'This place is different'

‘Much-needed space for students’: concept at Mosul café offers private study cabins

MOSUL — At just 24 years old, Hamza Al-Abbadi has introduced an innovative café concept to Mosul with the launch of Rashfa Café, a venue offering private cabins for quiet study and relaxation. Inspired by a similar setup in Kuwait, Al-Abbadi created a space designed specifically for students and professionals seeking a distraction-free environment.

“I opened Rashfa Café to provide the right atmosphere for students to study, both in winter and summer,” Al-Abbadi said. “The cabins are designed to be warm in winter, offering heating and hot beverages to create a comfortable study space.”

The café’s unique design has attracted a growing number of student patrons. “Most of our visitors are students because of our location, and they always praise the atmosphere that helps them focus,” Al-Abbadi added. “Many spend one, two, or even three hours in the cabins, enjoying the space we’ve created, especially in winter.”

Al-Abbadi credited Kuwait as the source of his inspiration. “I really liked the concept when I saw it there, so I decided to bring it to Mosul,” he said. The new business has also boosted local employment, providing jobs for 14 people. “Everyone benefits from the success of this business,” he noted.

University student Mohammed Wissam described Rashfa Café as a refreshing change from traditional Mosul coffee shops. “This place is different from the traditional cafés in the city. It’s quiet, beautiful, and offers a unique experience,” Wissam said. “We support these kinds of projects because they reflect the city’s development and provide a much-needed space for students.”

Wissam also emphasized the café’s practical appeal. “Sometimes we come here to study or work, and the isolated setup really helps us concentrate,” he said. “You can order anything you need, and it’s delivered right to your cabin. The service is great, and if you visit in the morning, especially on rainy days, the atmosphere feels like a peaceful escape.”

For Al-Abbadi, success hinges on innovation and public engagement. “A project can only thrive if people engage positively with the idea and the space itself,” he said. Rashfa Café’s rising popularity suggests that Mosul’s students and professionals have warmly embraced the new concept, making it a go-to destination for quiet study and relaxation.