A boom in specialty cafes is revitalizing Saudi Arabia's traditional coffeehouses as hubs for culture and community. Government initiatives under Vision 2030 support local cultivation, blending ancient rituals with modern trends. This revival highlights coffee's deep role in Saudi hospitality and social life.
In Riyadh's old Alsafat Square, the Qaysariat al-Kitab cafe exemplifies Saudi Arabia's enduring coffee traditions. This venue, decorated with Najdi motifs, serves as a library and cultural space where visitors enjoy Arabic coffee spiced with cardamom, alongside dates and masabib pancakes. Tour guide Faisal Alahaydib described the preparation in a dallah pot and finjan cups, noting the etiquette that conveys hospitality through gestures like pour levels and refill requests.
Coffee's history in the region traces to the 15th century, originating from Ethiopia and reaching Yemen before spreading across the Arabian Peninsula via trade routes. Cultivation thrives in the highlands of Jazan, al-Baha, and Asir, with Jazan producing rare Khawlani beans, now recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage.
Historically, public coffeehouses along trade routes fostered exchanges of news, poetry, and debate. Independent researcher Kurniawan Arif Maspul stated, “Public coffeehouses … emerged along trade routes and in cities as places where travelers, merchants and locals gathered to exchange news, poetry and debate over a cup.” Today, over 70% of Saudi youth visit these spaces for conversation and intellectual discourse, serving as “essential ‘third places’” beyond home and work.
Bedouin homes feature ritualized ceremonies involving roasting beans in tawas pans and brewing in dallahs. Maspul noted, “In many ways, the coffee ceremony was like a little theater — a show of generosity, hospitality and trust by the host.” Research shows over 80% of households serve traditional coffee daily, with 90% viewing it as a moral obligation. Alahaydib added, “Coffee has never been just a drink for us.”
Modern trends integrate global influences like Starbucks and third-wave coffee, expanding the market valued at $1.3 to $1.9 billion annually. Saudis consume 36 million cups daily, with projections for over 5,350 outlets by 2027. Under Vision 2030, the Saudi Coffee Company, launched in 2022, has planted over 600,000 trees in Jazan and trained farmers using solar irrigation and pest control. Coffee adviser Denise Bustamante said these efforts improve yields and quality, leading to innovations like the Maghmoul variety developed by farmer Abu Majid.
Homegrown chains such as Barn’s, Kyan Cafe, Half Million, and Elixir Bunn promote specialty roasts. Jazan University professor Khadija Mehrez observed, “There is a growing appreciation for coffee origin, roasting techniques, unique flavors and ethical sourcing among Saudi consumers.” Cafes blend traditions with events like book readings at Qaysariat al-Kitab and poetry nights at Sociale Cafe. Founder Wadha AlRashid of DRAFT Cafe emphasized creating spaces for connection, echoing historical roles. Mehrez concluded, “Today, cafes have become cultural hubs and places for learning, socializing and self-expression.” Alahaydib reflected, “We Saudis love coffee … But we love it more when we are surrounded by friends and family, chatting and discussing life and the world.”