Saudi’s new rules: Fine dining to look different now

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Saudi Arabia has introduced a series of new regulations aimed at transforming the fine dining landscape and boosting transparency in food services, in line with its broader goals to attract investment, enhance the hospitality environment, and promote healthier lifestyle choices.

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The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has issued updated guidelines to organise fine dining operations across Saudi Arabia. Under the new rules, high-end restaurants must now deliver a complete table service experience, including greeting guests at the entrance, escorting them to their tables, and providing valet parking, a Saudi Gazette report said.

In a move to elevate the dining atmosphere, the regulations enforce a dress code policy, prohibit visible cashier counters, and strictly ban drive-thru services at fine dining establishments. The ministry emphasised that the overall “experience” is central to luxury dining and cannot be replicated through fast service or exterior windows.

Full table service and exclusivity requirements

Restaurants are now required to implement a digital reservation system, offer visible beverage preparation stations, and maintain a channel for customer complaints. Menus must include at least three main categories, appetizers, main courses, and desserts, with a minimum of five items in total.

Additional standards mandate the employment of a certified food health and safety specialist, the provision of coat hangers and bag holders, and the allocation of a concealed area for pickup orders from delivery apps to ensure they remain out of sight from guests. The regulations further limit restaurant chains to a single branch per city to preserve exclusivity and brand identity.

All fine dining establishments must register their trademarks with the relevant Saudi authorities to protect their visual identity and enhance local and global brand recognition. The ministry stated that these measures aim to uphold the highest levels of hospitality while ensuring a distinct customer journey aligned with the country’s efforts to boost tourism and lifestyle offerings.

SFDA targets transparency in food information

In a related development, the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) announced the implementation of new technical regulations to enhance transparency and consumer health in food services. Effective July 1, 2025, food establishments will be required to display detailed nutritional information on all physical and online menus, including on food delivery platforms.

Restaurants must now place a “saltshaker” icon next to meals high in sodium, disclose the caffeine content of beverages, and indicate the estimated time needed to burn off the calories consumed from a meal. The SFDA noted that these initiatives aim to empower consumers to make informed decisions, promote healthier food choices, and support a balanced lifestyle by helping customers monitor their salt and caffeine intake, a Saudi Press Agency report conveyed.

Supporting healthier choices across Saudi Arabia

According to the World Health Organisation, adults are advised to limit sodium intake to no more than 5 grams of salt per day, while caffeine intake should not exceed 400mg daily for adults and 200mg for pregnant women.

The SFDA emphasized that these regulations will contribute to raising public health awareness and align with Saudi Arabia’s efforts to improve the quality of life for residents and visitors, ensuring that dining experiences across Saudi Arabia meet international health and safety standards while maintaining transparency for consumers.