{
  "id": 14587699,
  "title": "Michelin Guide Dubai: How have closed restaurants been awarded stars?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/15/michelin-guide-dubai-how-have-closed-restaurants-been-awarded-stars",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-15T02:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National UAE",
    "slug": "the-national-uae",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/podcasts/culture-bites/2026/10/15/michelin-guide-dubai-how-have-closed-restaurants-been-awarded-stars/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Michelin Guide Dubai has sparked controversy this year with its list of highly coveted starred venues. Two new restaurants received stars, while Orfali Bros was upgraded from one to two stars. However, over 10 restaurants on the list had closed operations during the period, raising questions about how they were awarded stars. Enas Refaei and Farah Andrews, hosts of Culture Bites, discussed the challenges faced by the hospitality sector due to regional conflict and disruption. They acknowledged Michelin's decision, which provided some relief for restaurateurs amidst these difficulties. The hosts also touched on regional films submitted for the Best International Feature category at next year's Oscars, including an Algerian horror film and a Lebanese heist thriller. They noted the diversification of Arabic cinema over the years, with submissions spanning various genres from romance to mental health documentaries.",
  "summary": "This week on Culture Bites , Enas Refaei and Farah Andrews discuss the reaction to this year’s Michelin Guide Dubai , which was not without controversy. The annual list awards highly coveted stars to the most impressive eateries in the emirate. Two new venues have been awarded stars this year, while Orfali Bros has been promoted from one to two stars. But some have questioned how more than 10…",
  "key_points": [
    "Two restaurants received stars despite closure during evaluation period.",
    "Michelin's decision provides relief for struggling restaurateurs.",
    "Regional films submitted for Best International Feature Oscars category."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Including defunct establishments in the latest guide provides essential relief for local restaurateurs struggling with regional conflict, even as the decision invites scrutiny regarding the accuracy of the star ratings.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The National Business",
        "title": "Michelin Guide Dubai: How have closed restaurants been awarded stars?",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/15/michelin-guide-dubai-how-have-closed-restaurants-been-awarded-stars-14590391",
        "published": "2026-10-15T02:00:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}