New program boosts coffee cultivation skills in Asir

The Saudi Coffee Company Academy has launched its “Best Agricultural Practices” program in the Asir region to enhance coffee cultivation in the Kingdom. (SPA)
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The Saudi Coffee Company Academy has launched its “Best Agricultural Practices” program in the Asir region to enhance coffee cultivation in the Kingdom. (SPA)
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Updated 18 August 2024
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New program boosts coffee cultivation skills in Asir

The Saudi Coffee Company Academy has launched a program in the Asir region to enhance coffee cultivation.
  • Asir program aims to improve coffee cultivation in the southern regions where the practice is deeply rooted in Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage

JEDDAH: The Saudi Coffee Company Academy has launched its “Best Agricultural Practices” program in the Asir region to enhance coffee cultivation in the Kingdom.

This six-day initiative, led by internationally renowned experts, imparts advanced skills in coffee cultivation and drying to farmers, entrepreneurs, and enthusiasts through a mix of theoretical workshops and practical sessions.

It covers nursery management, field preparation, shade tree maintenance, and modern fertilization techniques.

Following the success of similar programs in Jazan and Baha, which benefitted over 450 farmers, the Asir program aims to improve coffee cultivation in the southern regions where the practice is deeply rooted in Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage.

The academy, established to nurture sustainable growth in the coffee industry, offers training programs on cultivation, production, sensory evaluation, cafe management, and entrepreneurship.

Participants can earn accredited certifications, enhancing their marketability and contributing to the sector’s sustainable development.


Reviving heritage — the story of Bayt Isa

Reviving heritage — the story of Bayt Isa
Updated 25 sec ago
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Reviving heritage — the story of Bayt Isa

Reviving heritage — the story of Bayt Isa
  • Historic house in the Irqah district has been restored to its former glory
  • Members of the public can visit and experience the traditional life of the Najd region for free

RIYADH: The historic Bayt Isa — named after Isa bin Mugayel — in Riyadh’s Irqah district is now open to members of the public following major restoration.
Born in 1873, Isa was one of the sons of Irqah. His grandson, Bader Al-Mugayel, spoke to Arab News about the deep connection to his ancestors’ legacy that led him to renovate the building in 2022.
“Three years ago, I saw the area. Of course, what made me interested was my grandfather,” he said.
After 16 months of hard work, the historic house is now open to visitors free of charge.
“We wanted this project to be Saudi-made and with local products,” explained Al-Mugayel. “The goal isn’t investment; the goal is that this place doesn’t die.”
Highlighting the architectural techniques used in the traditional houses, he added: “Any house has something in it. It has engineering. It’s impossible to build a house that lasts for a long time without a solid foundation.”
Some of the houses in the area date back 200 years. The distinctive Najdi architecture plays a crucial role in the heritage of Irqah and is characterized by flat roofs, thick walls and intricate geometric patterns.
The restoration of Bayt Isa adhered to these architectural principles, ensuring it reflected the traditional building techniques of the Najd region.
“When we came to restore, we found that they actually followed certain measurements. they didn’t exceed 3.5 meters,” said Al-Mugayel.
The resilience of the materials used, especially wood that can bear heavy loads, underlines the ingenuity of generations past.
Al-Mugayel’s commitment to preserving the integrity of the structures is clear in his approach — very little has been changed.
Future plans include a motel, to allow guests to experience a taste of life in another time. He also hopes to include local cafes and markets, prioritizing the involvement of local producers and families. The initiative aligns with the broader objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to promote tourism and cultural heritage.
“Our strategy is to ensure that local families benefit from this project,” said Al-Mugayel, who has engaged with those producing traditional Najdi food.
“We want everyone to come and witness how people lived in the old days,” he told Arab News.
“We opened it for free. You come, walk around, have coffee, tea, and see the house.”


Minor earthquake strikes near eastern Saudi Arabia

Minor earthquake strikes near eastern Saudi Arabia
Updated 04 April 2025
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Minor earthquake strikes near eastern Saudi Arabia

Minor earthquake strikes near eastern Saudi Arabia

A magnitude 4 earthquake hit the Arabian Gulf off Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province in the early hours of Friday morning.

The Saudi Geological Survey recorded the tremor at its seismic stations and pinpointed the quake 55 km east of the city of Jubail, a spokesperson told Arab News.

Stress caused by movement of the Arabian tectonic plate and its collision with the Eurasian plate were determined to be the cause.

The spokesperson said the quake was considered minor and that the situation in the Kingdom was safe.


From living rooms to eateries: Saudi homes being transformed into restaurants

From living rooms to eateries: Saudi homes being transformed into restaurants
Updated 04 April 2025
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From living rooms to eateries: Saudi homes being transformed into restaurants

From living rooms to eateries: Saudi homes being transformed into restaurants
  • Historic homes invite customers while retaining the charm of traditional family life
  • Saudi business owners are working to preserve heritage by repurposing buildings

RIYADH: Across Saudi Arabia, historic homes are undergoing remarkable transformations, turning into cafes and restaurants. These spaces are now inviting members of the public to dine in what were once private residences.

Restaurateurs spoke to Arab News about the challenges and rewards of repurposing historic homes, offering insight into the growing trend in the Kingdom.

Restoring an 80-year-old home: The journey of Tagmera

In Madinah, several family-run establishments have taken up this concept. For Saleh Shahini, the business partner of Tagmera, and his mother, Abeer Al-Masri, turning their historic property into a cafe was a way to preserve decades of heritage.

“The house was originally built 80 years ago by the Al-Maghadawi family, with the first floor constructed from volcanic stone. Years later, additional floors were added using wood and clay,” Shahini explained.

One of the biggest challenges they faced was the fragility of the upper floors, which posed safety concerns for visitors. “We had to remove the two additional levels while keeping the original stone foundation intact. It was a delicate process, but we wanted to ensure the space remained true to its origins,” he said.

Tagmera retained the intimacy of the original structure, ensuring that visitors felt connected to the home’s past.

“The narrow spaces and low ceilings create a sense of warmth and peace, making it easy for guests to engage in conversations and connect with their surroundings,” he added.

The cafe remains a family-run project, with Al-Masri and her seven children actively involved in welcoming guests and running operations.

The menu also reflects this family-focused ethos, with fermented dough, jams and traditional ingredients, prepared using time-honored homemade methods.

“Everything on our menu is made in-house, using old fermentation techniques and authentic ingredients— just like how we would prepare food at home,” Shahini said.

In Madinah’s Al-Magheesla district, a traditional home has been reimagined as Into Sushi, a Japanese restaurant run by Leen Kurdi and her family.

“The experience of transforming the house into a restaurant was full of challenges, as we wanted to preserve the soul of the home and the integrity of the volcanic stone structure,” Kurdi said.

The restaurant is a fusion of Japanese flavors with the warmth of traditional Madini hospitality. The restaurant kept the original entrance with a doorbell, allowing guests to feel as if they were stepping into a private home rather than a commercial space.

“What makes our place special is that my mother greets guests, we serve hospitality drinks of our own creation, including our signature pomegranate and Madini rose cocktail, and I personally prepare the dishes with the help of our team,” Kurdi said.

For Abdulrahman Al-Hejaili, owner of Kaboun, the idea of a home-turned-restaurant had been a long-time fascination. Inspired by family conversations about restaurants with homely atmospheres, Al-Hejaili sought to recreate the concept.

“We wanted to create a restaurant that felt like home — where guests could enjoy simple, comforting food in a warm setting,” he explained.

The transformation process required careful planning and redesign, ensuring that the home remained inviting and intimate while accommodating the practicalities of a restaurant.

“One of our biggest challenges was balancing the cozy, personal feel of a home with the professionalism and efficiency of a restaurant,” Al-Hejaili added.

His efforts paid off, as Kaboun has become known for its authentic home-style dining. “From the moment guests arrive, they feel like they are visiting family. We serve food just as it would be at home — simple, fresh, and without unnecessary additives or enhancements,” he said.

Even classic international dishes such as pancakes, omelets and French toast are presented in their original, homemade style, reinforcing the restaurant’s commitment to simplicity and authenticity.

Reyam Al-Ahmadi, a visitor to the Al-Hayy project in Madinah, described the sensation of stepping into one of these homes-turned-restaurants. “Not long ago, a video went viral of someone expressing their astonishment at these transformed homes, and I can’t blame them at all! I felt the same wonder when I visited Al-Hayy.”

She describes walking through an area rich with history, where homes have been transformed while their original character remains intact. “The doors to these places only open after a knock, just like in the past. It truly felt like stepping back in time,” Al-Ahmadi said.

One experience stood out to her the most — a 90-year-old home that had been converted into a spa. “It left me speechless. Could the original owners have ever imagined that nearly a century later, a girl would come to their home to get her nails done and have her hair styled?”

For many, dining in these spaces is about stepping into a story, a legacy, and a home that continues to be filled with warmth and connection.


Saudi Arabia condemns Israeli military escalation, attack on cultural center in Gaza

Saudi Arabia condemns Israeli military escalation, attack on cultural center in Gaza
Updated 04 April 2025
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Saudi Arabia condemns Israeli military escalation, attack on cultural center in Gaza

Saudi Arabia condemns Israeli military escalation, attack on cultural center in Gaza
  • Saudi Arabia called on UN Security Council members to take decisive action to end what it described as a tragedy endured by the Palestinian people

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday condemned Israel’s continued military escalation in the occupied Palestinian territories, including strikes on shelters for displaced civilians in Gaza.

In a statement, the Kingdom denounced the targeting of the Dar Al-Arqam School in Gaza, where dozens of displaced people were killed, and the destruction of a warehouse operated by the Saudi Center for Culture and Heritage in the Morag area east of Rafah. The facility reportedly contained medical supplies designated for patients and the wounded in Gaza.

The ministry said the absence of effective international accountability mechanisms has enabled Israeli forces to persist in violations of international law and humanitarian principles. It warned that ongoing impunity contributes to the intensification of violence and poses a threat to regional and global stability.

Saudi Arabia called on UN Security Council members to take decisive action to end what it described as a tragedy endured by the Palestinian people.


Saudi crown prince, Iranian president discuss regional developments

Saudi crown prince, Iranian president discuss regional developments
Updated 04 April 2025
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Saudi crown prince, Iranian president discuss regional developments

Saudi crown prince, Iranian president discuss regional developments

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman shared a call with  Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, the Saudi Press Agency reported early on Friday.
During the call, the leaders discussed recent developments in the region and reviewed several issues of mutual concern.