Where We Are Going Today: Umq Coffee

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Updated 24 October 2025
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Where We Are Going Today: Umq Coffee

  • It is reliable, unpretentious and proudly Saudi, and that shows in every cup

Few Saudi Arabia coffee brands have managed to build such steady loyalty across cities as has Umq Coffee.

With branches in Alkhobar, Dammam, Riyadh and Al-Ahsa, the brand has become a familiar stop for coffee lovers looking for consistency, quality, and fair prices — three things that are rarely found together.

You will love the Ethiopian iced V60. It is smooth, rich and full-bodied, with deep chocolatey undertones and a gentle, lingering sweetness.

The clarity of the brew allows the beans’ natural profile to shine through without any bitterness, giving each sip a clean and satisfying depth — making it perfect for hot afternoons and late-night drives.

You will appreciate how their flavor remains consistent across branches, a sign that Umq takes its roasting and preparation seriously.

Beyond the coffee, the menu includes breakfast and dessert options that are decently priced but fall short in quality compared to the drinks. The food is not bad, just not memorable, it is the kind of thing you order for convenience, not craving.

The coffee, however, is a different story: always freshly brewed, well-balanced, and undeniably the highlight of the experience.

Their accessibility is another plus. Having branches in multiple cities means you can count on finding Umq almost anywhere, which adds to its charm as a truly local brand.

It is reliable, unpretentious and proudly Saudi, and that shows in every cup.

If you are looking for consistent specialty coffee at a reasonable price, Umq is an easy recommendation. It is not about luxury or hype but familiarity done right.

For more information, check their Instagram: @umqcoffee.
 


Where We Are Going Today: ‘The Roof’ at the Jeddah Edition Hotel

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Updated 08 December 2025
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Where We Are Going Today: ‘The Roof’ at the Jeddah Edition Hotel

  • I made my way to the mocktail bar, where the menu featured several options

With the first hint of winter settling over Jeddah, rooftop spaces across the city are gradually coming back to life after the long, humid summer.

Among them is The Roof at the Jeddah Edition Hotel, where I was recently invited to experience the atmosphere, food offerings, and evening setting.

The moment I stepped onto the rooftop, the scene carried a familiar coastal warmth, comfortable and understated yet framed by the luxury the hotel is known for. On one side, the Formula One circuit curves in view, while the city skyline and the Jeddah Yacht Club stretch outward, catching a beautiful sunset that softened the horizon and reminded me of why the city’s rooftops feel most alive at this time of year.

I made my way to the mocktail bar, where the menu featured several options. I chose the passionfruit blend — cold, tangy, and lightly sweet. The presentation was good, with a dried orange garnish and a small paper straw. 

The soundtrack of the evening was shaped by the hotel’s resident DJ, who alternated between Arabic and Western melodies with live percussion, pairing well with the cool breeze drifting across the terrace.

I sampled mini burgers, tacos, and a mushroom-and-onion pasta from the live station. Later, after meeting a friend, we shared dessert, churros paired with a latte, while sitting near the pool. The water was inviting, though the evening wasn’t quite cool enough for a swim.

The Roof has SR150 ($40) minimum spend per person starting from 6:00 p.m.