Chipotle Saudi Arabia has opened its first restaurant, at Sidra in Riyadh next to Granada Mall. The Riyadh opening, announced by franchise operator Alshaya Group on Thursday, takes the brand’s Middle East count to 17 restaurants, per Chipotle’s announcement.
The restaurant serves Chipotle’s usual made-to-order menu: burritos, bowls, tacos, quesadillas and salads, prepared in an open kitchen with a choice of proteins, rice, beans, salsas and toppings. The guacamole that made the brand’s name is on the list, as it is everywhere else.
First Chipotle Saudi Arabia restaurant opens at Sidra
The first Chipotle Saudi Arabia outlet sits at Sidra, the dining destination next to Granada Mall in the heart of the capital. It is the first time Saudi guests can build a bowl to their own spec, and Alshaya expects the anticipation that has built up since the brand’s arrival in the region to show.
“Opening our first restaurant in Saudi Arabia is an exciting step in Chipotle’s international growth journey. Riyadh is a vibrant, fast-growing city with a dynamic dining scene, and we are proud to introduce guests here to our responsibly sourced, classically cooked real food. Together with Alshaya Group, we look forward to building a strong connection with Saudi guests and creating the same distinctive Chipotle experience that our fans around the world know and love.”
Nate Lawton, chief business development officer at Chipotle
Chipotle and Alshaya have run the Middle East rollout together since 2024, when the franchise operator brought the brand to the region.
“We are delighted to celebrate Chipotle’s official arrival in Saudi Arabia with the opening of its first restaurant in Riyadh. This launch reflects our commitment to bringing world-leading brands and exceptional dining experiences to our customers across the region. We know there has been strong anticipation for Chipotle in KSA, and we are excited for guests to enjoy its fresh, flavourful, real-ingredient menu for the very first time.”
John Hadden, chief executive of Alshaya Group
Chipotle’s Middle East expansion: 17 restaurants and counting
Since entering the region in 2024, Chipotle has opened seven restaurants each in the UAE and Kuwait, two in Qatar and now one in Saudi Arabia. The rollout continues into 2027, with a launch in Bahrain and a second Saudi location in Jeddah planned.
The UAE’s seven outlets are spread across the country, including the Abu Dhabi branch at Yas Mall that opened earlier this year, and the Doha restaurant that followed the same Alshaya playbook. The Riyadh opening is the latest step in a regional expansion that has moved steadily through the Gulf rather than in one rush.
Chipotle operates more than 4,200 restaurants worldwide and says it plans 350–370 new openings in 2026. Beyond the Gulf, its international portfolio covers Canada, the UK, France and Germany, with a Mexico entry via restaurant operator Alsea this year.
Where is Chipotle’s first Saudi Arabia restaurant?
At Sidra in Riyadh, next to Granada Mall. It opened in August 2026, run by franchise operator Alshaya Group.
How many Chipotle restaurants are there in the Middle East?
17 across the GCC: seven in the UAE, seven in Kuwait, two in Qatar and one in Saudi Arabia.
Is Chipotle opening more restaurants in Saudi Arabia?
Yes. A second location in Jeddah is planned for 2027, alongside a launch in Bahrain.
