Saudi Arabia｜Loving the Middle Eastern Starbucks Aesthetic

The first time I walked into a Starbucks in the Middle East, I sensed something different from the familiar American vibe—until I stumbled upon this Al Bandar branch in Yanbu’s old town. Suddenly, I got it: it’s not the standardized fast-food feel, but a local-infused ease, as if the Red Sea’s sunshine and desert warmth were folded into the coffee aroma. 🌞 Yanbu: The "Spring by the Sea" on the Red Sea Before my business trip to Yanbu, I looked up its story: "Yanbu al Bahr" means "spring by the sea," an ancient port second only to Jeddah on the Red Sea. 300 km from Jeddah, near Syria and Jordan, this 240,000-population town basks in a perpetually hot desert climate, yet gains a touch of aquatic softness from the Red Sea. The old town’s streets retain traces of time, and this Starbucks nestles among them like a "gentle collision of old and new"—a wind chime rings when you push the door, glass reflects distant coastlines, and the air carries a faint saltiness of sea breeze. ☕️ Middle Eastern Starbucks Decor: Desert & Sea Under One Roof The Al Bandar branch’s decor hits all my soft spots: Oversized floor-to-ceiling windows: Sunlight floods in unreservedly, warming dark wooden tables and chairs. Sitting by the window with coffee, you glance up to see old town’s white walls and red roofs, then down to milk foam glistening in your cup. Outdoor seating: Even roomier than indoors, with beige umbrellas and rattan chairs. This season (when it’s not sweltering), sitting here soaking up sun, sea breeze (brushing by), iced Americano’s cool mixing with sun’s warmth—pure bliss. Subtle Middle Eastern touches: Local handicrafts on walls, metal-woven geometric cup holders, even staff headscarves with understated patterns—no forced exoticism, but "this is the Middle East" in every detail. I recalled a similar vibe at Jeddah’s waterfront Starbucks. It turns out Middle Eastern Starbucks has long woven "localness" into its soul. 📍 A Quick Guide to Two Branches: Avoid Friday’s "Slow Pace" Yanbu has two Starbucks, each with its quirks: Al Bandar (highly recommended!): In the old town, a standalone store with more character, plenty of outdoor seats—perfect for sunbathing and spacing out. Regular hours, always open when you need it. Dana Mall branch: Inside the mall, opens very late on Fridays (the Middle Eastern weekend, when things slow down). If you’re in a hurry, skip this time slot. Sitting outside with my latte, watching locals stroll by, I realized: coffee’s ritual isn’t just about latte art or beans, but where you drink it, who you’re with, whether the sun makes you drowsy—and Middle Eastern Starbucks, somehow, gives you all that. #Travel #MiddleEastTravel #Starbucks #StarbucksCoffee #MiddleEast #CoffeeOfTheDay #SaudiArabia #StarbucksNew