Heart of Africa’s culture, cuisine now at Boulevard World
Food, coffee, music, crafts on offer in Riyadh
New zone features giraffes, lions and parrots
Updated 04 January 2025
Rahaf Jambi
RIYADH: Boulevard World has brought the vibrant spirit of Africa to Riyadh with a special zone featuring the cuisine and culture from some of the continent’s countries.
The Africa Zone has exotic wildlife including giraffes, colorful parrots, and lions. There is also an array of food and music from various nations.
A highlight is the Ethiopian Coffee experience, which showcases the country’s hospitality and rich traditions. This coffee is made using traditional methods which bring out unique flavors.
Hanan Amro, a coffee maker at one of the Ethiopian restaurants, told Arab News: “We bring our coffee beans from our farm in Ethiopia. They are fresh, and we carefully select them.
“We sun-dry, roast, and brew the coffee in our special pot to create a strong drink that combines elements of Turkish and Americano coffee.”
The Africa Zone also hosts live music featuring traditional rhythms and folk tunes.
For those looking to take a piece of Africa home, the zone features many kiosks selling antiques, animal statues and leather goods.
There is also an array of skincare products made with Shea butter, for which certain nations are renowned.
The launch of the Africa Zone coincides with Boulevard World’s expansion for this year’s Riyadh Season, which has increased the number of themed zones by five to 22.
The expansion is a part of Riyadh Season’s initiative to attract people from various backgrounds and promote cultural understanding.
Warning of thunderstorms and flash floods in Saudi Arabia for next 4 days
Updated 25 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: Residents of Saudi Arabia were warned on Wednesday that the country could be hit by thunderstorms and flash floods between now and Sunday.
The General Directorate of Civil Defense advised people to remain sheltered and stay away from canyons.
Many regions can expect medium-to-heavy rain, hail or strong gusts of wind, with a high risk of flooding. Forecasters predict Riyadh, Jeddah, Al-Baha, Asir and Jazan will be among the affected regions, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Riyadh’s literary havens: Where coffee meets the love of books
City’s book cafes offer serene spaces for quiet reflection
Carefully curated selections of Arabic and English titles on offer
Updated 52 min 35 sec ago
Waad Hussain
RIYADH: Riyadh’s cultural landscape is undergoing a quiet transformation, where the love of coffee meets the timeless allure of literature.
Book cafes are carving out a niche as spaces where readers, thinkers, and coffee enthusiasts converge.
These havens of creativity and reflection offer retreats for the mind and soul, providing a sense of community in an increasingly fast-paced world.
A cozy nook where greenery and natural decor invite visitors to unwind with a good book. (Instagram: @coffee_trees20)
The Book Club: Where stories find their home
Nestled in the Al-Yasmin district, The Book Club is a tranquil retreat for bibliophiles, particularly those passionate about Arabic literature.
Its shelves brim with carefully curated Arabic titles, from classics to contemporary gems, complemented by a modest selection of English books.
HIGHLIGHTS
• In Riyadh’s Al-Narjis district, Wathbah Coffee and Book’s floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, vintage-inspired decor, and intimate corners create a haven for readers and thinkers alike.
• Coffee Trees, tucked away in the Al-Rayan district, offers a sanctuary that blends greenery with literary charm.
The minimalist interior, adorned with soft lighting and intimate reading nooks, creates an atmosphere conducive to focus and relaxation.
What sets The Book Club apart is its browsing policy. Visitors are welcome to skim books for three minutes before deciding to purchase, with additional purchases granting extended reading time.
A serene entrance invites book lovers and coffee enthusiasts to step into a world of stories and community at The Book Club. This Riyadh gem blends literature with culture. (AN photo by Waad Hussain)
During Arab News’ visit, the cafe hosted a stimulating talk with Saad Al-Bazai, titled, “Historical Fiction: Why Do They Believe in the Imagined?”
Al-Bazai told Arab News: “These gatherings bring together a diverse audience and provide them with the opportunity to meet researchers.
“This undoubtedly supports cultural life as it creates a platform for dialogue that differs from social media platforms — it is vibrant, direct, and involves personal presence.”
Sophia: A library, a cafe, and a place to connect
Sophia has become a cornerstone of Riyadh’s literary scene, acting as a hub for knowledge, creativity, and meaningful connections.
Its towering wooden shelves are filled with a rich collection of Arabic and English books, carefully curated to cater to a diverse audience.
Sophia blends intellect and leisure, offering visitors a serene space to read and reflect. (Instagram: @sophia.alriyadh)
Beyond being a library, Sophia also serves as a publishing house, amplifying the voices of local and regional authors, bringing their stories to the forefront.
What sets Sophia apart is its dedication to fostering intellectual growth and cultural exchange.
The space regularly hosts book launches, discussion panels, and thought-provoking dialogue sessions that bring together writers, readers, and thinkers from various backgrounds.
The inviting ambiance, complete with warm lighting and cozy seating, creates the perfect backdrop for these events, making each visit an enriching experience.
Aminah Al-Hassani, a loyal visitor, captured the essence of Sophia. She said: “The place is calm and serene, and it has never let me down with a bad book.
“Every book I’ve read here has been better than the last. Their selections are beautiful, and the events they organize are always beneficial and enjoyable.”
The calming ambiance of Coffee Trees, a perfect escape to enjoy ethically sourced coffee and literary treasures. (Instagram: @coffee_trees20)
Coffee Trees: A green sanctuary
Coffee Trees, tucked away in the Al-Rayan district, offers a sanctuary that blends greenery with literary charm. The cafe’s lush decor, accentuated by vibrant plants and natural elements, transforms the space into a botanical retreat.
Though its library is modest, the curated selection of books is perfectly aligned with the cafe’s serene ambiance.
Patrons often find themselves lost in thought or pages, surrounded by the aroma of ethically sourced, expertly brewed coffee.
Whether it’s the tranquil environment or the commitment to sustainability, Coffee Trees is a favorite escape for those seeking a moment of calm in the city.
The timeless charm of Wathbah, with its floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and vintage-inspired decor. (Instagram: @wathbah_cb)
Wathbah Coffee & Book: Where timeless charm meets literature
In Al-Narjis district, Wathbah Coffee & Book exudes intellectual allure. Its floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, vintage-inspired decor, and intimate corners create a haven for readers and thinkers alike.
The carefully selected collection spans genres and eras, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
Wathbah’s ambiance is perfect for quiet reading, reflective conversations, or simply soaking in its aesthetic beauty.
As Sara Al-Ebraheem, a loyal patron, said: “There’s a certain magic in time spent in the company of good books, with a perfectly brewed coffee.”
The warm, minimalist interior of Ons, perfect for a quiet read or reflective moments away from the city’s buzz. (AN photo by Waad Hussain)
Ons Coffee Roasters: Where simplicity meets serenity
Ons Coffee Roasters offers a minimalist haven for those who crave peace and simplicity. Its clean design, complemented by tasteful art and cozy seating, creates a calm environment perfect for unwinding.
While its library may be small, the books displayed are thoughtfully chosen to inspire reflection and curiosity.
Ons Coffee Roasters is as much about quality as it is about serenity. Its expertly brewed coffee elevates the experience, making it an ideal retreat for anyone seeking a quiet corner in Riyadh.
Ons’s small literary touch: A charming collection of books graces the walls of Ons, where simplicity meets creativity in every corner. (AN photo by Waad Hussain)
A cultural renaissance in Riyadh
The emerging popularity of book cafes is providing spaces where literature, art, and community thrive. The cafes cater to a growing audience of residents and visitors who value meaningful connections in an increasingly digital world.
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia condemned and rejected on Wednesday an Israeli map that claimed Jordanian, Syrian and Lebanese territories as part of so-called “greater Israel.”
The Kingdom stressed that such extremist allegations demonstrated Israeli intentions to consolidate its occupation, continue blatant attacks on the sovereignty of states, and violate international laws and norms.
The Kingdom’s foreign ministry renewed its call for the international community to play its role in stopping Israeli violations against countries and peoples of the region.
The ministry stressed the need to respect the sovereignty of states and their borders to limit the exacerbation of the region’s crises.
Palestine and Jordan condemned the map on Tuesday.
Saudi officials meet Egyptian, Greek ambassadors in Riyadh
Updated 08 January 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar received Egyptian Ambassador Ahmed Farouk Tawfik in Riyadh on Wednesday.
The meeting marked the conclusion of Tawfik’s tenure as ambassador to Saudi Arabia, reported the Saudi Press Agency.
Prince Faisal expressed his gratitude for the ambassador’s efforts during his service and wished him success in his future endeavors.
Meanwhile, Saudi Deputy Minister for Political Affairs Saud Al-Sati met with Greek Ambassador Alexis Konstantopoulos in Riyadh. The two men discussed bilateral relations and topics of common concern, said the Foreign Ministry on X.
Saudi crown prince receives call from Ukraine’s Zelensky
Two leaders discussed the latest developments in the Ukrainian-Russian crisis and efforts made to resolve it
Updated 08 January 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received a phone call from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.
During the call, the two leaders discussed the latest developments in the Ukrainian-Russian crisis and efforts made to resolve it.
They also reviewed Saudi-Ukrainian relations and discussed issues of common interest. Regional and international developments were also discussed.
