* How to Open a Restaurant in Saudi Arabia?
* In which cities of Saudi Arabia should a restaurant be opened?
* What are the criteria for opening a restaurant in Saudi Arabia?
* How to Recruit Restaurant Staff in Saudi Arabia?
* What is the Salary of Restaurant Staff in Saudi Arabia?
* What Restaurant Concepts Are Successful in Saudi Arabia?
* What Official Permits Are Required to Open a Restaurant in Saudi Arabia?
Opening a Restaurant in Saudi Arabia: Chef Ahmet Özdemir's Professional Guide
In this article, we will cover step by step all the details of opening a restaurant in Saudi Arabia, including Steak Cooking Techniques and " Dry Aged & Steakhouse " details . I will present all the critical topics, from the most popular cities of the kingdom to personnel supply, from legal obligations to successful concepts, blended with real experiences I have gained from the field. Special recommendations, especially for my colleagues who want to represent Turkish cuisine in Saudi lands, will also be among the prominent sections of this guide.
In this period when the borders in the gastronomy world have disappeared and the question of how to open a steakhouse is more wondered, this guide is a roadmap for every colleague who wants to evaluate the opportunities offered by Saudi Arabia correctly. Read on to understand the unique dynamics of the kingdom and achieve lasting success in this market...
Opening a restaurant in Saudi Arabia requires a visionary approach and a solid business plan. First of all, a foreign investor permit must be obtained from SAGIA (Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority). It is mandatory to obtain a "Trade Registry Certificate" and a "Health Permit" from the municipality. The menu content is especially checked for compliance with Saudi culture and Islamic rules. A business cannot be opened without a Halal certificate.
2. Most Affordable Cities: Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam
Riyadh, as the capital of the kingdom, is suitable for luxury restaurant concepts. Jeddah, as a city with a large number of tourists and expats, is open to international cuisine. Dammam, on the other hand, is ideal for franchise businesses as it is one of the Gulf's trade centers, with the features of Restaurants Being Indispensable and Reasons Why Guests Prefer Restaurants . The concept should be determined according to the demographic structure of each city.
3. Critical Success Factors
* Location: Shopping malls, business centers and coastlines are the most preferred places.
* Pricing: Menus that appeal to the middle and upper income groups are more profitable.
4. Staffing and Salaries
* Luxury Arabic Cuisine: Traditional venues like Najd Village.
* Healthy Cafes: Especially popular among the young population.
* Turkish Cuisine: Kebab and lahmacun are always in demand.
6. Legal Obligations
* Food and Drug Administration (SFDA) approval,
* Work permits (Iqama),
* Tax registration (VAT 15%).
7. Marketing Strategies
In Saudi Arabia, Instagram and Snapchat are the most effective marketing tools for restaurant promotion . Collaboration with applications such as "Talabat" and "HungerStation" is a must.
8. Financial Planning
9. Potential Risks
* Cultural incompatibility,
* The intensity of competition,
* Length of permit processes.
10. My Recommendations as Chief Ahmet Özdemir for Absolute Success
* Use local ingredients in your kitchen.
* Speed ??up bureaucracy by working with Saudi partners.
* Prepare special iftar menus during Ramadan.
Conclusion: Golden Rules for Gastronomy Victory in Saudi Lands
As Chef Ahmet Özdemir, I can clearly say that based on the experiences I have gained throughout my international culinary career; Saudi Arabia is a candidate to be the new star of the gastronomy world. However, success in menu planning , menu analysis and menu management in this market depends on knowing cultural sensitivities and making strategic moves.
Restaurant Management in Saudi Arabia requires a very different discipline than traditional business models. The country's economy, which is rapidly transforming with the Vision 2030 vision, is also reflected in the gastronomy sector. Entrepreneurs who want to be successful in this process need to pay attention to three basic rules: understanding the local culture, never compromising on quality, and using technology effectively.
I have a special advice for my colleagues who want to represent Turkish cuisine on Saudi soil, especially in the 2025 World Restaurant Trends : Develop interpretations that suit the Saudi palate while presenting our traditional flavors. Remember that just as Iskender kebab is a special flavor, lamb mandi has an important place in Saudi culture. When you establish this balance, you will build the gastronomic bridge of the two cultures on solid foundations.
Finally, be patient for long-term success in the Saudi Arabian market. The region’s business rhythm is quite different from Europe. Permit processes can take time, but working with the right local partners can speed up the process. Preparing special menus for the 2025 World Food Trends during Ramadan , participating in local festivals, and having an active presence on social media are important steps to strengthen your brand.
As a result, as Chef Ahmet Özdemir, I can say in the 2025 World Culinary Trends that; opening a restaurant in Saudi Arabia is a courageous but profitable investment. With the right strategy, quality kitchen team and authentic flavors, you can gain a solid place for yourself in this market. Remember, the new center of world cuisine is taking shape in the Middle East and it is the right time to take your place in this gastronomy revolution.
Extra Guide: Crucial Details of Restaurant Business in Saudi Arabia
As Chef Ahmet Özdemir, I would like to share some very special details for those who want to run a successful restaurant in Saudi Arabia, taking into account the 2025 World Menu Trends . In this section, I will delve into the elements that are often overlooked but directly affect success.
1. Kitchen Infrastructure and Technical Details While designing a kitchen in Saudi Arabia:
* Selection of equipment suitable for halal kitchen and halal food system (equipment that has not come into contact with pork products)
* Cooling systems in accordance with Saudi standards (special solutions for hot climates)
* Professional equipment selection due to the mixed 110/220V power voltage
* Water-saving equipment choices against water restrictions
2. Things to consider when working with local suppliers in Supply Chain Management:
* Direct agreements with local farmers (especially from Al-Kharj region) for the sustainability of the restaurant menu
* Customs duty calculations for imported products (e.g. 12-20% for Turkish products)
* Pre-Ramadan stock management (periods when consumption increases by 300%)
* Special supply channels for traditional Saudi spices (cardamom, zafaran, sumac)
3. Special preferences of Saudi customers in Customer Psychology and Behavior Patterns:
* Special designs for family sections (privacy oriented)
* Visual feast in food presentation (especially barbecue and tray services)
* Spending habits focused on prestige rather than price sensitivity
* 70% of online orders use mobile applications
4. Periods when you should definitely be prepared for Special Days and Festival Menus:
* Iftar and sahur concepts for the month of Ramadan
* National day (September 23) special menus
* Special nutrition programs for pilgrims during the Hajj period
* Regional delicacies for winter festivals (Janadriyah)
5. Be prepared for strict controls in hygiene and inspection processes:
* Monthly hygiene inspections by the municipality
* Mandatory health screenings for food workers
* Regular hygiene training for kitchen staff
* Special licensing requirements for waste management
6. Competitive Analysis and Differentiation Unique features to be successful:
* Techniques for adapting Turkish cuisine to Saudi tastes
* Creating fusion flavors with local products
* Special meat cooking techniques (tandoor or barbecue variations)
* Making a difference with luxury presentations (such as gold leaf desserts)
7. Critical tips for Profitability in Financial Optimization:
* Partial Saudization to reduce personnel costs
* Technological investments that will reduce energy costs
* Cost control with seasonal menu changes
* Special business loan agreements with local banks
My special note as Chef Ahmet Özdemir; Running a restaurant in Saudi Arabia is a marathon. Those who are patient, flexible and innovative will achieve long-term success in this market. Remember, in the answer to the question of How to Open a Restaurant in Saudi Arabia, the average success period of a restaurant in Riyadh is 18 months - those who exceed this period usually write long-term success stories. While applying all these details, never lose the spirit of your kitchen. Success lies in adapting while maintaining authenticity.
My advice in all my consultancy and my preferred working order in personnel selection is to train the personnel that the businesses find themselves as their own team, at the desired level of professional development and to train them professionally in the desired characteristics...
Notes:
Coordinator Chief Ahmet ÖZDEMİR
International And Intercontinental
Restaurant Consultant and Kitchen Consultant
Ottoman and Turkish Cuisine World Ambassador of Heart
Important note:
.gif "International And Intercontinental Restaurant Consultant and Kitchen Consultant")
Top 20 Questions About Opening a Restaurant in Saudi Arabia
General Process and Legal Requirements
* What are the legal procedures required to open a restaurant in Saudi Arabia?
* What official permits are required to open a restaurant in Saudi Arabia?
* Can a foreign entrepreneur open a restaurant in Saudi Arabia?
* What is the most suitable business type to open a restaurant in Saudi Arabia (Limited Company, Franchise, Partnership)?
* Is it necessary to find a local partner when opening a restaurant in Saudi Arabia?
Location and City Selection
* Which cities are the most profitable to open a restaurant in Saudi Arabia?
* What are the advantages and disadvantages of opening a restaurant in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam?
* Does it make sense to open a restaurant inside a shopping mall in Saudi Arabia?
* How much does it cost to open a restaurant in tourist areas in Saudi Arabia?
* Which neighborhoods in Saudi Arabia have high-income customers?
Concept and Menu Planning
* What are the most popular restaurant concepts in Saudi Arabia?
* Which is more profitable in Saudi Arabia: fast food or luxury restaurants?
* What are the rules for working with halal certified products in Saudi Arabia?
* How do alcohol-free restaurant concepts work in Saudi Arabia?
* Does it make sense to open a Turkish cuisine restaurant in Saudi Arabia?
Personnel and Employment
* How to find restaurant staff in Saudi Arabia?
* What are the salaries of chefs, waiters and kitchen staff in Saudi Arabia?
* How does the visa process work to employ foreign workers in Saudi Arabia?
* What are the rules for employing women in Saudi Arabia?
* What are the most common challenges in running a restaurant business in Saudi Arabia?