them day in, day out genuinely believe they’re the best in their field.

If you’re new to the awards, or just need a friendly reminder, we’re sharing a complete guide to the format below. We’re also sharing a little insider info on what’s new this year.

The process

Registrations are now open, so if you are an F&B professional, know a restaurant that deserves to be recognised, or are in any way involved in the hospitality, entertainment, and leisure scene, all outlets are encouraged to sign up soon, ahead of the voting period. You’ll be able to register in the category or categories most suited to your venue or outlet via platinumlist.net.

Voting will then open in June. If you want your venue to be in with the best chance of winning, you’ll need to register ASAP.

Once the votes are in, we will welcome the country’s top local and international gastronomy and entertainment talents to a dazzling awards night on Tuesday September 15. It will be here that the winners of those coveted trophies will be announced.

The categories

This year, the awards have been expanded to include an impressive 52 categories, reflecting the many cuisines and experiences the Kingdom has to offer. The categories encompass restaurants, entertainment, and leisure categories across the wider Kingdom, a testament to the accelerated growth in the Eastern Province, Jeddah, AlUla, and even the Red Sea.

What's On Saudi Arabia Awards 2025

New for 2026 on the dining front are categories including Favourite Burger, Favourite Brunch & Beyond (created to spotlight standout independent concepts outside hotels), Favourite Shawarma, Favourite Deli and Favourite Bakehouse.

Riyadh’s restaurant scene will also receive more cuisine-specific recognition, with new categories for Favourite Indian, Favourite Latin American, Favourite Lebanese and Favourite Thai.

The leisure and entertainment section is also expanding, with new awards including Favourite Pool, Favourite Salon, Favourite Attraction, Favourite Sporting Event, Favourite Staycation and Favourite Beach Club in Jeddah.

Of the 52 categories, 48 will be selected solely by public votes. But, of course, we couldn’t let you have all of the fun.

Completing the line-up are four coveted Editor’s Choice Awards, handpicked by the editorial team: Homegrown Restaurant of the Year, Newcomer of the Year, Restaurant of the Year and the newly introduced Chef of the Year.

To view the full list of categories, please click here.