Coming Soon

The festival celebrates the exceptional chefs who shape Al Baleed Resort Salalah’s dining identity. From Asian fusion and Mediterranean flavours to Arabic, Omani and contemporary cuisine, our culinary experts bring authenticity, innovation and deep cultural roots to every dish. The festival serves as a platform for our in-house talent to shine alongside celebrated international names.

The next edition of the Al Baleed Culinary Festival is scheduled to take place in November 2026. This signature annual celebration will once again unite global culinary visionaries, emerging talent and the resort’s distinguished chefs for a month of extraordinary gastronomic experiences. Full programme details will be revealed in due course.

Frankie Wong

Winner of the MICHELIN Guide Young Chef Award 2025, Frankie Wong brings his distinctive French cuisine with Japanese and Hong Kong influences to Salalah. His refined, playful style makes him one of Asia’s most exciting young culinary talents.

Venue: Mekong

Dates: 12 and 13 November 2026

Chef Marco Van Rutten

Returning after his participation in the 2025 edition, Chef Marco Van Rutten joins Al Baleed Culinary Festival 2026 once again as Executive Chef of Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Amsterdam. Recently crowned winner of the 2026 Minor Hotels Europe & Americas Chef Masters League, he brings award-winning creativity, European refinement and signature culinary expertise to this year’s festival.

Venue: Mekong

Dates: 18 and 19 November 2026

Chef Osman Sezener

Founder and Executive Chef of OD Urla in Izmir, Chef Osman Sezener brings Michelin Star and Michelin Green Star-recognised Aegean cuisine to Al Baleed Culinary Festival 2026. His cooking celebrates seasonality, sustainability, local producers and a refined farm-to-table philosophy.

Venue: Mekong and Al Baleed Farm

Dates: 23 and 24 November 2026

Chef Ammar & Chef Khalood

Celebrating Omani culinary heritage, Chef Ammar Al Harthi and Chef Khalood Abdullah Jamaan Khazana come together for a special dining experience rooted in local flavours, cultural storytelling and the rich traditions of Dhofar. Their menu brings the spirit of Oman to the table through refined, authentic dishes inspired by local ingredients and heritage.

Venue: Sakalan

Dates: 26 and 27 November 2026

Chef Nouel Catis

After creating the celebrated Anantara Khareef Chocolate collection, Chef Nouel Catis returns to Salalah for Al Baleed Culinary Festival 2026. Known for his creativity and exceptional pastry expertise, he will present an exclusive sweet-led dining experience.

Venue: Al Mina & Sakalan

Dates: 26 and 27 November 2026

Chef Claudio Lanuto

From Anantara Convento di Amalfi Grand Hotel, Chef Claudio Lanuto brings Italian creativity, seasonality and sustainable cooking to the festival. His philosophy blends culinary innovation with respect for nature, transforming quality ingredients into memorable dining experiences.

Venue: TBA

Dates: TBA

Chef Mohamed Al Balushi

Joining from Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort, Omani Chef Mohamed Al Balushi brings over 10 years of luxury hospitality experience to the festival. His cooking reflects strong technical skill, local pride and a passion for showcasing Oman as a world-class culinary destination.

Venue: Sakalan

Dates: TBA

Chef Reem Al Rahbi

An emerging Omani culinary talent from sister property Tivoli La Vie Muscat, Chef Reem Al Rahbi will join the festival in support of Chef Mohamed Al Balushi. Trained at the National Hospitality Institute in Muscat, she brings strong foundations in kitchen operations, food preparation and a passion for developing her craft within Oman’s growing culinary scene. 

Venue: Sakalan

Dates: TBA