Review: Mariam Café, a hidden gem in north Jeddah, is a treat for the senses

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Updated 29 April 2023
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Review: Mariam Café, a hidden gem in north Jeddah, is a treat for the senses

Jeddah’s Mariam Cafe is owned by Badr Khashogji, who converted a portion of his home into the business, which he named after his eldest daughter, Mariam.

Located in the Muhammadiyah district, a busy area with many cafes and restaurants, Mariam Cafe has set a new standard for local establishments.

The cafe is regarded as one of Jeddah’s hidden beauties. Even the building itself is a work of visual art.

The decor of the establishment is interesting as there are many things to look at, including a book corner and spots of music tapes and CDs, where many Saudi artists hang their paintings.

For those who prefer to sit outside to enjoy the fresh air, Mariam Cafe offers both indoor and outdoor spaces. Those who prefer to work on their laptops inside can listen to music that has been specifically selected to complement the surrounding environment.

There are many seating options for those who prefer to sit at the bar or for those who plan to stay for a while.

The cafe offers a broad range of sweets as well as coffees like andalusia, macchiato and espresso varieties.

Visitors can enjoy taking pictures inside the cafe, as it is decorated with art and statues. Pictures can also be taken for special photoshoots.

Though not very large, the cafe attracts a lot of visitors and notable guests who later share their experiences on social media.

Given that Mariam Cafe’s most expensive coffee costs SR18 ($8.80), the prices are lower than average.

The site lacks toilets, which can be a disadvantage for people who travel to the cafe from outside the neighborhood.

Due to the overwhelming demand for its coffee, Mariam Cafe has started online delivery at www.qahwatmariam.com. 
 


Lolo Zouai releases new music video, sets album date

Updated 10 February 2026
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Lolo Zouai releases new music video, sets album date

  • French Algerian star will release new album April 24
  • Record dedicated to a close friend who died in 2021

DUBAI: French Algerian singer and songwriter Lolo Zouai this week dropped a new music video for her single “Holding On” and announced that her upcoming album, “Reverie,” will be released on April 24.

The track, which blends R&B and dance-pop elements, explores themes of grief and memory. Its accompanying music video is dedicated to Zouai’s close friend Hanna Rosa Hotchkiss who died in 2021.

In a statement shared on Instagram, Zouai said the album reflects a period of personal change.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Lolo Zouaï (@lolozouai)

“This record was made through three years of grief, growth, and reflection. I had to lose myself to find myself again. I couldn’t have done it without my angel, Hanna.”

“Thank you to my collaborators, my friends, and my Lo-riders who held me down through it all,” she added. “I hope it heals you the way it healed me.”

Zouai teased the album earlier this year writing: “2026. ALBUM SUBMITTED. LET’S… GOOO,” on Instagram, sharing a carousel of images of herself.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Lolo Zouaï (@lolozouai)

Fans quickly took to the comments section to congratulate the music sensation.

“OH MY GOD FINALLY!!! I’m so so so excited and proud of you omg, you did that,” one fan wrote. Another said: “Some good news i needed this fr.”

Another fan said: “I’m so excited I just shed a tear … 2026 is so gonna be your year boo!!!! SEE U SOON!!”

Zouai’s last release was in November, when she dropped a new single titled “3AM in San Francisco.”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Lolo Zouaï (@lolozouai)

In 2024, Zouai dropped several tracks, including her “Please Hold” EP featuring “jetlag” and “UNHHH,” along with “mute” and “Potential.”

In June 2024, she also announced that she had written a song for K-pop group NewJeans for their Japanese debut.

Known for her blend of R&B, club-pop and hip-hop, she has gained an international fan base for her dynamic stage presence and genre-blending music.

Her career highlights include the release of a debut album “High Highs to Low Lows” in 2019, which features 12 tracks, and a follow-up “PLAYGIRL” in 2022, which has 13 tracks.

After the album’s release in October 2022, Zouai was featured on a billboard in New York’s Times Square.