Japanese coffee brand % Arabica opens first Iraq branch in Baghdad

Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) — Japanese specialty coffee brand % Arabica officially opens its first coffee branch in Iraq today, at Iraq Mall in Baghdad, marking the brand’s 249th location worldwide. The new retail, situated on the mall’s ground level, has a unique architectural style inspired by Iraq’s ancient Mesopotamian civilization. ARCHIEE, a Paris-based architectural company, designed the store with inspiration from the Ziggurat of Ur, including terraced brick terraces, tiered seating, and minimalist white interiors to create a contemporary coffee shop experience. The design incorporates traditional brickwork, which reflects materials used in Mesopotamian construction for thousands of years, as well as modern lighting and open areas. The inauguration follows a master franchise deal inked in early 2025 between % Arabica and Al-Handal International Group to bring the Japanese coffee brand to Iraq. Further locations are planned, including a branch in Baghdad’s Downtown Al-Mutanabbi area and another in Erbil, as the company expands its presence in the Iraqi market.