Arabic Coffee Etiquette in Saudi Arabia: 6 Customs Every Guest Should Know

Invited to a Saudi home, office or majlis? Knowing basic Arabic coffee etiquette saves you a confused moment when the small cup keeps getting refilled. UNESCO lists Arabic coffee as intangible cultural heritage and describes it as a symbol of generosity and hospitality, with rules of etiquette passed down informally from one generation to the next (UNESCO). Here are six customs to know.

1. Elders and guests are served first

UNESCO gives this as a key rule: older people and guests get their coffee first (UNESCO). If you are the guest, expect the host to start with you or with the most senior person in the room.

2. Coffee is poured with the right hand

The coffee should be poured using the right hand (UNESCO).

3. Shake the cup when you have had enough

This is the custom first-time guests most often miss. The host or server will keep refilling your cup. To show you are done, shake the cup gently before handing it back (UNESCO).

4. It is served at big moments, not only breakfast

Serving and drinking Arabic coffee is a daily ritual, and it is also served at weddings and at tribal gatherings, including majalis held for reconciliation (UNESCO). In other words, it is part of life’s important occasions, not just a drink.

5. Expect conversation, and sometimes poetry

At gatherings, coffee often comes with poetry, lively discussion and shared memories (UNESCO).

6. Dates are often part of it

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture notes that coffee has long been tied to the dates of Saudi palm trees. It also says the way coffee is prepared and served differs from one region to another (Ministry of Culture). So the coffee you get in Ha’il may not taste exactly like the coffee you get in Jazan.

Where Saudi coffee beans come from

The Ministry of Culture says Saudi coffee is grown in the south of the Kingdom. In 2022, UNESCO added the knowledge and practices of growing Khawlani coffee beans to its list. Khawlani tribes have grown coffee for more than 300 years. Seedlings start in shade, move to farming terraces that save water and soil, and bear fruit after two to three years. The fruit is picked by hand, dried, and hulled on flat stone mills. Serving guests beans from your own farm is seen as a sign of honour and respect (UNESCO).

A tradition with two UNESCO listings

• Arabic coffee, a symbol of generosity: first listed in 2015 by Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Oman and Qatar. The listing was extended in 2024 when Jordan joined (UNESCO).
• Khawlani coffee cultivation: listed in 2022 (UNESCO).

The Ministry of Culture also named 2022 the Year of Saudi Coffee, with events all year to celebrate it as part of Saudi identity (Ministry of Culture).

Planning a trip north? Our one-day Ha’il itinerary and guide to visiting Ha’il will help you plan.

FAQ

How do I say I do not want more Arabic coffee?

Gently shake your cup before handing it back. It tells the server you are done.

Who is served first?

Older people and guests, according to UNESCO’s description of the tradition.

Is Arabic coffee recognised by UNESCO?

Yes. It was first listed in 2015 by Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Oman and Qatar, and the listing was extended in 2024 to add Jordan. Saudi Khawlani coffee cultivation was listed separately in 2022.