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Riyadh’s literary havens: Where coffee meets the love of books

Riyadh’s literary havens: Where coffee meets the love of books
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Sophia’s towering wooden shelves filled with books, creating a sophisticated retreat for readers in Riyadh. (Instagram: @sophia.alriyadh)
Riyadh’s literary havens: Where coffee meets the love of books
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Shelves brimming at The Book Club with knowledge and cozy reading nooks define this literary haven, offering an escape for readers and dreamers alike. (AN photo by Waad Hussain)
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Updated 08 January 2025

Riyadh’s literary havens: Where coffee meets the love of books

Riyadh’s literary havens: Where coffee meets the love of books
  • City’s book cafes offer serene spaces for quiet reflection
  • Carefully curated selections of Arabic and English titles on offer

RIYADH: Riyadh’s cultural landscape is undergoing a quiet transformation, where the love of coffee meets the timeless allure of literature.

Book cafes are carving out a niche as spaces where readers, thinkers, and coffee enthusiasts converge.

These havens of creativity and reflection offer retreats for the mind and soul, providing a sense of community in an increasingly fast-paced world.




A cozy nook where greenery and natural decor invite visitors to unwind with a good book. ?(Instagram: @coffee_trees20)

The Book Club: Where stories find their home

Nestled in the Al-Yasmin district, The Book Club is a tranquil retreat for bibliophiles, particularly those passionate about Arabic literature.

Its shelves brim with carefully curated Arabic titles, from classics to contemporary gems, complemented by a modest selection of English books.

HIGHLIGHTS

? In Riyadh’s Al-Narjis district, Wathbah Coffee and Book’s floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, vintage-inspired decor, and intimate corners create a haven for readers and thinkers alike.

? Coffee Trees, tucked away in the Al-Rayan district, offers a sanctuary that blends greenery with literary charm.

The minimalist interior, adorned with soft lighting and intimate reading nooks, creates an atmosphere conducive to focus and relaxation.

What sets The Book Club apart is its browsing policy. Visitors are welcome to skim books for three minutes before deciding to purchase, with additional purchases granting extended reading time.




A serene entrance invites book lovers and coffee enthusiasts to step into a world of stories and community at The Book Club. This Riyadh gem blends literature with culture. (AN photo by Waad Hussain)

During Arab News’ visit, the cafe hosted a stimulating talk with Saad Al-Bazai, titled, “Historical Fiction: Why Do They Believe in the Imagined?”

Al-Bazai told Arab News: “These gatherings bring together a diverse audience and provide them with the opportunity to meet researchers.

“This undoubtedly supports cultural life as it creates a platform for dialogue that differs from social media platforms — it is vibrant, direct, and involves personal presence.”

Sophia: A library, a cafe, and a place to connect

Sophia has become a cornerstone of Riyadh’s literary scene, acting as a hub for knowledge, creativity, and meaningful connections.

Its towering wooden shelves are filled with a rich collection of Arabic and English books, carefully curated to cater to a diverse audience.




Sophia blends intellect and leisure, offering visitors a serene space to read and reflect. (Instagram: @sophia.alriyadh)

Beyond being a library, Sophia also serves as a publishing house, amplifying the voices of local and regional authors, bringing their stories to the forefront.

What sets Sophia apart is its dedication to fostering intellectual growth and cultural exchange.

The space regularly hosts book launches, discussion panels, and thought-provoking dialogue sessions that bring together writers, readers, and thinkers from various backgrounds.

The inviting ambiance, complete with warm lighting and cozy seating, creates the perfect backdrop for these events, making each visit an enriching experience.

Aminah Al-Hassani, a loyal visitor, captured the essence of Sophia. She said: “The place is calm and serene, and it has never let me down with a bad book.

“Every book I’ve read here has been better than the last. Their selections are beautiful, and the events they organize are always beneficial and enjoyable.”




The calming ambiance of Coffee Trees, a perfect escape to enjoy ethically sourced coffee and literary treasures. (Instagram: @coffee_trees20)

Coffee Trees: A green sanctuary

Coffee Trees, tucked away in the Al-Rayan district, offers a sanctuary that blends greenery with literary charm. The cafe’s lush decor, accentuated by vibrant plants and natural elements, transforms the space into a botanical retreat.

Though its library is modest, the curated selection of books is perfectly aligned with the cafe’s serene ambiance.

Patrons often find themselves lost in thought or pages, surrounded by the aroma of ethically sourced, expertly brewed coffee.

Whether it’s the tranquil environment or the commitment to sustainability, Coffee Trees is a favorite escape for those seeking a moment of calm in the city.




The timeless charm of Wathbah, with its floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and vintage-inspired decor. (Instagram: @wathbah_cb)

Wathbah Coffee & Book: Where timeless charm meets literature

In Al-Narjis district, Wathbah Coffee & Book exudes intellectual allure. Its floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, vintage-inspired decor, and intimate corners create a haven for readers and thinkers alike.

The carefully selected collection spans genres and eras, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

Wathbah’s ambiance is perfect for quiet reading, reflective conversations, or simply soaking in its aesthetic beauty.

As Sara Al-Ebraheem, a loyal patron, said: “There’s a certain magic in time spent in the company of good books, with a perfectly brewed coffee.”




The warm, minimalist interior of Ons, perfect for a quiet read or reflective moments away from the city’s buzz. (AN photo by Waad Hussain)

Ons Coffee Roasters: Where simplicity meets serenity

Ons Coffee Roasters offers a minimalist haven for those who crave peace and simplicity. Its clean design, complemented by tasteful art and cozy seating, creates a calm environment perfect for unwinding.

While its library may be small, the books displayed are thoughtfully chosen to inspire reflection and curiosity.

Ons Coffee Roasters is as much about quality as it is about serenity. Its expertly brewed coffee elevates the experience, making it an ideal retreat for anyone seeking a quiet corner in Riyadh.




Ons’s small literary touch: A charming collection of books graces the walls of Ons, where simplicity meets creativity in every corner. (AN photo by Waad Hussain)

A cultural renaissance in Riyadh

The emerging popularity of book cafes is providing spaces where literature, art, and community thrive. The cafes cater to a growing audience of residents and visitors who value meaningful connections in an increasingly digital world.
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‘Adopt a Coral’ community restoration initiative unveiled

‘Adopt a Coral’ community restoration initiative unveiled
Updated 58 min 37 sec ago

‘Adopt a Coral’ community restoration initiative unveiled

‘Adopt a Coral’ community restoration initiative unveiled
  • SHAMS has developed the program using proven scientific methods for identifying damaged reef areas
  • The project represents a significant step in 黑料社区’s marine conservation efforts

RIYADH: A new environmental initiative aimed at directly involving local communities in coral reef rehabilitation will be launched on Saturday.

The innovative “Adopt a Coral” scheme, by the General Organization for the Conservation of Coral Reefs and Turtles in the Red Sea (SHAMS), will also promote awareness of marine ecosystem preservation.

The project represents a significant step in 黑料社区’s marine conservation efforts, supporting Vision 2030 sustainability goals and the Saudi Green Initiative’s mission to prevent ecosystem decline and protect biodiversity.

SHAMS has developed the program using proven scientific methods for identifying damaged reef areas and implementing cutting-edge rehabilitation techniques. The organization’s track record includes successful long-term monitoring systems that measure ecosystem recovery over extended periods.

The initiative offers a range of opportunities for those taking part, from hands-on coral seedling planting to educational workshops addressing major reef threats, including climate change and marine pollution. It particularly targets 黑料社区’s diving community as active contributors to reef monitoring and public education efforts.

Central to the program is a symbolic adoption concept, where participants take responsibility for specific coral sections.

Initial implementation will focus on selected Red Sea coastal sites, with gradual expansion planned to maximize both long-term environmental impact and sustainable community involvement.

As environmental pressures mount, “Adopt a Coral” initiative offers a practical model for community-based conservation of the fragile underwater habitats and reflects SHAMS’s broader mission to transform environmental protection into tangible community action.


Ladder of the Holy Kaaba: A symbol of care for the holiest of sites

Ladder of the Holy Kaaba: A symbol of care for the holiest of sites
Updated 11 July 2025

Ladder of the Holy Kaaba: A symbol of care for the holiest of sites

Ladder of the Holy Kaaba: A symbol of care for the holiest of sites
  • The ladder of the Holy Kaaba represents a unique piece that has witnessed, over the past 25 years, the occasions of washing the Kaaba

Makkah: The ladder of the Holy Kaaba represents a unique piece that has witnessed, over the past 25 years, the occasions of washing the Kaaba and has remained present throughout, reflecting the great care for the holiest site, SPA reports.

The General Authority for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque explained that the ladder, which was brought in 2000, is powered by 24 batteries.

At its top, it includes a platform to illuminate the interior of the Holy Kaaba, along with central air-conditioning vents for cooling the inside of the Kaaba. It also contains three tanks for air-conditioning water, one tank designated for washing the Kaaba, and another for return water.

The General Authority said that it has provided all advanced technologies, including those used in crafting the Kaaba’s ladder, which was made from teak wood, the finest type of wood, with a length of 5.65 meters, a height of 4.80 meters, a width of 1.88 meters, and a weight of 6,500 kg.

According to SPA, this comes as part of the General Authority’s commitment to providing all advanced technologies for the components of the Holy Kaaba, in line with the directives of the leadership.


Visit Saudi, ‘Doraemon’ collaborate on culture at Expo 2025

Visit Saudi, ‘Doraemon’ collaborate on culture at Expo 2025
Updated 11 July 2025

Visit Saudi, ‘Doraemon’ collaborate on culture at Expo 2025

Visit Saudi, ‘Doraemon’ collaborate on culture at Expo 2025
  • Doraemon character in 40 films, 3,000 TV episodes since 1969
  • Part of Saudi Pavilion’s ‘Wonders of Arabia’ showing tourist sites

OSAKA: Visit Saudi, the brand identity of the Saudi Tourism Authority, is collaborating with the creators of the renowned Japanese anime “Doraemon” at Expo 2025 Osaka, to promote the Kingdom’s culture in a fun and engaging manner.

The collaboration is a part of the Saudi Pavilion’s “Wonders of Arabia” exhibition launched on Thursday, which also celebrates the 70th anniversary of relations between the two nations.

Taking place until July 16, visitors can follow the iconic blue robot cat named Doraemon as he explores the Kingdom’s destinations throughout the exhibition.

A QR code can be scanned to take a quiz on various Saudi destinations. The first 250 guests daily will receive a special “Doraemon” tote bag after completing the experience.

 

 

In a video released by Doraemon’s creators, the character is seen wandering around 黑料社区 landmarks through his popular pink portal door that allows him to explore any place at any time.

Surrounded by 黑料社区’s majestic landscapes, the character searches for his best friend Nobita, who makes a quick appearance. He returns to the Saudi Pavilion at the end of his journey, encouraging people to visit it.

“That was amazing. Come see it for yourself — and don’t forget to collect your limited-edition Doraemon tote bag after the experience,” the character says at the end of the video.

Located inside the Osaka Expo Exhibition Center, the “Wonders of Arabia” exhibition offers workshops, interactive presentations, photobooths, and live demonstrations of Saudi and Japanese calligraphy.

The exhibition is also offering an interactive virtual reality experience simulating Formula 1 races, and highlights of the Esports World Cup currently taking place in Riyadh.

Doraemon has become a cultural icon in Japan since the manga debuted in 1969, appearing in more than 40 feature films and 3,000 TV episodes.

Expo 2025 Osaka began in April and concludes in October.


How AI could make 黑料社区’s construction sites safer and more efficient

How AI could make 黑料社区’s construction sites safer and more efficient
Updated 11 July 2025

How AI could make 黑料社区’s construction sites safer and more efficient

How AI could make 黑料社区’s construction sites safer and more efficient
  • Construction remains one of the most dangerous and under-digitized industries, prompting a growing demand for real-time safety solutions
  • AI-driven tools are increasingly viewed not as job threats but as vital safeguards enhancing judgment, oversight, and worker protection

RIYADH: Across the global construction sector, long considered one of the most resistant to digitization, a quiet revolution is unfolding.

Artificial intelligence is no longer a mere buzzword confined to laboratories and boardrooms. It is increasingly present in the urban fabric, embedded into scaffolding, concrete and command centers.

One company at the heart of this shift is viAct, a Hong Kong-based AI firm co-founded by Gary Ng and Hugo Cheuk. Their aim is to make construction safer, smarter and significantly more productive using a scenario-based AI engine built for complex, high-risk environments.

“Despite being one of the most labor-intensive and hazardous industries, construction remains vastly under-digitized,” Ng told Arab News. “We saw this as an opportunity to bring AI-driven automation and insights to frontline operations.

Unlike conventional surveillance tools that simply record footage, viAct’s platform acts like a digital foreman. It interprets real-time visual data to detect unsafe practices, productivity gaps and anomalies, all without human supervision.

At the core of the platform are intelligent video analytics powered by edge computing. By processing visuals from jobsite cameras and sensors, viAct can flag whether a worker has entered a restricted zone, whether proper personal protective equipment is being worn, or if a crane is operating unsafely.

“This is not just about object detection,” said Ng. “Our AI understands context. It recognizes behaviors — like a worker being too close to the edge without a harness or a truck reversing unsafely — and acts in real time.”

That ability to contextualize data is crucial in megaprojects, where risks multiply with size.

The firm’s technology has already been deployed across East Asia and parts of Europe. Now, the company is eyeing 黑料社区 and the wider Gulf region, where giga-projects are transforming skylines at record speed.

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Ng confirmed viAct is in active discussions to enter the Saudi market.

“黑料社区’s Vision 2030 is deeply aligned with our mission,” he said. “There’s a growing demand for AI in infrastructure — not just for safety, but also for efficiency, environmental compliance, and transparency.

From NEOM and The Line to Qiddiya and Diriyah Gate, 黑料社区 is leading one of the most ambitious construction booms in the world. These projects involve thousands of workers, advanced logistics and constant oversight.

However, traditional safety audits and manual inspections are no longer sufficient. “With projects of this scale, real-time monitoring is not a luxury — it’s a necessity,” said Ng.

While viAct hasn’t yet launched in the Kingdom, its platform is fully prepared for Arabic localization and regional compliance standards, including Saudi labor laws and Gulf Cooperation Council safety codes.

What sets viAct apart is how seamlessly it integrates with existing infrastructure. Rather than requiring expensive proprietary equipment, the platform works with standard CCTV cameras and can be deployed in both urban and remote sites.

 

“Our system is plug-and-play,” said Ng. “You don’t need to overhaul your entire setup to use AI. That makes it ideal for companies in transition or for phased construction timelines.”

Its use of edge AI, meaning data is processed on site rather than in a distant cloud, allows viAct to deliver insights even in areas with weak internet connectivity. This feature is particularly useful in 黑料社区’s more isolated development zones or early-phase sites with minimal setup.

Its software is also highly customizable. For instance, a client building a hospital might prioritize fall detection and material delays, while a contractor working on an airport runway may need to monitor large machinery and perimeter access.

As automation reshapes industries, many worry that people are being replaced by machines. But Ng insists that viAct’s goal is not to eliminate workers — it is to protect them.

“We’re not building robots to take over,” he said. “We’re building tools that enhance human judgment and ensure safety. When a worker is alerted to a risk before an accident occurs, that’s AI doing its best job.”

In fact, many of viAct’s clients report that once site workers understand the system is not spying on them, but rather observing unsafe situations, adoption becomes smoother. Managers gain better oversight and laborers gain peace of mind.

“We see this as a collaboration between human intelligence and artificial intelligence,” Ng said. “Each has strengths. Together, they’re far more effective.”

Gary Ng co-founded viAct, a Hong Kong-based AI firm, with Hugo Cheuk. (Supplied)

Deploying AI in construction also brings ethical questions to the forefront, particularly in projects run by government entities or involving public infrastructure. Ng is upfront about these concerns.

“All our solutions are GDPR-compliant and privacy-first,” he said, referring to the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation, a comprehensive set of rules designed to protect the personal data of individuals.

“We don’t use facial recognition and we don’t track individuals. The focus is purely on safety, compliance and productivity.”

Workers are anonymized in the system, with all data encrypted and stored securely. Dashboards used by contractors and project leads include logs, alerts and safety scores, allowing for clear documentation and accountability without compromising personal privacy.

This is especially important in the Gulf, where projects often involve multinational labor forces and cross-border stakeholders

Looking ahead, viAct plans to double down on its expansion in the Middle East, continue advancing its AI models and advocate for ethical AI deployment in high-risk sectors.

The company is also exploring ways to integrate predictive analytics, allowing clients to foresee and prevent incidents before they occur. This could eventually shift AI’s role from reactive to proactive, forecasting safety breaches, delivery delays or environmental compliance issues in advance.

Ng believes this kind of intelligent foresight will soon become standard across the construction industry.

“It’s not about replacing humans,” he said. “It’s about building a smarter site, one where decisions are faster, risks are fewer, and lives are safer.”

In the age of giga-projects, that is a future 黑料社区 is already building.
 

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Saudi communications minister meets with international leaders to advance Saudi role in AI

Saudi communications minister meets with international leaders to advance Saudi role in AI
Updated 10 July 2025

Saudi communications minister meets with international leaders to advance Saudi role in AI

Saudi communications minister meets with international leaders to advance Saudi role in AI

GENEVA: Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah Alswaha held a series of high-level meetings during his official visit to Switzerland, aimed at strengthening the Kingdom’s global role in promoting inclusivity in the era of artificial intelligence, innovation, and digital economy development.

The minister met with UN International Telecommunication Union Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The two discussed the Kingdom’s longstanding partnership with the union spanning more than 76 years.

The minister also met with Algerian Minister of Post and Telecommunications Sid Ali Zerrouki, to expand partnership opportunities in the areas of digital governance, AI, and digital infrastructure.