Latest news with #DiplomaticQuarter
Arab News
01-06-2025
- General
- Arab News
Where We Are Going Today: ‘Onda' Coffee in Riyadh
With several branches across Riyadh, Onda is a quiet, cozy coffee shop that offers a peaceful setting — ideal for studying or working. Music, if played, is usually kept at a low volume, which helps maintain a calm atmosphere. The menu includes a variety of hot and cold beverages, such as espresso-based drinks, iced teas, and seasonal options like hot chocolate raspberry and Arabian latte. While the cold drinks include flavored iced teas like raspberry and peach, these are made with syrups rather than fresh fruit. Onda also offers a range of pre-packaged pastries, such as croissants in plain, cheese, and zaatar flavors. These are reheated on-site, which is common in many Riyadh cafes, but there is no in-house bakery. The interiors are simple and calming, with blue and white decor, comfortable seating, and plenty of charging outlets. Each location features a small bookshelf for guests to browse, adding to the relaxed vibe. Outdoor seating — especially in the Diplomatic Quarter — is a nice touch, with some locations offering views of lively streets. Onda is also open from 6 a.m. to 3 a.m., making it a convenient spot for both early risers and night owls.
Arab News
22-05-2025
- Business
- Arab News
LuLu's ‘British Food Week 2025' shines a spotlight on prominent UK brands
LuLu Retail has officially inaugurated 'British Food Week 2025' across all its stores in Saudi Arabia, offering customers a week-long celebration of British products and exclusive in-store promotions. The event highlights the strong trade ties between Saudi Arabia and the UK, emphasizing the quality and heritage of British brands. The launch ceremony took place at LuLu's Diplomatic Quarter branch in Riyadh and was officiated by British Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Neil Crompton. He was joined by Shehim Mohammed, director of LuLu Hypermarkets Saudi Arabia, as well as senior representatives from the British Embassy and LuLu management. Running until May 27, British Food Week 2025 features more than 3,438 British products representing 367 established and trusted UK brands. The diverse range includes fresh and frozen foods, dairy items, snacks, beverages, packaged groceries, and health-focused options such as organic and gluten-free products. As part of this year's campaign, LuLu has introduced 40 new items from seven leading UK brands, offering customers in Saudi Arabia exclusive early access to innovative products entering the market. This initiative reflects LuLu's commitment to delivering high-quality international products through strong sourcing partnerships and seamless logistics. Ambassador Crompton said: 'I'm delighted to be part of the opening of British Food Week 2025 at LuLu. It's wonderful to see so many familiar UK products available here in Saudi Arabia, from classic teas and cheeses to new innovations. Events like these remind us that trade is not just about numbers, but about people, tastes, and shared experiences. I thank LuLu for their continued support in bringing British products closer to Saudi consumers.' Mohammed added: 'British Food Week is one of our most anticipated events, and we're proud to bring it back across all LuLu stores in Saudi Arabia. It's a celebration of British quality and a reflection of our strong sourcing partnerships with UK suppliers. With the continued support of our logistics and packaging center in Birmingham, we're able to ensure that a wide variety of British products reach our shelves smoothly and consistently, offering our customers the best of the UK every year.' British Food Week 2025 is currently live across all LuLu outlets in the Kingdom, featuring exclusive promotions and a curated selection of premium British products.
The National
12-05-2025
- Business
- The National
Inside The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh, the palatial hotel hosting US President Donald Trump
Live updates: Follow the latest on Trump's Gulf trip This week, US President Donald Trump is embarking upon a Gulf visit, with stops in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE. His first destination is the Saudi capital, where he is expected to stay at the The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh. There are many reasons why the US president would favour The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh as his choice of stay during his official visit to Saudi Arabia. For starters, he would be a returning guest at the luxury resort, having stayed there during his first foreign trip as President in 2017. Secondly – while it's not a must, as security and logistics often take precedence – US Presidents generally prefer to stay in American hotels on their trips. The Ritz-Carlton is owned by Marriott International, the largest hotel company in the world, with headquarters in Bethesda, Maryland. It's location, next to the Diplomatic Quarter, also makes it ideal for high-profile visitors. Opened in 2011, The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh was always intended to be a hotel for visiting dignitaries with the hotel saying it envisioned it "as a royal guest palace for visiting heads of state". It's also the first Ritz-Carlton hotel in Saudi Arabia. Set on 21 hectares of land, the palatial five-star property exudes old-world opulence. It is surrounded by landscaped gardens, including a courtyard with a 600-year-old olive tree flown in from Lebanon, a tree-lined driveway, parking space for more than 400 cars and a helipad. Inside, the hotel boasts majestic suites and pastel-hued hallways awash with bronze statues and glittering chandeliers. The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh is located in AlHada area next to the Diplomatic Quarter, an 800-hectare neighbourhood that houses many foreign embassies and several government departments. The hotel is also close proximity to Al Yamamah Palace, the official residence of the King of Saudi Arabia. The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh is a 35-minute drive from King Khalid International Airport. Guests can choose from 493 rooms, including one opulent Royal Suite, which is where President Trump is likely to stay. The grand 418 square metre Royal Suite comprises separate living and seating areas. The massive dining area comes with a table that seats up to 14 people and an attached kitchen with all necessary features. There are also two bedrooms – one with a king bed and the second one with twin beds, each with their own ensuite bathrooms, as well as a fully furnished study. Guests at The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh can choose from three restaurants – the all-day dining buffet restaurant Al Orjouan, which serves an international menu; Chinese restaurant Hong; and Azzurro, which serves Italian food with a modern twist. There's also the Chorisia Lounge, which serves breakfast, as well as afternoon tea, and a cigar lounge called Turquoise. A six-lane bowling alley is also available to book. Other amenities include a fitness centre with a separate area for men and women, a heated indoor swimming pool and a spa offering a range of treatments, with separate facilities for men and women, including Jacuzzi, steam room and sauna. Rooms at The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh start at 1,568 Saudi riyals ($418) per night, with the Royal Suite starting at about 20,000 Saudi riyals ($5,300) per night. On May 5, The National tried to book a room for the week of Trump's visit, but the hotel was fully booked between May 10 and May 14.
