Darat al-Qahwa: A 50-Year Legacy, Now Digitally Brewed

KSA, 08 July 2025: COFE App, the tech powered beverage company, announced their latest collaboration with the historic Darat al-Qahwa, as the iconic coffee house makes its first foray into the digital world. Through the agreement with COFE, Darat al-Qahwa will be able to offer their very own customized app across its 80+ outlets in the Kingdom, increasing operational efficiency, propelling the business into an era of digital transformation.

The alliance marks a historic turning point for the entire coffee industry, ushering traditions and customs into a new era of technological growth. The collaboration is poised to have a significantly positive impact on the brand’s operations as well as customer touch points. One standout feature is the nostalgic, stamp card-based digital loyalty program now embedded in the Darat Al Qahwa app—reviving a familiar ritual in a modern format. This innovation not only inspires customer loyalty but also adds a layer of delight and engagement to the overall experience. Since going live, the brand has seen a 386% growth in sales, while average monthly retention has improved to 66%, maintaining strong month-over-month retention. COFE Cloud is expected to continue streamlining operational efficiency, elevating customer experiences, fostering business growth, and leveraging data-driven insights—bolstering revenue streams and ensuring scalability, giving the brand a true edge in an increasingly competitive coffee market.

Commenting on the collaboration, COFE’s Founder & CEO, Ali Al Ebrahim, said: “Darat al-Qahwa’s partnership with COFE Cloud transcends mere digitalization; it marks a profound union where centuries-old traditions, culture, and the enduring legacy of Arabian hospitality converge with state-of-the-art technology. COFE is steadfast in leading the way through industry innovations while remaining attuned to the evolving dynamics of the coffee sector, all while honoring the timeless symbol of coffee in our shared cultural heritage.”

Darat al-Qahwa, founded in 1970, has emerged as the symbolic specialty coffee roaster in Saudi Arabia, preserving its deep-rooted Arabian history. Aside from its exceptional coffee offerings, the company offers a wide range of products. Freshly roasted nuts, quality dried fruits, an appealing selection of herbs and spices, special sauces to improve culinary experiences, and an assortment of fine confectionery sourced from across the world, are among its offerings.

Commenting on the tie-up with COFE Cloud, Darat al-Qahwa’s Managing Partner, Hisham El-Farouki, stated: “With decades of rich heritage at our core, Darat al-Qahwa is poised to embark on its next chapter of growth in partnership with COFE Cloud. Our enduring commitment to preserving the cultural legacy embedded in our brand DNA remains unwavering. As we step into this pivotal stage of our journey, we are confident that COFE’s cutting-edge SaaS solution will not only provide us with a strategic advantage but also guide us through pivotal moments, ensuring our continued success in the market. This collaboration underscores our steadfast dedication to remaining at the forefront of innovation and delivering unparalleled client satisfaction.”

The program is already showing remarkable success, with a 40% increase in revenue driven by the Ramadan coffee subscription feature—a compelling testament to how seasonal campaigns can be digitized and scaled for greater reach and impact. This initiative reflects the power of tech-enabled experiences in turning traditional moments into growth opportunities, while deepening customer connection in culturally relevant ways. COFE Cloud continues to drive this transformation by streamlining operations, elevating customer journeys, and ensuring scalability in an increasingly competitive coffee market.

Commenting on the collaboration, Shahood Siddiqui, Chief Technology Officer of COFE, stated: “Our collaboration with Darat Al-Qahwa is a testament to how technology can amplify tradition. Over the past year, we’ve helped the brand digitize its operations, launch a seamless loyalty program, and run innovative features like the Ramadan subscription — all while supporting their complex multi-franchise model. This is what brand evolution through technology looks like.”

This long-term digital strategy with COFE Cloud has done more than just enhance backend efficiency—it has played a pivotal role in elevating Darat Al Qahwa’s positioning as a forward-thinking, culturally rooted coffee brand. By embracing smart technology while staying true to tradition, the brand is not only delivering smoother operations but also carving out a distinctive identity in the modern coffee landscape. As the digital and physical worlds of coffee continue to blend, Darat Al Qahwa stands as a shining example of innovation grounded in heritage.