For years, Saudi Arabia has been synonymous with its deep-rooted coffee culture, from the centuries-old tradition of serving Arabic coffee with dates to the modern explosion of specialty coffeehouses. Now, Saudi café brands are making a bold statement beyond the Kingdom’s borders, bringing their distinct flavors and concepts to global markets.
With Saudi Arabia’s coffee scene booming, homegrown coffee shops are no longer content with national success. Instead, they are venturing into international cities, from New York to London and Dubai, offering everything from traditional Arabic coffee to third-wave specialty blends. Here’s how Saudi coffee culture is spreading worldwide.
Half Million Coffee: Saudi Coffee Culture Meets Oxford Street
As one of the younger brands in this list, Half Million Coffee has rapidly made a name for itself in Saudi Arabia and beyond. Its London branch on Oxford Street makes it the only Saudi café with a permanent presence in the UK.
Offering a mix of Saudi-inspired beverages like Karak chai alongside classic lattes and espressos, Half Million has captured the attention of both Gulf tourists and Londoners seeking something different. With a sleek, modern aesthetic and a strong social media presence, it embodies the new generation of Saudi coffee entrepreneurs.
Kyan Café: Saudi Coffee Arrives in New York
One of the most ambitious expansions comes from Kyan Café, which has rapidly grown across the Middle East before setting its sights on the United States. The brand, founded in Al-Qassim in 2009, is known for blending Western espresso drinks with Saudi and Turkish coffee, creating a hybrid model that appeals to both locals and expatriates.
Kyan’s decision to open its first U.S. outlet in New York’s Bronx borough, particularly in the heart of “Little Yemen,” speaks to the growing demand for Middle Eastern coffee culture in international markets. It also follows a pattern of Saudi brands tapping into diaspora communities as a gateway to broader Western audiences.
Barn’s Coffee: From Jeddah to London and New York
A veteran of Saudi Arabia’s café industry, Barn’s Coffee has been a staple since 1992, pioneering the drive-thru coffee concept long before it became a trend. With over 500 outlets in the Kingdom, Barn’s is now charting a course for the UK and the United States, with plans to open 10 stores in London and a flagship café in Manhattan.
Barn’s strategy is a blend of franchising and corporate-owned stores, leveraging its recognizable brand name and efficient service model. The company also taps into the nostalgia of Saudi expatriates while simultaneously introducing global consumers to high-quality Arabica beans sourced from the Kingdom’s farms.
dr.CAFE: A Pioneer in Saudi’s Global Coffee Expansion
Long before many Saudi brands considered going international, dr.CAFE Coffee was paving the way. Founded in 1997 in Riyadh, the brand expanded into Southeast Asia as early as 2008, establishing a presence in Malaysia and Singapore. It now operates across the Middle East and Asia-Pacific, growing through a franchise model that maintains stringent quality controls.
The brand’s success lies in its emphasis on high-quality Arabica beans, barista training, and premium roasting techniques, aligning with global specialty coffee trends. dr.CAFE’s ability to adapt its business model while maintaining its Saudi roots has made it a formidable player in international markets.
Bateel Café: A Luxury Coffee Experience from Riyadh to Seoul
For those seeking a more refined coffee experience, Café Bateel offers a unique blend of Middle Eastern hospitality and Mediterranean elegance. Bateel, originally famous for its gourmet dates, has transformed into a luxury café chain operating in 14 countries across the Middle East, Europe, and Asia.
Its latest expansion into Seoul’s Lotte World Mall marks Bateel’s entry into East Asia, a region known for its appreciation of high-end café culture. Offering a menu that pairs Saudi-grown coffee with fine chocolates and date-based pastries, Bateel has positioned itself as the Hermès of coffee, appealing to affluent consumers in high-end shopping districts.
Camel Step: Saudi Specialty Coffee Reaches Dubai
For coffee connoisseurs, Camel Step Coffee Roasters represents Saudi Arabia’s thriving third-wave coffee movement. Established in 2013 in Riyadh, Camel Step has built a reputation for directly sourcing high-quality beans, expert roasting techniques, and a minimalist café aesthetic.
Camel Step’s first international café in Dubai, which opened in 2023, reflects its commitment to specialty coffee excellence. Unlike mass-market chains, Camel Step prioritizes small-batch roasting and barista craftsmanship, aligning with the tastes of specialty coffee lovers worldwide.
A Global Vision for Saudi Coffee
Saudi Arabia’s coffee industry is no longer confined to local markets. With brands expanding into major global cities, the Kingdom’s café culture is becoming an international force. Whether through luxury offerings, specialty coffee craftsmanship, or innovative service models, these brands are redefining Saudi entrepreneurship on the world stage.
As the country continues to invest in its coffee sector – including plans to boost domestic coffee bean production through the likes of the Saudi Coffee Company – more Saudi coffee shops are likely to join the international scene.
Comments (0)