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Michelin Guide 2021 to Launch Ratings of Russian Restaurants

The Michelin guide book at a restaurant in Washington, DC, its first edition for the US capital. Photo: AFP
The Michelin guide book at a restaurant in Washington, DC, its first edition for the US capital. Photo: AFP
    Moscow, London – Asharq Al-Awsat
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Michelin Guide 2021 to Launch Ratings of Russian Restaurants

The Michelin guide book at a restaurant in Washington, DC, its first edition for the US capital. Photo: AFP
The Michelin guide book at a restaurant in Washington, DC, its first edition for the US capital. Photo: AFP

France's prestigious Michelin Guide 2021 will launch its first ratings of a collection of selected restaurants that saw a remarkable evolution in recent years in Moscow, according to AFP.

The famous "red guide" announced in a statement "it will launch its first ratings of Moscow restaurants in 2021." Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the MICHELIN Guides, who visited the Russian capital on Monday, said: "This mysterious and timeless capital city is a culinary gem that showcases not only local Russian products, but also the wonderful diversity of world cuisine."

"The Russian culinary scene has seen some new trends emerge over the past 30 years, embodied by talented chefs who are devoted to highlighting the quality of local products such as Vladivostok king crab, Borodinsky bread, halibut from Murmansk, and smetana, in addition to the two popular soups rassolnik and borscht," the Michelin press release wrote.

"Gastronomy in Moscow has become a point of attraction for tourists in recent years. A variety of formats, cuisines, and styles can be found here today in the Russian capital, and Moscow's restaurants rank among the best in the major world listings," said Sergey Sobyanin, mayor of Moscow.

The guide said that Moscow would be its latest destination after recently expanding to Beijing, Slovenia, and California.

"Gout Mieux," another prominent restaurant guide launched a Russian version in 2018. Its first rating was topped by Chef Vladimir Mukhin's White Rabbit restaurant, which ranked 13th among the top 50 restaurants around the world in 2019. The Gout Mieux guide rights were bought by Russian investors in 2019.

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Culture

Najran: Saudi Arabia’s Southern Tourist and Cultural Gem

Najran is an exceptional tourist destination, where stunning landscapes meet a rich historical heritage. (SPA)
Najran is an exceptional tourist destination, where stunning landscapes meet a rich historical heritage. (SPA)
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Najran: Saudi Arabia’s Southern Tourist and Cultural Gem

Najran is an exceptional tourist destination, where stunning landscapes meet a rich historical heritage. (SPA)
Najran is an exceptional tourist destination, where stunning landscapes meet a rich historical heritage. (SPA)

Najran is an exceptional tourist destination, where stunning landscapes meet a rich historical heritage. Visitors can experience towering mountains, vast plains, and enchanting deserts that leave a lasting impression.

The region has undergone significant development to enhance its urban landscape and quality of life. Approximately 25 projects, valued at over SAR711 million, have been completed or are underway, including stormwater drainage improvements and upgraded infrastructure, said the Saudi Press Agency.

These initiatives are part of a broader plan to strengthen road networks and improve the city’s readiness to meet environmental and service challenges, in line with Saudi Vision 2030.

Najran is home to numerous archaeological sites that reflect its storied past. The historic city of Al-Ukhdood, dating back to the 4th and 5th centuries AD, serves today as a living, open-air museum attracting visitors from across the Kingdom and abroad.

The Hima Cultural Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features over 5,500 rock carvings spanning different historical periods, offering valuable insights into the wildlife and culture of the Arabian Peninsula.

Najran also stands out as one of Saudi Arabia’s most important agricultural areas, with its unique climate allowing year-round cultivation of high-quality fruits and vegetables across more than 5,000 farms covering 27,000 hectares.

Its strategic location, natural resources, and advanced infrastructure make it a prime investment destination in southern Saudi Arabia. The region hosts around 90 factories and is rich in mineral resources, including gold, copper, iron, and copper-zinc reserves spanning over 70 square kilometers.

Foreign tourists have praised Najran for its seamless blend of history and natural beauty, noting that every corner tells the story of this ancient land and reflects a rich cultural heritage, making it a destination truly worth exploring.

Culture

Holy Quran Museum in Makkah Preserves, Showcases Rare Manuscripts

The Museum of the Holy Quran is located in the Hira Cultural District of Makkah - File Photo/ SPA
The Museum of the Holy Quran is located in the Hira Cultural District of Makkah - File Photo/ SPA
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Holy Quran Museum in Makkah Preserves, Showcases Rare Manuscripts

The Museum of the Holy Quran is located in the Hira Cultural District of Makkah - File Photo/ SPA
The Museum of the Holy Quran is located in the Hira Cultural District of Makkah - File Photo/ SPA

The Holy Quran Museum in the Hira Cultural District in Makkah continues to play a leading role in preserving and exhibiting rare copies of the Holy Quran, standing as a cultural landmark that reflects the revered status of the Quran in the conscience of the Islamic nation and documents the care devoted to it across different historical eras, SPA reported.

Through its collections, the museum highlights the value of Quranic endowments, which formed one of the most significant features of Islamic civilization and contributed to safeguarding Quran manuscripts, disseminating them, facilitating their recitation, and supporting their service in mosques and centers of learning.

The museum houses one endowed copy of the Holy Quran printed in 30 pages, endowed by Prince Abdulaziz bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz.

This initiative reflects a deep connection to the Holy Quran and embodies the continuity of the charitable endowment tradition dedicated to serving and caring for the Holy Quran.

The display of this manuscript aligns with the museum’s mission to introduce visitors to the history of the Holy Quran, highlight the efforts of individuals and institutions to preserve and serve it, and raise awareness of the cultural and humanitarian significance of Quranic endowments.

The museum offers a comprehensive cultural and knowledge-based experience that connects visitors to the history and stature of the Holy Quran, starting from Makkah, the birthplace of revelation and the direction of prayer for Muslims.

Culture

Saudi Arabia: Craft Exhibition at Kidana Track in Makkah Draws over 32,000 Visitors

As part of the Year of Handicrafts 2025 and the Makkah winter season activities, the exhibition featured around 20 artisans. SPA
As part of the Year of Handicrafts 2025 and the Makkah winter season activities, the exhibition featured around 20 artisans. SPA
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Saudi Arabia: Craft Exhibition at Kidana Track in Makkah Draws over 32,000 Visitors

As part of the Year of Handicrafts 2025 and the Makkah winter season activities, the exhibition featured around 20 artisans. SPA
As part of the Year of Handicrafts 2025 and the Makkah winter season activities, the exhibition featured around 20 artisans. SPA

Kidana Development Company concluded its craft exhibition, held in cooperation with the Makkah Chamber at Kidana Track in Muzdalifah from December 17 to 20, where traditional crafts highlighting the authenticity of Saudi identity drew 32,362 visitors.

As part of the Year of Handicrafts 2025 and the Makkah winter season activities, the exhibition featured around 20 artisans showcasing handmade products such as embroidery, knitting, carving, and pottery.

It aimed to reinforce Saudi identity and promote traditional crafts as vital to cultural heritage, fostering values among community members and future generations.

The Kidana Track serves as a comprehensive destination for Makkah residents and visitors, offering various facilities, walking paths, seating areas, and community events promoting sustainability.