Are Coffee Beans Grown in Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia has a rich coffee culture. But many people don’t know that coffee beans (كوفي بين) are actually grown in Saudi Arabia. While the country is known for its deserts and oil, some regions have the right climate for growing coffee. Interesting, right? Let’s explore more about the Saudi Arabian coffee beans in this blog.

Does Saudi Arabia Grow Coffee Beans?

Saudi Arabia has its own homegrown coffee beans, which are called Arabica. These beans have a distinct flavor profile that’s specific to the Saudi region. Moreover, you’ll be surprised to know that the history of growing coffee beans in KSA is centuries old. 

Want to know about it? Here is everything about the single-origin coffee of Saudi Arabia, where it is grown, different types, and more.

Where are Coffee Beans Grown in Saudi Arabia?

Jazan in the south of Saudi Arabia is where coffee is mainly grown. The mountainous areas like Al-Dayer and Al-Faifa offer ideal terroir for coffee growing. You should know that the ideal terroir refers to high altitudes, rich soil, and suitable rainfall.

Here are some more regions where Saudi Arabica coffee beans are grown:

• Jazan Province

Jazan is the largest and most productive coffee region in Saudi Arabia. It has around 1,985 farms and produces about 1,320 tons of coffee every year. The mountains of Al-Dayer and Al-Faifa are famous for growing Khawlani coffee beans, a rare and prized Arabica variety.

• Aseer Province

Aseer is the second most productive coffee-growing area. It has about 300 farms and produces 200 tons of coffee each year. The cool weather and mountain landscapes here make it another great place for growing high-quality beans.

• Al-Bahah Province

Al-Bahah has around 250 farms, producing 40 tons of coffee annually. Although it produces less than Jazan and Aseer, it still plays an important role in Saudi Arabia’s growing coffee industry.

Did You Know?
As of 2020, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia had 2,535 coffee farms, approximately 398,000 coffee trees, and an estimated annual coffee production of 1,810 tons.

What Coffee Beans are Grown in Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia grows Arabica coffee beans, which are known for their smooth taste and distinct aroma. These beans grow well in the country’s southern mountains. The local climate gives them a special flavor that sets them apart from other single origin coffees. Farmers use old, traditional ways to grow them, and coffee has become a proud part of Saudi culture.

What are Arabica Coffee Beans (كوفي بين)?

Arabica coffee beans come from the Coffea arabica plant and are prized for their mild flavor, low bitterness, and aromatic qualities. They grow best in high-altitude regions with cool climates. Arabica accounts for about 60–70% of global coffee production and is considered superior in taste compared to Robusta beans. 

Arabica Coffee Varieties in Saudi Arabia

In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, farmers mainly grow a special local type of Arabica bean called Khawlani coffee. It is grown in the Jazan region, especially in places like Al-Dayer, Al-Faifa, and Al-Ardah. These areas have the right weather, soil, and height for coffee trees to grow well. Here is what else to know:

• Khawlani Coffee Beans

These are considered one of the rarest and most valuable types of Arabica beans. Grown mostly in Jazan, Khawlani coffee is known for its smooth flavor, rich aroma, and deep cultural roots. It’s been farmed in the region for hundreds of years and is often grown using traditional, chemical-free methods.

• Harari Coffee Beans

While less well-known than Khawlani, Harari beans are also grown in Saudi Arabia. They are part of the local coffee heritage and add to the variety and richness of the Kingdom’s coffee production.

Are Arabica Beans Only Grown in Saudi Arabia?

Other than Saudi Arabia, arabica coffee beans are grown in several other countries too. Some of the main Arabica coffee-producing countries include Ethiopia, Colombia, Brazil, Guatemala, and India. Arabica beans are also grown in parts of Central and South America. And you should know that arabica beans originated in Ethiopia hundreds of years ago. 

History of Saudi Coffee Beans

Did you know that the history of coffee is closely linked to the Arabian Peninsula? Yes, that’s true! The story of coffee begins in the nearby mountains of Ethiopia in the 9th Century. But it quickly made its way across the Red Sea to Yemen and the Arabian Peninsula. By the 15th century, coffee was being traded through ports like Mocha and enjoyed in Islamic religious centers such as Makkah and Madina. These early coffee houses (qahveh khaneh or قهوة خانة), were places where people gathered to talk, read, and listen to music. And this is how it became a part of Saudi history.

Coffee spread through Saudi Arabia and became a part of daily life, especially in the western and southern regions. Over time, it became part of the culture and a symbol of hospitality, respect, and tradition.

Fun Fact!
Saudi Arabia, coffee is called “Qahwa” (قهوة) — but it’s not just any coffee! It’s usually lightly roasted, brewed with cardamom, and served in small cups called finjan. 

The Role of Coffee in Saudi Culture

Coffee holds a deep meaning in the culture of Saudi Arabia. holds a deep cultural meaning. Arabs are hospitable people and coffee, for them, has been a symbol of hospitality for ages now. When guests arrive, serving Arabic coffee is one of the first things done to show respect and warmth. They take out Finjan or small cups, and serve a warm, flavorful brew along with dates.

Saudi coffee is usually lightly roasted and prepared with cardamom, and sometimes cloves or saffron. This gives the beverage a distinct taste and aroma. The way it’s served also follows tradition: the host pours the coffee from a dallah or دَلَّة (traditional coffee pot) into cups. And they always hold the pot in the left hand and serve with the right.

Sharing coffee brings people together at weddings, family gatherings, and daily social visits. In fact, it is a part of Saudi identity and was even added to UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2015.

Conclusion

Arabs love their coffee. And more than that, they love hosting guests with it. After all, it’s so flavorful, aromatic, and delightful. With its rich traditions, unique local varieties like Khawlani coffee, and strong government support, the Kingdom is quickly gaining attention in the global coffee world. Regions like Jazan, Aseer, and Al-Bahah are preserving cultural heritage and creating new economic opportunities with coffee production. The future looks bright for Saudi coffee, be it at your home or somewhere overseas.