Saudi Arabia and Coffee: where heritage meets global ambition
Dagmar Symes, CEO of Al Hamra, charts the kingdom’s coffee journey from traditional ritual to contemporary regional hub.
Few beverages carry the cultural and social meaning that coffee holds in Saudi Arabia. From the aromatic qahwa—brewed from lightly roasted beans and infused with cardamom, saffron or ginger—to the sleek specialty cafes emerging in Riyadh and Jeddah, the kingdom is redefining what it means to drink coffee.
Personally, coffee has always been one of those small rituals that shape the rhythm of a day. It also has a remarkable ability to bring people together. Experiencing this in Saudi Arabia adds another dimension, since the tradition here carries a depth of history and hospitality that is both authentic and inspiring.
A market rooted in tradition
Today, Saudi Arabia has developed into one of the most dynamic coffee markets in the Middle East. And, significantly, the kingdom’s young and globally connected population is driving much of this transformation. Many Saudis have studied or lived abroad and returned with an appreciation for specialty coffees, artisanal brewing methods and new experiences. Cafes, moreover, have evolved into social spaces where people meet, work and exchange ideas.
A complete coffee ecosystem
What is particularly striking, however, is that Saudi Arabia’s ambition goes far beyond being a strong consumer market. A key initiative is the Saudi Coffee Company, launched by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), which aims specifically to strengthen the kingdom’s role in the global industry, while supporting sustainable local production. In particular, this includes the Jazan region, where the cultivation of mountain-grown coffee has thrived for generations.
Homegrown Saudi cafe brands are emerging, combining quality, innovation and cultural identity. In turn, many have become gathering places for art, music and community events, further reinforcing the social role that coffee has always played.
From heritage to the future
Qahwa remains at the heart of Saudi hospitality, served in homes and gatherings just as it has been for generations. Yet alongside this tradition, a new chapter is emerging, shaped by creativity, entrepreneurship and thoughtful investment.
Ultimately, Saudi Arabia is steadily positioning itself as one of the most sophisticated coffee markets in the GCC. Each cup carries not only the aroma of freshly roasted beans but also a story of heritage, hospitality and a future that is still brewing.
