Salalah is stepping into the spotlight as a destination for gastronomy, cultural discovery and refined hospitality. This November, the coastal city in southern Oman welcomes the fifth edition of the Al Baleed Culinary Festival, transforming its resort dining scene into a meeting point for international culinary talent and Omani traditions.

Running from 7 to 28 November, the festival brings together acclaimed chefs from Michelin-recognised kitchens and celebrated culinary voices from across Oman. The programme moves between contemporary international cuisine, Asian fusion and traditional Omani flavours, offering visitors a taste of different culinary cultures in one destination.

Among this year's highlights is Chef Frankie Wong, winner of the 2025 MICHELIN Guide Young Chef Award, whose cooking combines French techniques with Japanese and Hong Kong influences. Turkish chef Osman Sezener, founder of the Michelin-starred and Michelin Green Star-awarded OD Urla in İzmir, brings an Aegean-inspired approach rooted in seasonal ingredients and sustainable gastronomy. Also returning is Chef Marco Van Rutten, winner of the 2026 Minor Hotels Europe & Americas Chef Masters League.

Yet the festival's identity extends beyond international recognition. Omani cuisine takes centre stage through collaborations between local chefs, including traditional dining experiences inspired by the flavours and culinary heritage of Dhofar. Artisan pastry creations, cultural performances and collaborative menus further enrich the programme.

More than a sequence of exclusive dinners, the festival reflects a growing interest in culinary tourism as a way of experiencing a destination. Through its combination of local heritage, international influences and contemporary hospitality, Salalah offers a different perspective on Oman — one that invites visitors to discover the country through its flavours, people and traditions.

As November unfolds, Al Baleed becomes a celebration of the connections between food, culture and travel, reminding us that discovering a place can begin with something as simple, and as meaningful, as sharing a meal.