Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority (GEA) has announced the launch of the second annual “Million Riyal Menu,” sponsored by Riyadh Season. 

Million Riyal Menu is the ultimate culinary battleground where aspiring restaurateurs and street food vendors compete to secure life-changing investments from some of Saudi Arabia’s most influential food industry companies. Originally a hit in the UK (as Million Pound Menu), this innovative cooking contest provides a platform for culinary entrepreneurs to showcase their unique concepts, with the chance to transform their dreams into thriving businesses.

The programme marks a new direction for reality entertainment in Saudi Arabia, introducing a format that combines competition with brand-building in one experience, said a Saudi Press Agency report.

Launching the programme, GEA Board Chairman and Advisor Turki Alalshikh noted that Million Riyal Menu reflects Riyadh Season’s continued support for the entertainment sector and high-quality content production in Saudi Arabia, while strengthening the presence of globally renowned formats through localized editions that contribute to nurturing talent and empowering entrepreneurs.

The announcement was made after a news conference at Abu Bakr Salem Theatre in Boulevard City. The event witnessed Benchmark officially welcoming BigHouse into its group of companies, alongside the signing of a strategic partnership with IMP, and the official launch of the Saudi version of the global program Million Pound Menu under the title “Million Riyal Menu.”

The launch of Million Riyal Menu represents a significant step within the Kingdom’s broader efforts to advance the entertainment and content industries through a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening production capabilities across drama, advertising, films, and television programming, while delivering projects with world-class quality standards and expanding the pipeline of future productions to be announced both inside and outside Saudi Arabia.

Riyadh Season is the largest entertainment programme in the region, offering each year a wide range of international experiences and events spanning concerts, theatrical performances, global sports, exhibitions, and interactive attractions. It supports local content and talent development, reinforcing Riyadh’s position as a leading global destination for entertainment.