Voting is now live for the What's On Saudi Arabia Awards 2026
Time to show your favourites some love
It’s no secret that What’s On is the trusted source for discovering the very best things to do in Saudi Arabia.
But we’re always keen to know the places that you, our brilliant readers, love to go, which is why we’re now inviting you to cast your votes for the What’s On Saudi Arabia Awards 2026.
Taking place at an exciting ceremony at JW Marriott Hotel Riyadh on Tuesday September 15, we’ll be crowning the best restaurants, hotels, attractions, and much more across Riyadh and the wider Kingdom. But we can’t do it without your help. We need your valuable opinion to help us award the crème de la crème of the country.
So, what are you waiting for? Make sure to head here to vote now.
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.
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 are decided solely by public vote. But we couldn’t let you have all of the fun.
Completing the awards categories are four coveted Editor’s Choice Awards, which will be handpicked by the editorial team. These are Homegrown Restaurant of the Year, Newcomer of the Year, Restaurant of the Year and the newly introduced Chef of the Year.
You can view the full list of categories here.
Venue registration
If you are a F&B professional, or know of a restaurant that you want to register, registrations are still open. You’re encouraged to register now via platinumlist.net.
Read all about the registration process here.
