Saudi Arabia Launches “Million Riyal Menu” on April 28 Across MBC1 and Shahid

Saudi Arabia is stepping up its entertainment and entrepreneurship game with the launch of “Million Riyal Menu”, set to premiere on April 28. The show, backed by Riyadh Season, will air on MBC1 and stream on Shahid.

Positioned as the regional version of the global “Million Pound Menu” format, the programme blends reality TV with real business opportunities, giving aspiring restaurateurs a platform to turn ideas into actual ventures.

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Bringing a Global TV Concept to Saudi Screens

“Million Riyal Menu” is the Kingdom’s largest adaptation of the internationally recognised format, originally developed to spotlight food entrepreneurs and investors.

The show has been introduced under the leadership of Turki Alalshikh, who confirmed its launch as part of wider efforts to elevate Saudi Arabia’s entertainment offering.

Produced by BigHouse and IMP in collaboration with Sony Pictures Television, the series aims to meet international production standards while showcasing regional talent.

This move reflects Saudi Arabia’s broader push to position itself as a global hub for content creation and creative industries, aligning with Vision 2030 goals.

Inside the Format: How the Competition Unfolds

The format is simple but high-stakes

A total of 24 contestants will compete across eight episodes, each presenting their restaurant concepts to a panel of seasoned investors from the Middle East’s food and beverage industry.

Participants will pitch everything from unique dining concepts to scalable food brands. The goal is clear: secure funding and bring their ideas to life.

Unlike traditional cooking shows, “Million Riyal Menu” focuses less on recipes and more on business viability, branding, and market potential.

This makes it particularly relevant in today’s region, where the F&B sector continues to grow rapidly, especially in cities like Riyadh and Dubai.

How the Show Supports Local Restaurant Startups?

The show is more than just entertainment. It’s designed to support entrepreneurship in one of the Kingdom’s fastest-growing industries.

Saudi Arabia’s restaurant scene has seen a surge in demand, driven by a young population, rising tourism, and an increasing appetite for diverse dining experiences.

By connecting contestants with investors and industry experts, the programme aims to:

• Encourage innovation in food concepts
• Support local talent entering the F&B space
• Accelerate the launch of new restaurant brands
• Strengthen the Kingdom’s hospitality ecosystem

This initiative aligns closely with the goals of Riyadh Season, which has increasingly focused on combining entertainment with economic impact.

A Concept That Resonates Beyond Saudi Arabia

While the show is Saudi-based, its impact will likely resonate across the UAE and wider GCC.

Dubai, in particular, has long been a hotspot for food entrepreneurs, with many concepts starting small and scaling into successful regional brands.

This format mirrors the UAE’s growing trend of investor-backed dining ventures and pop-up concepts, making it highly relevant for aspiring restaurateurs in the region.

The show could also inspire UAE-based entrepreneurs to think bigger, especially when it comes to pitching scalable concepts rather than standalone eateries.

Turning TV Moments Into Real Businesses

One of the standout aspects of “Million Riyal Menu” is how it bridges the gap between reality TV and real-world business.

Contestants are not just competing for a title. They are pitching for actual investment that could shape their future in the industry.

This approach adds authenticity and stakes to the show, making it more engaging for viewers while offering tangible outcomes for participants.

It also reflects a broader shift in regional content, where audiences are increasingly drawn to shows that combine entertainment with practical value.

“Million Riyal Menu” is set to bring a fresh format to Middle Eastern screens, combining food, business, and entertainment in one platform.

With strong backing from Riyadh Season and collaboration with global production players, the show highlights Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in both media and entrepreneurship.

For viewers in the UAE, it offers more than just entertainment. It provides insight into how restaurant ideas are built, pitched, and funded in today’s competitive market.

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