IQOS has officially released its highly anticipated Outdoor Dining Index 2026, spotlighting the premier open-air dining destinations across the Middle East.
Claiming the number one spot regionally is Egypt’s enchanting coastal haven, Dahab, celebrated for its tranquil Red Sea atmosphere and exceptional outdoor dining culture.
The index evaluated cities based on key performance criteria, including climate, restaurant density, and open-air seating availability.
Egypt dominated the regional rankings, securing five spots in the top ten. Following closely behind Dahab in second place is Hurghada, renowned for its vibrant culinary scene with 37% of its venues offering outdoor seating.
Meanwhile, historic cultural hubs like Luxor and Aswan, alongside the resort city of Sharm El-Sheikh, also earned prominent placements for their unique open-air experiences and moderate year-round weather.
Jonathan Kwak, Smoke-Free Products Director for Egypt and Levant at Philip Morris International, emphasized that Egypt’s diverse climates and vibrant leisure culture make outdoor dining an essential part of tourism.
Through initiatives like the Outdoor Dining Index, IQOS continues to inspire its community of over 35 million adult users worldwide to explore new destinations and share meaningful social moments.
