The FACT Dining Awards Abu Dhabi is back, bringing together the capital’s leading restaurants and chefs for a celebration at Ilios.
Having spent the last decade dining across the capital, FACT has become the authority on eating out in the capital. This year, we will celebrate the best restaurants in the UAE capital at the 12th FACT Dining Awards in Abu Dhabi.
The annual awards will once again bring together the city’s most exciting restaurants, chefs, restaurateurs and industry leaders for an evening dedicated to excellence, creativity and hospitality. The winners will be revealed during an invite-only ceremony at Ilios Restaurant on Thursday, 22 October 2026. During the evening, FACT will present 47 awards across 24 categories and cover more than 200 nominees. Eligible nominees will be contacted with details regarding the exclusive event.
What makes the FACT Dining Awards different is its dual voting system. Each category features two winners: Best and Favourite. The Best award is selected by FACT’s editorial team and a panel of independent industry experts, while the Favourite award is decided by public vote. Together, they reflect both critical acclaim and genuine audience affection, highlighting the restaurants that impress the industry and connect with diners.
The public vote runs until 9 October 2026. You can cast your votes here, and we actively encourage you to choose your favourite restaurants across the capital.
The list of awards:
- Breakfast
- Cafe
- Afternoon Tea
- International
- Beach/Pool Bar
- Pub
- Bar
- Outdoor Dining
- Fusion
- Seafood
- Pan Asian
- Latin American
- European
- Middle Eastern & North African
- Steakhouse
- French
- Indian
- Italian
- Japanese
- Saturday Brunch
- Homegrown
- Emirati Restaurant
- Newcomer
- Restaurant Of The Year 2026
Initially launched in 2009, the FACT Dining Awards aim to bring greater legitimacy and authenticity to the recognition of excellence in the dining industry. Over the years, the FACT Dining Awards have become one of the region’s most trusted culinary accolades. Launched to champion the very best in food and beverage, the awards have grown across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar and London. The celebrations do not stop there, as FACT will also launch the FACT Dining Awards Singapore in 2027, marking an exciting new chapter for the brand in Asia.
For sponsorship enquiries, please contact edward@factmagazines.com
Contact: https://diningawards.factmagazines.com