Where We Are Going Today: ‘Kholasa’ coffee in AlUla

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Updated 10 December 2023
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Where We Are Going Today: ‘Kholasa’ coffee in AlUla

  • The cafe offers coffee envelopes to make your coffee at home and a to-go box that holds up to seven cups — an ideal option for the workplace or a picnic in the desert

Nothing compares to enjoying a cup of coffee at Kholasa against a dramatic mountain backdrop in AlUla’s UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hegra.

After opening in Riyadh, Saudi brand Kholasa has expanded to AlUla. Both outlets are known for their hibiscus iced tea, cold brew, and coffee of the day. The specialized coffee shop is also a favorite for its pastries and bakery.

The traditional Saudi pattern known as “sadu” is the inspiration for the cafe design, which combines a simple, modern style with historical and traditional elements in the furnishings and interiors.

AlUla has one of the largest concentrations of carved inscriptions and rock art in the Middle East, and Kholasa is adorned with illustrations showing a wide range of examples.

The cafe also offers coffee envelopes to make your coffee at home and a to-go box that holds up to seven cups — an ideal option for the workplace or a picnic in the desert.

Branches are open from 6 a.m. to midnight from Saturday to Thursday, and from 8 a.m. to midnight on Friday.  

For updates and more information check their Instagram @kholasacoffee.

 

 


Where We Are Going Today: Black Cafe in Dhahran

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Updated 23 January 2026
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Where We Are Going Today: Black Cafe in Dhahran

  • There were many pastries available but my latte was sweet enough so I did not indulge further on that visit

There is a new cafe in town at Khobar City Walk, near many of the popular eateries. Black Cafe is situated at the corner of the street so you might risk missing it altogether — that side of the building seemed to have been vacant for some time. But not anymore.

Despite its name, the interior is light-colored, aside from a few details such as the black straw and little tables inside.

Outside, there are plenty of seats and tables available so one can enjoy the cooler weather while it is still here.

I had the cafe to myself mostly, aside from a few customers who trickled in over the two hours I stayed there. It was a great spot to quietly read a book or sip a drink without the noise of the outside coming in.

I ordered an iced Spanish latte for SR19 ($5) and really liked it. There were many pastries available but my latte was sweet enough so I did not indulge further on that visit.

They gave out free bottles of water with every order, a nice gesture to remind us to keep hydrated as we caffeinated.

Open from 6:00 a.m. until 2:00 a.m, they definitely should be getting a larger crowd. I think since that spot was vacant for so many years that perhaps not many have come across it. But it is worth a try.

They are opening two more branches — all in the Eastern Province — later this year.

Follow them @blackcafe.ksa on Instagram.