Startup of the Week: House of Honey: Offering nature’s health tonic in its purest form

Updated 07 May 2019
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Startup of the Week: House of Honey: Offering nature’s health tonic in its purest form

Honey is nature’s gift to humanity. With so much reliance on commercial medicines and antibiotics, it is easy to overlook the amazing antiseptic and antibacterial properties that honey contains.

Rich in antioxidants, honey has many benefits linked to cardiovascular health, the treatment of wounds and acid reflux, and its popularity as a home remedy for ailments such as coughs or pharyngitis.

Saudi-based brand House of Honey aims to raise awareness of the benefits of the product and encourage people to use it as part of a lifestyle routine.

The business venture was established in the second quarter of 2017 by Saudi industrial engineers Mohammed Jamjoom, Abdulrahman Shalabi and Hassan Mutwalli.

“The idea came in late 2016 when we used pure honey as an energy booster,” Shalabi told Arab News. “When we found that there was a lack of reliable sources for trusted, pure honey in our market, we started to search for natural honey for our own consumption.

“We were able to find a trusted source for our use. During the process, we saw an opportunity in the market and pursued it. We realized that a high-quality Saudi brand would gain consumer trust and meet high expectations, while also contributing to a healthier future and well-being,” he added.

House of Honey currently offers 250g, 500g and 1kg jars of Hadrami Sidr, a type of honey specific to the Sidr tree in Hadramout, Yemen. Customers in Jeddah and Riyadh can have honey delivered for no charge and can find House of Honey products in concept stores Homegrown Market in Jeddah and Healthy Market in Riyadh.

House of Honey is developing its website to make it more user-friendly, while looking to increase its core distribution network with a range of natural honey products.

Shalabi said the company aimed to maintain consistency of quality and reliability of availability for its products.

Nutrition experts advise people to consume 250 grams of honey per month.


Where We Are Going Today: Groovy cafe in AlUla

Updated 02 March 2026
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Where We Are Going Today: Groovy cafe in AlUla

  • The brand’s steady expansion reflects its growing popularity across the Kingdom, and this latest outpost feels well placed in the heart of the action

One of the current trendy cafes in AlUla seems to be Groovy in Old Town.

Tucked in a corner among the winding lanes and stone buildings, it has become a notable stop for both visitors and locals looking for a caffeine fix with a view.

Originally from Riyadh, Groovy opened in Jeddah some time later and AlUla is the newer branch, opened about six months ago.

The brand’s steady expansion reflects its growing popularity across the Kingdom, and this latest outpost feels well placed in the heart of the action.

On a recent visit to bustling Old Town, people were happily sitting or standing as they sipped drinks and chatted away.

Some sat in the semi-indoor/outdoor space, others huddled in small groups, phones occasionally lifted for photos or to watch a humorous video.

The vibe was warm and friendly as the cooler breeze swept across.

I tried the coffee and it was good enough, arriving quickly despite the steady stream of customers waiting in line. But I cannot say it stood out; I enjoyed the location and the space itself most of all.

I went during the day and then later at night; each had a fun energy. It would fill up fast and then empty just as quickly.

Its turkey makdous sandwich goes for SR22 ($5.86), a burrata sandwich for SR26, while spicy tuna or halloumi is SR20.

But the establishment is perhaps more famous for its French toast, smothered in a blanket of sticky sweetness. It is dense and decadent, leaning unapologetically into indulgence and clearly designed for those with a sweet tooth.

It is described as “The French toast house. French toast that feels like home.” That makes sense.

While I could not necessarily detect groovy synergy, as its name would imply, it is definitely a lively spot and I enjoyed the atmosphere.

For more details, visit its Instagram @groovysa.