Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara has officially announced the return of the Al Baleed Culinary Festival for its landmark fifth edition this November 2026. As Salalah’s premier gastronomic event, the month-long celebration promises to be a global gathering of culinary excellence, bringing together Michelin-recognised chefs, international culinary icons, and the finest local Omani talent for a series of exclusive dining experiences.
Supported by prominent partners including Experience Oman, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Dhofar Municipality, and luxury perfume house Amouage, the 2026 festival is set to be the most ambitious yet. The program features seven signature dinner dates, immersive artisan pastry showcases, and a unique series of collaborative menus that fuse global techniques with the rich, storied traditions of Omani cuisine.
The festival’s international headliners include Chef Osman Sezener of the Michelin-starred OD Urla in Turkey, celebrated for his sustainable, farm-to-table approach, and Frankie Wong, recipient of the MICHELIN Guide Young Chef Award 2025. Wong is expected to headline the opening events with his signature blend of French refinement and Asian influence.
“The festival is more than just a series of meals; it is a platform for creative exchange,” says the resort’s leadership. This year’s edition places a heavy emphasis on the “Minor Hotels” network, uniting culinary voices from across Oman. Notable collaborations include joint efforts between the resort’s own Chef Ammar Al Harthi and Chef Khalood Abdullah Jamaan Khazana, and visiting talent from Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort and Tivoli La Vie Muscat.
A major highlight of this year’s festivities is the integration of the resort’s 10th-anniversary celebrations. On November 7, guests will be treated to a deep dive into Dhofari heritage with a traditional Omani dinner paired with authentic live cultural entertainment. Later in the month, Chef Nouel Catis, the visionary behind the viral Dubai Chocolate phenomenon, returns to host an exclusive artisan pastry stand at Al Mina, reimagining local Omani ingredients through a contemporary lens.
European expertise will also take center stage as Chef Marco Van Rutten, winner of the 2026 Minor Hotels Europe & Americas Chef Masters League, brings his award-winning creativity from Amsterdam’s MICHELIN-starred The White Room to the shores of Salalah.
With pricing ranging from OMR 25 to OMR 40 per person for signature dinners, the festival offers an accessible way for food enthusiasts to embark on a sophisticated culinary journey. Whether through individual event bookings or comprehensive dining packages, guests are invited to explore the intersection of international haute cuisine and the authentic flavors of the Sultanate.
Reservations are now open, with full details available at the resort’s official website. As the festival approaches, Salalah is once again poised to cement its reputation as a burgeoning hub for global gastronomy.
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