World-renowned French chefs Alain Ducasse and Guy Savoy have announced plans to open restaurants at the Museum of Islamic Art and the Pearl-Qatar, respectively, this year.

This will be their first venues in the Middle East.

In 2008, Savoy had announced plans to open a restaurant in Dubai, but that appears to have fallen through.

Savoy, whose restaurant is expected to open by the end of 2012, is the second three-star Michelin chef to open up an eatery in Qatar.

Gordon Ramsay, owner of the now-shuttered Maze on the Pearl, was the first. He now operates two restaurants at the St. Regis Doha.

Last month, Savoy told Gulf Times:

“Qatar was a natural choice for my next restaurant and my first in the Middle East. The country is booming and fast developing into the most happening destination in the region and I’m truly delighted to be here. Each of my restaurants is a reflection of myself; inspired by my first in Paris and offering the same experience internationally.”

He explained that the restaurant will offer the same menu as Paris following its opening, but that it will evolve to offer dishes inspired by local cuisine and produce, in the same way that his other restaurants have.

Michelin chef Ducasse’s restaurant at the MIA was originally slated to open in September, but that launch date has been pushed back, Hotelier Middle East reports.

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Credit: Photo by Mary.Do