What’s in a name? At FOCUS in Riyadh’s café-filled Al Aqiq district, it turns out there’s rather a lot.
From 7am until midnight every weekday, the coffee shop co-working space maintains a strict code of silence.
Trilling phones are banned. Audio must be played through headphones. There is to be no idle conversation about dinner last night, the show you’re streaming or – worst of all – the weather.
And in a world full of distractions and noise, we love it.
Throughout our three-hour visit, everyone steadfastly sticks to the rules, even taking care to plug their laptops quietly into the ample outlets provided by each table.
A mix of seating including sofas, individual desks and larger group tables mean there’s space for everyone, and if you really must take that call then meeting rooms are available at the back.
Head to the front and whisper your order for a slice of deliciously moist lemon cake or one of the well-priced and equally well-constructed open tartine sandwiches seasoned with a sprinkling of za’atar. Just keep an eye out on your buzzer – the beeping noise has been disabled, of course.
The team are keen to encourage community vibes, too, with an open noticeboard split into industries like marketing and web development full of business cards from regular customers.
In a world full of distractions and noise, this silent café does what it says on the tin. FOCUS is a spot to, well, focus. Stay quiet and you’ll be welcomed with open arms – just don’t expect any small talk.
