Three Leaf: The Development of Cigar Culture in Saudi Arabia

Three Leaf’s boutiques combine cigar retail with lounge spaces where customers can select cigars from a walk-in humidor and smoke them on site. Since opening in 2023, the company has expanded to three locations, reflecting growing interest in cigar culture in Saudi Arabia.

A developing cigar market

Cigar culture in Saudi Arabia is relatively young, emerging alongside broader developments in the country’s hospitality and leisure sectors. In 2025, Saudi Arabia recorded approximately 122 million domestic and international visitors, while the General Entertainment Authority reported more than 89 million visitors to the entertainment sector.

The development of specialty coffee offers a comparison. Since the first specialty coffee shop opened in 2012, the country has seen the number of branded coffee shops grow to an estimated 3,550. Cigar lounges are emerging as another type of social space, particularly in Riyadh and Jeddah.

International cigar makers are also entering the Saudi market. Rocky Patel held its Saudi launch in Riyadh in September 2024, followed by Oliva in January 2025.

Three boutiques across two cities

Co-founders Sultan Saad Albugami and Dr. Amr Fenais established Three Leaf on October 20, 2023. The company currently operates two boutiques in Riyadh, in Al Aqiq and Al Sulaimaniyah, and one in Jeddah.

Each location combines a walk-in humidor with a lounge. The boutiques stock cigars from more than 15 producers in the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Mexico, including Platinum Nova, EGM, Don Fernando, Gerard, El Septimo and Casa 1910.

Three Leaf works directly with international producers and manages imports in accordance with Saudi regulations, including supply and storage requirements. Staff advise customers on cigar varieties, blends and smoking techniques.

Connecting cigars with art and culture

Beyond retail, Three Leaf organizes monthly events dedicated to individual cigar makers as well as gatherings that combine cigars with arts and culture.

One recent event took place at the gallery of Saudi contemporary artist Dr. Ahmed Mater, who originally trained as a physician. Forty guests attended a gallery tour followed by a cigar evening featuring EGM Encantos, Vintage 2022.

The limited edition consists of 50 numbered ceramic jars handcrafted in Italy, each containing 50 Dominican cigars. Produced totalmente a mano from Cibao Valley tobacco, the cigars are aged for three years in Switzerland and come in the Laguito No. 1 format (192 mm, 39 ring gauge).

The event reflects Three Leaf’s approach to connecting cigars with other cultural interests. Traditional Saudi hospitality, including Arabic coffee, dates and majlis-style settings, also forms part of its gatherings.

Building knowledge and community

Three Leaf’s events also serve an educational purpose. Monthly sessions introduce customers to individual producers, their blends and possible pairings, while staff provide guidance on cigar wrappers, strength, cutting and lighting.

The boutiques bring together experienced cigar enthusiasts and newcomers, providing spaces for conversation and exchange. Through its events, the company aims to encourage greater familiarity with cigar production and traditions in Saudi Arabia.

Plans for expansion

A fourth Three Leaf boutique is scheduled to open in Riyadh in November 2026. The company plans to expand access to New World cigar producers for enthusiasts in Saudi Arabia and across the GCC.

Future events are expected to explore connections between cigars and other areas of craftsmanship, including sporting guns, luxury watches and luxury cars.

Reflecting on the origins of Three Leaf, co-founder and CEO Sultan Saad Albugami says:

“It started with my friends. Every time I traveled, someone would ask me to bring cigars back for them. After a while I asked myself: why should a good cigar depend on someone’s trip abroad? That question became Three Leaf. Today, every guest who walks through our doors is, in a way, one of those friends.”

— Sultan Saad Albugami, Co-Founder and CEO, Three Leaf Cigar Boutique