Michelin Guide to launch in Dubai this year

The Michelin Guide is to launch in Dubai and will unveil its first selection of restaurants in June.

In an announcement, the red book said the city has "a very interesting dining culture", offering "authentic Emirati and Middle Eastern cuisines and international dining options fronted by world-renowned chefs".

It will be the 36th area covered by Michelin, which has a presence in North America, South America, Asia Pacific and Europe.

The guide will award stars and Bib Gourmands, which are given to venues that provide good value for money on a three-course meal.

"Our team of inspectors is already on the field, in order to prepare the first selection of restaurants, which will be revealed in June." said Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the Michelin Guides.

"We will be showcasing the best of Dubai's gastronomy, to reflect not just the sophistication that the city is famed for, but also the wide diversity of cuisines that the city's location and history provide."

Michelin has been rumoured to be expanding to Dubai for several years, after its former international director Michael Ellis said in 2016 in Time Out Dubai that it was "only a matter of time" before it moved into the market.

Dubai has historically attracted high-profile international chefs to open restaurants, though the venues have often been short-lived. UK chefs including Nathan Outlaw, Heston Blumenthal and the Galvin brothers have previously opened and closed restaurants in the city.

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