Saudi Arabia’s Fine Dining Market Grows Fast
Saudi Arabia’s luxury dining sector is growing fast under Vision 2030. New restaurant rules boost jobs, culture, and tourism.
Saudi Arabia’s Fine Dining Boom Fuels Economic and Cultural Growth
RIYADH Saudi Arabia is seeing a major transformation in its food and hospitality scene, with high-end restaurants becoming a powerful part of the Kingdom’s cultural and economic revival.
In July, the government introduced new regulations for luxury restaurants, officially giving fine dining its own category. These rules are meant to improve service, ensure food safety, and attract top global and local restaurant brands.
Under the rules, luxury restaurants must offer only table service, have no cashier counters, and maintain strict standards for kitchen cleanliness and staff areas. There are also limits on how many branches each luxury brand can have in one city.
“This new system helps restaurants grow while keeping quality high,” said Patrick Samaha, a partner at Kearney Middle East. “It supports Vision 2030’s goal of turning Saudi cities into global tourism and lifestyle destinations.”
Growing Market and Global Attention
Saudi Arabia’s food service market is expected to grow from $30.12 billion in 2025 to $44.67 billion by 2030, according to research firm Mordor Intelligence.
Major global brands like COYA and Le Petit Chef have recently entered the Saudi market. Meanwhile, local entrepreneurs are launching restaurants that mix Saudi heritage with modern flavors.
“The industry is attracting top chefs and investors,” said Alexander Sysoev, founder of the international restaurant guide GreatList. “It’s not just about food it’s about identity, jobs, and tourism.”
Vision 2030 and Saudi Talent
Saudi Arabia’s national development plan, Vision 2030, is helping support homegrown culinary talent through training programs and incubators.
“Over 4,500 Saudis were trained in hospitality and cooking in 2025 alone,” said Samaha. “This new talent is creating Saudi dining brands that reflect local stories.”
Ahmad Al-Zaini, CEO of restaurant tech platform Foodics, noted that fine dining is also driving innovation in restaurant technology and operations.
“We’ve seen more restaurants wanting analytics, smart kitchens, and premium guest experiences,” he said.
Fine Dining Reshapes Cities
Luxury restaurants are also changing city landscapes. Districts like King Abdullah Financial District in Riyadh and Jeddah’s Corniche are integrating signature dining spots into premium real estate.
“This shift is creating jobs not only for chefs and waiters, but also for people in logistics, supply chains, and tech,” said Elena Caron, corporate services director at Fragomen.
She added that businesses must also follow stricter labor and sourcing laws.
“It’s not optional following the rules protects the brand and builds trust with customers.”
A New Culinary Identity
Saudi Arabia’s food culture is evolving fast. Events like Layali Diriyah and the Riyadh Food Art Festival are turning food into a form of storytelling.
“Fine dining is no longer just about luxury,” said Sysoev. “It’s about building something unique that reflects Saudi culture. The country isn’t copying global trends anymore it’s setting its own.”
Quick Facts Box
| Key Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| New regulation | Luxury restaurants classified, stricter rules |
| Market size (2025) | $30.12 billion |
| Projected market (2030) | $44.67 billion |
| Vision 2030 goal | Boost tourism, culture, and local entrepreneurship |
| Job growth (2025) | 15% increase in F&B jobs |
| Global brands in KSA | COYA, Le Petit Chef, others |
| Local initiatives | Culinary incubators, training for 4,500 Saudis |
| Key cities | Riyadh and Jeddah leading fine dining boom |
Image / Video Credit Lines
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Credit: Reuters / Ahmed Yosri
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Credit: Saudi Press Agency (SPA) / Handout
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Credit: Foodics / Supplied
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