Every week, Riyadh seems to welcome a new cafe – sleek, minimalist spots with Scandinavian vibes, buzzy third-wave coffee houses, or even Asian-inspired teahouses. But Haila does something radical in its simplicity: it turns back the clock. Rather than chasing trends, it invites you into the beating heart of Saudi tradition.
Tucked in the middle of Riyadh’s storied Souq Al Zal, Haila is a refuge for weary shoppers seeking a pause from the market’s sensory overload. For the uninitiated, Souq Al Zal is a time capsule rather than just a shopping district. It was Riyadh’s commercial lifeline long before it became the sprawling capital it is today. Generations have come here to bargain for everything from oud and perfumes to bishts, garments, watches, antiques, and rare coins.
Imagine sipping your coffee just a short walk from Qasr Al Hukm, with its political backstory, and historic Masmak Fortress, two landmarks that shaped Riyadh’s story. Haila sits along one of the narrow alleyways that still hum with the memory of Riyadh’s past, reminding visitors that this city’s soul is not only found in its futuristic skyline but in its roots.
Step inside and nostalgia takes over. The cafe’s interior is infused with worn wood and heritage charm, with a facade that looks as if it’s been here forever. “Every single piece of furniture you see here was sourced from Souq Al Zal itself,” says owner Fahad Al Shahri. “We wanted our guests to feel immersed in the spirit of Old Riyadh, surrounded by pieces that speak of our ancestors.” His mission, he adds, is to breathe new life into Saudi’s heritage destinations.
The centre of the cafe boasts eye-catching framed photographs of King Salman bin Abdulaziz, with one dating back to 2005, the year he spearheaded the market’s revival. The transformation saw a haphazard bazaar turn into the polished yet authentic Souq Al Zal that now draws visitors from around the globe.
Come sunset, visitors can spill outdoors, where a a handful of small wooden tables are set up in the alley next to the entrance. It’s the perfect setting for those who crave a moment of stillness while the city winds down. Despite its deep connection to heritage, Haila keeps its menu contemporary: Spanish lattes, hot chocolate, and matcha share space with traditional Saudi treats like kleeja, caramel, and date molasses desserts.
Haila is more than a pit stop, it’s a story told through alleyways, weathered walls, and the quiet persistence of a neighbourhood that refuses to lose its soul.
Haila Coffee, Aldho, Riyadh 11461
@hailacoffeesa
