Latest news with #Alkhobar
Arab News
18-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Arab News
Solo but not sad: Young Saudis embrace freedom of living alone
ALKHOBAR: For decades, the idea of a young Saudi living alone, by choice, was seen as rebellious and met with skepticism and rejection. But today, a new generation is embracing solo life with pride and a sense of personal power. Across major cities like Riyadh, Jeddah and Alkhobar, young Saudis in their 20s are carving out homes of their own — not out of necessity but out of a desire for independence, comfort and self-growth. From students to young professionals, both women and men are stepping into their own apartments, styling their own spaces and redefining what it means to build a life. Sarah Al-Ahmadi, 27, moved into her own apartment in Riyadh two years ago. At first, the silence was unbearable. 'I've lived alone for two years now. At the beginning, I was depressed — I didn't like the lifestyle, especially in Riyadh,' she said. 'I couldn't make friends, and I didn't like the city. But over time, I started to build a life. Now, I can't imagine living any other way.' What once felt isolating became empowering. Al-Ahmadi discovered joy in being the sole decision-maker in her home: What she ate, how she decorated and who she invited, and when. 'It's amazing to be fully independent and responsible for everything in my home,' she said. 'I don't need anyone. It's beautiful when I invite my friends to a space that reflects my personality. Back at my parents' house, I had to host them in the family living room. But here, we can cook together, have sleepovers and enjoy ourselves without a single worry.' • From students to young professionals, both women and men are stepping into their own apartments, styling their own spaces and redefining what it means to build a life. • Waad Al-Marzouq's family lives in the same city, and she sees them often. But the freedom of having her own space has changed how she views. Mohammed Al-Dossari, 26, made the decision to live alone after returning from years of studying abroad. 'After coming back from my scholarship abroad, I decided not to move back in with my family,' he said. 'I had already gotten used to being responsible for myself, for everything — and I liked that lifestyle. I wanted to keep it going.' For Al-Dossari, solo living is not just about space, it is also about ownership: Of time, of priorities and of life itself. Today, he manages his work schedule, home maintenance and meals on his own. He described his home as peaceful, personalized and reflective of who he is — not just as a son, but as a man finding his rhythm. In Jeddah, Waad Al-Marzouq, 19, faced resistance from almost everyone she knew after floating the idea of living alone. 'Everyone was against it. My dad was especially worried about me living alone at such a young age,' she said. 'But I've always been stable and independent in my own room, so I thought — why not? I got myself a studio apartment near my university and moved in.' Al-Marzouq's family lives in the same city, and she sees them often. But the freedom of having her own space has changed how she views adulthood. 'There's nothing scary about it. My parents are nearby. I still see them. But now I have space to focus, to grow. It's not a rebellion — it's a choice.' Al-Marzouq said living alone is important for design: Designing her days, her goals and even designing her tiny studio with candles, plants and her favorite throw pillows. Social shifts have helped normalize solo living. More women are entering the workforce. Young Saudis are studying abroad. New real estate developments are offering studio and one-bedroom units in urban areas. Platforms like Airbnb and online property apps have also made it easier to search, rent and furnish without needing a family member to step in. Psychologist Abeer Al-Shammari told Arab News that the rise in solo living reflects both emotional maturity and social evolution. 'Choosing to live alone can signal a strong sense of self,' she said. 'These young adults are setting boundaries, creating their own routines and building self-reliance. It's not just a lifestyle — it's part of their identity development.' But she warned that solo living also requires emotional preparation. 'The early phase can trigger anxiety or loneliness, especially for those coming from tightly-knit families,' she said. 'But with time and proper coping strategies, many experience a deep sense of fulfillment and confidence.' Interestingly, many solo dwellers say their relationships with family have improved since moving out. 'They don't take me for granted anymore,' Al-Ahmadi said with a laugh. 'When I visit now, it feels special. I'm not just 'around.' I'm someone they wait for.' Al-Marzouq agreed: 'My parents respect my independence now. We talk more meaningfully. There's more mutual understanding.' And for Al-Dossari, solo living has not resulted in isolation. He has become more intentional about friendships — hosting friends for dinner, going out when he wants and setting healthy boundaries. 'It taught me balance,' he said. 'And it taught me how to enjoy my own company.'
Arab News
18-07-2025
- Health
- Arab News
Where We Are Going Today: Kenko Japanese cafe in Alkhobar
Established in 2023 by a local Saudi entrepreneur, Kenko, which means 'health' in Japanese, opened its doors just over a year ago in Alkhobar. It's aptly adjacent to a medical center, marked by its distinct, cobalt blue entrance. The only branch in the kingdom thus far, Kenko recently extended its hours to accommodate early commuters, now welcoming guests from 8 a.m. until midnight. Upon entering, the space feels compact but not claustrophobic. Calm music drifts throughout. The playful animal logo and minimalist design set the tone. If you choose to dine in, there are two tables seating three each, plus two extra seats off to the side. The space is bright, with plenty of light coming in through the large glass doors. Totoro memorabilia, a few quaint trinkets and books add a distinctly Japanese touch. There is also a full-length mirror, evidently popular for selfies. Cutesy, contained, clean and calm. What I appreciated most on my visit was the large digital screen used to display the menu. A staff member walked me through the options using a remote — no QR code scan required. She also discussed ingredients and portion sizes before guiding me to make my selection. I ordered the tuna sando (SR24, $6). It was crustless and toasted, with Kenko's name branded onto the top of the bread. The creamy filling was accented by a tangy taste from fresh dill. It came in a box with the lid tucked underneath, a clever design that doubled as a sturdy takeaway container in case you decided mid-bite to save the rest for later. I also tried the medium matcha boba (SR28). The tapioca balls were soft without being squishy, and I was told the matcha was sourced directly from Japan. They made the boba fresh, they said, and kept it slightly warm, so it never hardened. I ordered it with medium sweetness, and the ratio of liquid to tapioca was good. The staff member even waited until I took a sip to check if the sweetness was to my liking; she said many preferred it sweeter, but I found it just right. The menu listed other items, but many were unavailable on our morning visit, including the taiyaki, a fish-shaped dough (with no actual fish) stuffed with various fillings. Unfortunately, the signature ice cream-filled version wasn't available during my visit either. I did manage to try their other popular dish, the fluffy Japanese pancake; I opted for the cheesecake one (SR30). It was good, but I felt that the 40-minute wait time was too long. While the staff member was extremely attentive to me, the service was slow overall. A few customers walked in and took dozens of photos but left empty-handed since nobody was immediately available to take their order. With no restroom and limited parking, it's an ideal place for a quick stop in 'Japan' while ordering a delicious snack. Visit them on Instagram: @kenko_saudi
Arab News
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Where We Are Going Today: ‘88 Port' burger in Al-Khobar
88 Port in Alkhobar is one of those places where visuals and flavors match — bold, indulgent, and a little over the top in the best way. From the red burger buns to the sauce-dripping stacks, the menu doesn't hold back. My favorite item hands down was the truffle burger; juicy angus beef, crispy onion rings, double cheddar, and a rich truffle sauce that takes it to another level. Every bite was exactly what I hoped for. On the side, the buffalo shrimp were spicy, saucy, and fun to eat, especially paired with the ranch dip. The brisket balls were another hit, crispy on the outside, soft and cheesy on the inside. I also really enjoyed the 88 Port salad, which felt fresh, crunchy, and perfectly dressed; a nice balance to all the richness. Now for dessert, the chocolate brownie cake was hot, gooey, and topped with vanilla ice cream and chocolate drizzle — the perfect ending. The brisket fries were a letdown, a little too oily and overloaded with toppings. A crispier base might have made a big difference. For more information, check out their Instagram @88port.
Arab News
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Where We Are Going Today: Kold Kombucha in Alkhobar
In the heart of historic northern Alkhobar, newly established Kold Kombucha is putting the spotlight on kombucha, a naturally fizzy fermented tea with roots in East Asia dating back over 2,000 years. The compact, design-forward shop — opened this month by popular Saudi Snapchat personality Hammam Al-Mulhem — is the first of its kind in Saudi Arabia spotlighting kombucha, which is brewed on-site in large fermentation vessels over 11 days using a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast known as SCOBY. Marked by a bold painted mural at the entrance, the hole-in-the-wall space receives a steady stream of curious visitors, notably young men who are fans of the Snapchat star. Three core flavors rotate on tap. The beetroot is deep and earthy — slightly sour, complex — almost like a liquid snack. The apple cinnamon is my personal favorite: smooth and warming — pure autumn in a glass, while strawberry mint, bright and refreshing, hits just right on a blazing Eastern Province afternoon. Each bottle goes for between SR23 ($6) to SR25. They also offer a chocolate chip dessert, and for those not quite ready to dive into the world of kombucha, there are coffees available too. I stopped by straight from the airport — jet-lagged, dehydrated and craving something light but nourishing. Kold delivered. Seating — like nearby parking spaces — is limited. Kold Kombucha is open daily from 4 p.m. to midnight. Find them on Instagram at @
Arab News
26-06-2025
- Business
- Arab News
OSP hosts region's first ever JEC Composites Talks in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia hosted the JEC Composites Talks Middle East on June 24 in Alkhobar, marking the region's first event fully dedicated to composite materials. Organized by JEC and hosted by the OSP, the event promotes polymer‑based applications, fosters industrial diversification through non‑metallic materials, and accelerates the transfer of innovative technologies while forging partnerships between local and international stakeholders. Against the backdrop of Saudi Vision 2030 and significant investments in the region in advanced materials, fiber‑reinforced composites are emerging as key enablers across sectors such as mobility, construction, energy, oil and gas, and infrastructure. The JEC Composites Talks Middle East gathered industry leaders, policymakers, researchers, and entrepreneurs to explore market trends, localization strategies, technological innovation, sustainability, and the composites value chain, capped by a curated networking reception. On June 25, participants visited SPARK, Mateen Bar, and Novel facilities to experience firsthand regional capabilities. Mohammad Al-Tayyar, program director of OSP, said: 'Our partnership with JEC marks a new era for the composites industry in Saudi Arabia paving the way for significant advancements in environmentally efficient solutions and industrial partnerships, ensuring that the Kingdom remains at the forefront of the composites market.' Thomas Lepretre, vice president sales, events and operations at JEC Group, said: 'Middle East and Saudi Arabia represent a strong market potential for composites materials. We are very pleased to be partnering with OSP and being able to serve the composites industry by organizing events in the Kingdom.' Building on this momentum, the first JEC Forum Middle East — a business meetings‑focused event— will be held in Riyadh on June 23–24, 2026, uniting the region's composites value chain.
