Registrations are still open for the What's On Saudi Arabia Awards 2026
It’s time…
We’re back, and we’re bigger and better than ever. In case you missed it, just last month we announced that the What’s On Saudi Arabia Awards are headed back to Riyadh in September for its fourth edition. And we’re here to remind you that registrations for the What’s On Saudi Arabia Awards 2026 are still open, though that may not be the case much longer.
So now’s your chance to nominate and register your outlets to be part of this landmark event. Taking place once again at the JW Marriott Riyadh, the What’s On Saudi Arabia Awards shine a spotlight on the masterminds behind the Kingdom’s favourite restaurants, cafes, hotels, gigs, and beyond.
Really, it’s all about giving credit where credit is due and championing the heavyweights that make the country such an amazing place to live. The best part? 48 of the 52 categories this year (impressive, we know) will be selected solely by public votes. The winners are selected by the people visiting the restaurants day in and day out, making it the perfect chance to see where you stand when it comes to Saudi diners.
What’s On Saudi Arabia Awards 2026 registrations: The process
Not to toot our own horns, but we throw quite the showstopping party. The evening is one of the most glamorous and most sought-after events on the industry calendar, and right now, you still have time to have your outlets acknowledged for their greatness and have some fun while you do so.
As we said, registrations for the What’s On Saudi Arabia Awards 2026 are still open and cost SAR345 per venue, plus a discount when you register more outlets (the more outlets, the bigger the discount).
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 is opening this month. If you want your venue to be in with the cool kids and have 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 in September. It will be here that the winners of those coveted trophies will be announced.
The categories
Each year, we expand the category list to include the best and brightest of the Kingdom’s extensive dining scene. 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 true testament to the accelerated growth in the Eastern Province, Jeddah, AlUla, and even the Red Sea.
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 wanted a slice of the action too.
Completing the line-up are four coveted Editor’s Choice Awards, or as we lovingly call them, the Grand Prix Awards, handpicked by the editorial team. These include: 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.
Key dates
May 2026: Registrations open
June 2026: Voting opens
July 2026: Registrations and voting close
August 2026: Shortlist announced, and tables go on sale
September 2026: Awards Ceremony
Whether you’re a long-standing favourite or a newcomer making waves, this is your chance to be recognised among the Kingdom’s best.
For all the details and to register your venue, visit whatsonsaudiarabia.com/events/awards and riyadh.platinumlist.net.
Best of luck; may the odds be ever in your favour!
