In Saudi Arabia, coffee is not just a beverage; it is a profound symbol of authentic Saudi hospitality. It has long been the companion of gatherings and a means of peace, carrying within it a rich history of hospitality. Coffee is offered at the moment of greeting and is served to those honored by their presence. However, coffee is not just a tradition passed down in stories; it embodies the essence of the land it grew from, as if it is an inseparable part of the identity of this nation, which defied time to restore coffee’s prominence and replant it into its fertile soil.

Today, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia produces over 800 tons of the finest Khulani Arabica coffee beans annually, thanks to more than 400,000 coffee trees planted in the mountains of Jazan, Asir, and Al-Baha. These trees, which reach toward the clouds, are not only a source of goodness but also a symbol of patience and determination, as they thrive in rugged terrain, showing the world how fertile land can breathe new life into an ancient crop.

The Kingdom has managed to reclaim this historical legacy in a way that transcends boundaries. Thanks to significant efforts and modern agricultural initiatives, such as the establishment of 60 model coffee farms and support for farmers, the Kingdom today stands at the forefront of coffee-producing nations. It is expected that Saudi Arabia will significantly increase its production, targeting the planting of 1.2 million coffee trees by 2026, further solidifying its position on the global stage.

The coffee traditions in the Kingdom begin the moment the beans are roasted and ground, prepared with great care and served with pride. In gatherings, the coffee is poured into the cup with precision, following well-established rituals, beginning with offering the cup to the eldest and ending with three symbolic sips that reflect respect and appreciation. Coffee in our culture is not a transient habit or an imported custom, but rather an extension of a long history of travel and settlement, of wars and peace, of hospitality that never denies the traveler a seat and a cup.

These rituals are not mere customs; they are a reflection of the values that the Saudi society is built upon: generosity, respect, and unity. Coffee is not just a drink to be consumed; it is a cultural platform that brings people together and reaffirms the meanings of solidarity and communication.

On Saudi Foundation Day, the importance of coffee is further reinforced as a symbol of national identity. It is not just a beverage but a part of the history that built this nation. In 1727, the establishment of the First Saudi State marked the beginning of a new era, and with it, coffee was present in the councils of governance and consultation, served with love and sipped with pride. Today, in our celebrations of this glorious day, every cup of coffee is a tribute to those who strived to build this nation, a symbol of the ongoing journey toward the future.

Just as each grain of coffee was patiently cultivated, so too was the Kingdom built with perseverance and struggle, becoming what it is today. It does not stop at the past but aspires to the future. In coffee, as in our history, you find a blend of the desire for innovation and a commitment to authenticity.

Saudi coffee, with all its dimensions, remains a symbol of deep generosity and cultural identity, telling the story of a nation proud of its heritage and ready for a bright tomorrow.