Abu El Zulof holds a unique charm, where the soft rustling of olive trees and the lively buzz of people create its delightful ambiance.

The story began when the founder Mr. Salem Farah, whose childhood nickname was Abu El Zulof, “a legendary local character who is famous for his bravery, strength, and generosity” recognized the importance of creating a haven where people could forget about their troubles from the daily challenges and enjoy the simple pleasure of life, particularly as the conflict in Syria intensified.

He searched high and low for the perfect location, finally settling on a space nestled in the heart of Harat Al-Zaitoun, known also as the olive neighborhood, one of the oldest neighborhoods in one of the oldest cities in the world.

Located in Old Damascus, this neighborhood holds cultural significance in the region due to its olive trees that serve as a symbol for longevity, peace, purity, and resilience.

Abu EL Zulof opened its doors in April 2016, it was the first of its kind because of the idea of creating a new concept of nightlife and introduce a place that is a mixture of a bar/lounge, a restaurant and a club. The place swiftly captured the heart of both residents & tourists. It became a must-visit destination, drawing in crowds with its inviting atmosphere and warm hospitality. People came for the exceptional shisha, drinks, the delicious food, and the friendly and welcoming staff while vibing with some carefully chosen heartwarming music from all eras and across all genres and experiencing a perfect blend of relaxation and energy, where conversations flowed freely and memories were made.

What adds touch of identity to Abu El Zulof spirit, is the small lights wrapped around the olive trees that seem like a magical sparkling farries which tigger the sense of being a part of a fairy tale. The inspiration of the décor comes from the deep-rooted vintage damascene architecture using the Kishani art on the walls, and the legendary adventures of Abu El Zulof and Oum El Zulof are drawn on the tables.

In many ways, the bar/lounge was a welcome escape from the war problems that plagued the city, offering a respite from the chaos and uncertainty and remained a source of warmth, comfort, and community.

As time went on, Abu El Zulof experienced continuous growth and evolution. In 2020, the visionary founder took a significant step by creating a second concept: Abu El Zulof Kahwa, a resto-café. The key concept is to bring back the traditional kahwa experience and gently introduce it with a touch of modern taste not only in the design, but also the food, drinks, shisha, and games. This magical mix between old and new, rural and urban, indoors and outdoors created a cozy and homey vibe for its guests.

The establishment’s unique venue surrounded by beautiful greenery and the charming olive trees accompanied by the delicious Syrian cuisine will awaken all the senses at once. The carefully designed menu was to introduce a great variety of famous Syrian dishes from all the governorates, and added our special twist making our menu original like everything else we offer. The relaxed setting also made it a hotspot for gathering and enjoying traditional games such as cards and backgammon while adding new ones like Uno and Jackaroo where guests could engage in friendly competition while savoring their refreshments.

In 2021, the founder of Abu El Zulof decided to further expand his vision by opening a second branch for the resto-café, this time in the beautiful coastal city Latakia, Syria. The new venue aimed to replicate the same sense of calm, community, and exceptional hospitality that had made the first branch so beloved.

The second branch in Latakia allowed Abu El Zulof Kahwa to extend its reach and impact, introducing their signature aura to a different city offering the opportunity to indulge in exceptional food, drink, shisha, and games while enjoying a sense of community and tranquility. What make this branch more special is the prime location since it is the oldest kahwa in latakia where Umm Kulthum And Mohamad Abd El Wahab performed in it.

In 2022, Abu El Zulof trademark took another giant step by spreading its moustache outside Syria, this time in Dubai, UAE. The reason behind this step is to create an environment that celebrated the cultural heritage and Syrian traditions, fostering a sense of belongingness and nostalgia for those away from their home country, besides sharing the same spirit of warmth, inclusivity, and exceptional hospitality and Syrian experience with a new audience in a different city.

With the opening of the third branch, Abu El Zulof Kahwa extended its reach not only to the Syrian and Levantine community in Dubai but also to all Arabs and people from all over the world, providing them with a taste of home and a place to gather, unwind, and connect. The kahwa became a bridge between cultures, creating a sense of community and togetherness while celebrating the beauty and tranquility of olive trees. These trees, whether through their symbolic representation or actual presence, served as a reminder of the cultural significance and natural
serenity associated with olive groves. This element added to the overall ambiance and enhanced the sense of familiarity for patrons, evoking a sense of connection to their roots and the values cherished by the Kahwa.

Throughout the journey, the founder of Abu El Zulof stayed dedicated to his vision: a sanctuary for the Syrian community where they can rekindle old memories, tastes and spirit, and a chance for other audience to experience first-hand the long Syrian heritage worldwide. Regardless of whether it was in Damascus, Latakia, or Dubai, the venues adorned with olive trees continued to shine as a symbol of warm hospitality, extending a heartfelt greeting to everyone who stepped inside.