The Cat Garden in Alkhobar: A purrfect place for feline lovers

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At The Cat Garden, visitors won't run out of furry felines to play with. (AN photo by Jasmine Bager)
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At The Cat Garden, visitors won't run out of furry felines to play with. (AN photo by Jasmine Bager)
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At The Cat Garden, visitors won't run out of furry felines to play with. (AN photo by Jasmine Bager)
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Updated 30 September 2023
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The Cat Garden in Alkhobar: A purrfect place for feline lovers

ALKHOBAR: If you ever find yourself in Villaggio Village in Alkhobar and fancy chilling out with some really cool felines, then pop into The Cat Garden.

While many pet-centric cafes have opened in recent years across the Kingdom, this one is a bit different.

A first for Eastern Province, this is not a hybrid eatery and veterinary space or shop, but rather a place for doing nothing other than playing with cats.

You go in, you pay for the amount of time you want, you play, you leave. It is as simple as that.

Visitors are asked to fill in a form to make sure they are aware of all the do’s and don’ts, while staff will check to make sure you do not have any allergies and answer any questions you might have. All visitors are also required to wear plastic coverings over their shoes and use the hand sanitizer provided.

With the formalities over you are now free to play with your furry friends to your heart’s content.

There are lots of cats to play with, each with its own personality. Some like to lounge around and be stroked, while others are full of energy and bounce around.

All of the animals live on the premises, but the operators rotate the ones in the public area to ensure they are not put under too much stress.

The Cat Garden opens Monday to Saturday from 1-10 p.m. The cost is SR25 ($6) for 15 minutes or SR35 for half an hour. For an extra charge you can buy some treats to give to your feline friends.

For more pictures of the venue visit instagram @CatGarden_KSA.


First lady Melania Trump to preview new film at private White House screening

Updated 24 January 2026
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First lady Melania Trump to preview new film at private White House screening

  • Film offers rare behind-the-scenes access to Melania Trump
  • First lady to ring NYSE opening bell to promote ​film

WASHINGTON: First lady Melania Trump will host a private White House screening on Saturday of a new film documenting her life in the 20 days leading up to President Donald Trump’s second inauguration, an adviser said.
The movie, “Melania,” is set for a global release on January 30. Saturday’s showing will be the first ‌time the ‌president, her family and close friends see ‌the ⁠film ​in ‌full, said Marc Beckman, the first lady’s outside adviser and agent.
The film offers rare behind-the-scenes access to the first lady, who has kept a low public profile during her husband’s second term. The trailer opens on Inauguration Day in January 2025, showing her donning a navy wide-brimmed hat for the ceremony at ⁠the US Capitol. It also depicts her role as an adviser to the ‌president, including a moment in which ‍she encourages him to emphasize “peacemaker ‍and unifier” in his inaugural address.
Beckman, who produced the film, ‍oversaw the $40 million movie deal with Amazon’s MGM Studios, plus a follow-up documentary series set for release later this year focusing on some of Melania Trump’s priorities, including children in foster care.
“This is not ​a political film at all,” Beckman said in an interview, adding that the first lady spearheaded ⁠the film’s creative direction.
The movie highlights her fashion choices, diplomatic engagements and the operations surrounding her Secret Service protection. Beckman said viewers also will see moments that capture the president’s sense of humor.
Ahead of the public theatrical release of the film next week, the president and first lady will attend a premiere on Thursday at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center by the Trump-appointed board of directors.
The first lady is also scheduled to ring the opening ‌bell at the New York Stock Exchange on Wednesday to promote the film, Beckman added.