Al Baleed Culinary Festival 2026 runs 7‑28 November in Salalah
The fifth Al Baleed Culinary Festival will run from 7 to 28 November 2026 in Salalah, Oman, offering 22 days of dining events, eleven named chefs and a four‑day artisan pastry programme for visitors and food enthusiasts.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- Festival runs 7‑28 November 2026 with 22 days of events
- Timing
- Occurs from 7 November through 28 November 2026
- Who is affected
- Visitors to Salalah seeking culinary experiences
The details
- Announced by
- Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara
- Takes effect
- 7 to 28 November 2026
Festival Overview
The Al Baleed Culinary Festival returns for its fifth edition, spanning twenty‑two calendar days from 7 November to 28 November 2026. The event is hosted at Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara in the Dhofar region and brings together Omani culinary heritage with international dining concepts.
- Dates: 7‑28 November 2026
- Venue: Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara
- Eleven culinary professionals featured
Dining Programme and Prices
Seven signature dinner dates are scheduled, beginning with a traditional Omani four‑hands dinner at Sakalan on 7 November (OMR 25 per person, beverages excluded). Subsequent evenings at Mekong explore Asian fusion, European‑Asian collaborations and an Aegean‑inspired menu, with prices ranging from OMR 30 to OMR 40. A four‑day artisan pastry showcase runs from 25 to 28 November at Al Mina, priced at OMR 15 per cake stand.
- Dinner prices: OMR 25‑40 per person
- Pastry stand price: OMR 15 each
- Signature dinners on 7, 12, 13, 19, 20, 24, 27 November
Organisers and Supporters
The festival is organised by Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara and promoted on the Experience Oman tourism platform. Dhofar Municipality and the fragrance house Amouage are listed as supporters, underscoring local government and private sector involvement. International chefs from Türkiye, the Netherlands, Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates join Omani hospitality talent, creating a cross‑border culinary exchange.
While the programme highlights professional affiliations, the organiser has not released an official count of participating national delegations or cities.
- Organiser: Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara
- Promoted on Experience Oman
- Supporters: Dhofar Municipality, Amouage
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Travelers with existing Salalah bookings should ensure their stay covers 7‑28 November to attend desired events
- Consult the published schedule to select specific dinner dates or the pastry showcase
- Reservations are typically required for each signature dinner; contact the venue directly
- The artisan pastry programme occurs 25‑28 November, so plan a visit during the final week
Cost and documents
- Dinner prices range from OMR 25 to OMR 40 per person, beverages not included
- Artisan pastry stands cost OMR 15 each
- No additional visa or entry fee changes are mentioned for the festival
- Travelers should verify any booking conditions with the venue before purchase
What you need to do
- Book dining experiences early, as limited seats are common for signature dinners
- Confirm reservation details with Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara before 30 November
- Monitor the Experience Oman website for any schedule updates or additional requirements
- Arrange local transport to reach Sakalan, Mekong and Al Mina venues during the festival
Who this affects
-
International tourists visiting Salalah
The festival offers a series of scheduled dining experiences during November 2026
What to do Plan travel dates to include the festival period and reserve meals in advance
-
Domestic Omani visitors
Traditional Omani four‑hands dinners are a central feature of the programme
What to do Attend the opening and closing Omani meals or any other scheduled events
-
Culinary professionals and guest chefs
The event includes collaborations with eleven named chefs from Oman and abroad
What to do Participate in networking opportunities or showcase dishes as invited
-
Travel agents and tour operators
The festival adds a marketable culinary tourism product for November itineraries
What to do Incorporate the festival dates and dining packages into client proposals
-
Food enthusiasts and pastry lovers
A dedicated four‑day artisan pastry programme runs 25‑28 November
What to do Visit Al Mina during the pastry showcase to sample and purchase specialty items
Frequently asked questions
When is the Al Baleed Culinary Festival 2026?
The festival runs from 7 November to 28 November 2026, offering a continuous programme of dining events across those dates.
Where is the Al Baleed Culinary Festival held?
It takes place at Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara in the coastal city of Salalah, located in Oman’s Dhofar governorate.
How many dining events are scheduled during the festival?
Seven signature dinner dates and a four‑day artisan pastry showcase are scheduled, providing eleven main culinary experiences for attendees.
What are the price ranges for the festival’s dinner experiences?
Dinner prices per person start at OMR 25 for the traditional Omani four‑hands dinner and go up to OMR 40 for the Aegean‑inspired menu; beverages are not included in these rates.
Do I need to book the dinner experiences in advance?
Reservations are typically required for each signature dinner and for the pastry showcase, so travelers should contact the venue or check the Experience Oman website to secure their spots.
Which chefs will be featured at the festival?
Eleven culinary professionals are listed, including Osman Sezener (Türkiye), Marco Van Rutten (Netherlands), Frankie Wong (Hong Kong) and Omani chefs such as Ammar Al Harthi, Reem Al Rahbi and others.
