Arabic coffee holds an exceptional place in Saudi heritage, as it represents 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 good hospitality, to the point that it has become a hallmark in folk heritage, whether through its cultivation, preparation, or presentation.

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Given this status, the Kingdom designated 2022 as the 'Year of Saudi Coffee'. The flavor of Saudi coffee and its preparation method vary from one region to another within the Kingdom; coffee from the southern region is completely different from that of the northern region in terms of the type of beans and processing method. Saudi Khawlani coffee holds a special place as one of the most expensive and rarest types of coffee in the world, and its name derives from the Khawlan bin Amer tribe, known 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 'Bismillah' before offering the coffee cup with the right hand, as offering it with the left hand carries a negative connotation suggesting a lack of welcome for the guest. The amount of coffee in the cup should not be less than one-third; less indicates stinginess, while more 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 have 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-Dhaif', is an obligation for the person receiving the coffee, while the third cup, 'Al-Kaif', symbolizes adjusting the guest's mood. The fourth cup is known as 'Al-Saif', meaning the guest stands with the host if he is attacked or harmed, and it concludes with the fifth cup, 'Al-Faris', which symbolizes courage and rescue.