The FACT Dining Awards Abu Dhabi returned for its twelfth edition, celebrating the capital’s leading restaurants at Ilios Restaurant on Hudayriyat Island.
The FACT Dining Awards Abu Dhabi returned for its twelfth edition, celebrating the capital’s leading restaurants at Ilios Restaurant on Hudayriyat Island.
23 October 2026, Abu Dhabi, UAE – The twelfth annual FACT Dining Awards Abu Dhabi took place on Thursday, 22 October 2026, bringing together the capital’s hospitality industry for an evening celebrating culinary excellence.
Hosted at Ilios Restaurant on Hudayriyat Island, the 2026 ceremony saw 47 awards presented across 24 categories, recognising the achievements of more than 200 nominated restaurants. Public engagement reached a new high, with more than 55,000 unique online votes cast throughout the voting period.
Around 350 guests attended the event, including leading general managers, F&B directors, chefs, restaurateurs, marketing and public relations professionals, industry figures and content creators. Guests enjoyed an evening of canapés, free-flowing drinks and entertainment while celebrating the people and venues shaping Abu Dhabi’s increasingly diverse dining scene.
Now in its twelfth year, the FACT Dining Awards Abu Dhabi has become an established fixture on the capital’s hospitality calendar, recognising restaurants ranging from internationally renowned hotel concepts to independent and homegrown success stories.
Edward Smith, Publishing Director of FACT Magazine FZ LLC, reflected on the continued growth of the awards: “It’s hard to believe we’re now in our twelfth year with the FACT Dining Awards in the UAE capital. Abu Dhabi’s food scene has expanded rapidly, and we are thrilled to recognise both new venues and established classics at this event, which has become a key date on the city’s hospitality calendar.”
He added: “We are deeply honoured to host another successful event that has become the definitive platform for recognising excellence across Abu Dhabi’s food and beverage sector.”
David Tapley, Editor-in-Chief of FACT Magazine, said: “Abu Dhabi has developed into one of the region’s most exciting dining destinations, with established restaurants continuing to raise their game while ambitious new concepts bring fresh energy to the capital. What makes the FACT Dining Awards particularly meaningful is that they combine the voice of our readers with the knowledge and experience of our editorial team and independent industry experts. The result is a celebration that genuinely reflects the strength, diversity and continued evolution of Abu Dhabi’s restaurant scene.”
Smith also thanked the nominees, winners, guests and sponsors who contributed to the success of the 2026 event, including African + Eastern, Crystal Corp, Dibba Bay Oysters, Great Wall, Icon XB Wagyu. Ilios Restaurant, Julius Meinl, Lyre’s, OmnyCom, Pristine Caviar, Reach Food Group, Roc4Life, Sama Luxury Catering, Selfie Snaps, Tablier, The Acai Spot and Transmed.
The FACT Dining Awards recognise excellence across the food and beverage industry through a combination of editorial expertise and public participation. Each category features two accolades: BEST, the critics’ choice determined by the FACT editorial team together with an independent panel of industry experts, and FAVOURITE, decided through an online public vote.
Among the most significant honours of the evening was Best Newcomer, awarded to blue at Mamsha Al Saadiyat, while Berenjak Abu Dhabi in Al Bateen was named Favourite Newcomer.
The coveted Restaurant of the Year title was presented to NIRI Restaurant & Bar, cementing its position among the capital’s leading dining destinations.
The evening also recognised restaurants located within some of Abu Dhabi’s most prestigious five-star hotels, including Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Rosewood Abu Dhabi and The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, alongside celebrated homegrown concepts such as Antonia and Marmellata.
The celebrations extended beyond Hudayriyat Island, with guests, restaurants and hospitality professionals sharing moments from the ceremony across Instagram and TikTok. The FACT team also provided behind-the-scenes coverage throughout the evening via @factauh
The Abu Dhabi ceremony forms part of a growing international programme of FACT Dining Awards. Next month will see the tenth annual FACT Dining Awards Dubai, followed by the fourth FACT Dining Awards Riyadh in Saudi Arabia.
FACT Dining Awards programmes are also held across Bahrain, London, Qatar and Singapore, reflecting the publication’s expanding international footprint.
About FACT Magazine
FACT Magazine is a leading lifestyle publication covering food, travel, arts, culture, entertainment and hospitality across key global markets. Through its digital platforms, social channels, events and awards programmes, FACT connects an engaged audience with the people, places and experiences shaping contemporary lifestyle.
The publication is also behind the FACT Dining Awards, an established programme recognising excellence across the food and beverage industry. The awards celebrate outstanding restaurants, chefs and hospitality teams through a combination of public voting, editorial expertise and independent industry insight. FACT Dining Awards events take place across multiple international cities and remain free for restaurants to enter, attend and win.
Media Contact:
David Tapley
Editor-in-Chief
+971 50 793 5724
The FACT Dining Awards remain free for restaurants to enter, attend and win, ensuring that recognition is based on merit, public support and critical opinion rather than commercial participation.
