{
  "id": 14590391,
  "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",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-15T02:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National Business",
    "slug": "the-national-business",
    "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 2026 Michelin Guide Dubai has sparked controversy due to the recognition of 11 restaurants that were closed at the time. Enas Refaei and Farah Andrews discuss the reaction to this year's prestigious list in their latest episode of Culture Bites. Michelin has awarded stars to two new venues this year, while Orfali Bros has been upgraded from one to two stars. However, questions have been raised about how so many restaurants with halted operations could receive Michelin accolades.\n\nEnas and Farah reflect on the challenges faced by the hospitality sector since the start of 2026, attributed to disruption caused by the regional conflict. They acknowledge Michelin's decision, which has provided some relief for restaurateurs navigating these difficult circumstances. In addition to the Michelin Guide, the hosts also touch on the regional films submitted for the Best International Feature category at next year's Oscars. Enas shares her thoughts on the Algerian horror film Roqia, while Farah discusses Lebanon's heist thriller Furies, which draws inspiration from the country's banking crisis. They delve into how Arabic cinema has expanded its genres over the years, featuring submissions that span romance, documentaries, and films exploring mental health.",
  "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": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The National UAE",
        "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",
        "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."
}