Arabic coffee holds an exceptional place in Saudi heritage, representing an authentic symbol of generosity and hospitality and a deeply rooted tradition in welcoming guests.

Coffee is linked to the cultural history of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through customs and values that express generosity and hospitality, to the extent that it has become a hallmark of popular heritage, whether through cultivation methods, preparation, or serving.

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Due to this status, the Kingdom named 2022 the 'Year of Saudi Coffee'. The flavor and preparation method of Saudi coffee vary from region to region within the Kingdom; coffee from the southern region differs completely from that of the northern region in terms of bean type and processing style. The Saudi Khawlani coffee holds a special place as one of the most expensive and rarest types of coffee in the world, named after the Khawlan bin Amr tribe, which was famous for its cultivation.

Rituals of Serving Saudi Coffee and Their Connotations

The process of serving Saudi coffee is governed by a set of inherited customs that carry deep symbolic meanings. The host begins by saying "sm" before offering the coffee cup with the right hand, as offering it with the left carries a negative connotation implying unwelcomeness to the guest. The amount of coffee in the cup should not be less than one-third, as a smaller amount indicates stinginess, while a larger amount suggests unwillingness to receive the guest. The guest holds the cup between the index finger and thumb, and repeatedly shaking it means they have had enough. The five coffee cups carry different names and connotations in Saudi customs: the host drinks the first cup, known as "al-Haif", to reassure the guest before it is offered. The second cup, "al-Daif" (the guest), is a duty on the one receiving the coffee, while the third cup, "al-Kaif" (the mood), symbolizes adjusting the guest's mood. The fourth cup is known as "al-Saif" (the sword), meaning the guest stands by the host if he is subjected to any attack or harm, and it concludes with the fifth cup, "al-Faris" (the knight), which symbolizes bravery and rescue.