Coffee Culture in Saudi Arabia is Evolving and Katching the Country’s Attention

1st May, 2026 | Food and Beverage, Hospitality

by - Beth Laverty

We’re spilling the beans on centuries of gahwa traditions, discussing fun facts about Saudi coffee, exploring the rise of modern café culture, and unveiling the best cafés in Riyadh to get your caffeine fix

 

Long before Starbucks, shiny espresso machines, or flavoured syrups entered the picture, Saudi Arabia was already home to a nation of avid coffee drinkers. For generations, the aromatic brew has been the centrepiece for events and gatherings, representing the epitome of Saudi hospitality and generosity. Nowadays, the Kingdom is sipping its way towards a new era of caffeinated sophistication, with the rise of globalisation and online trends reimagining how Saudis enjoy their daily cup.

 

In today’s blog, we walk you through the careful blend of nostalgia and novelty shaping the next iteration of coffee culture in Saudi Arabia.

 

Fun Facts About Coffee Consumption in the Kingdom

For those of you who aren’t so familiar with the Kingdom’s coffee customs, let’s first take a look at the facts, showing just how important the drink is in Saudi culture. Firstly, the nation drinks an average of 36 million cups daily, with this thriving market expected to be worth over SAR 6.3 billion by 2030. While consumption is lower than in top-ranking countries such as Finland and Norway, coffee in Saudi Arabia is something to be savoured and enjoyed, rather than rushed on the way out the door.

 

Declaring the Kingdom’s love for coffee on a national scale, 2022 marked a milestone moment when the term ‘Arabic Coffee’ was replaced with ‘Saudi Coffee’ in all restaurants and cafés. As part of ‘Saudi Coffee Year 2022’, the switch spotlights the different preparation methods across the country and shows just how deeply the beloved drink is woven into everyday life in the Kingdom.

 

While the majority of coffee beans consumed in Saudi Arabia are imported, local production is expanding to meet growing domestic demand. You’ll find most coffee plantations in the southwestern Jazan region, where high altitudes and fertile soil create the perfect conditions for growing the Khawlani bean. Saudi Khawlani coffee and its cultivation traditions were even recognised by UNESCO in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The Traditional Gahwa

Saudi coffee, known by locals as ‘gahwa’, has been deeply ingrained in Saudi culture for hundreds of years. Brewed in elegant long-necked dallahs and poured into delicate finjan cups, gahwa has always been offered to guests as a welcoming gesture. Lightly roasted and often infused with cardamom, and sometimes hints of clove or saffron, serving traditional gahwa is a ritual in itself.

 

Coffee is slowly poured from a standing position, holding the pot in the left hand and the cup in the right. Traditionally, hosts serve guests clockwise, starting with the guest of honour. Often enjoyed alongside dates at family gatherings, everyday visits, and weddings, gahwa is all about being present and savouring every sip.

Modern Café Culture

While gahwa rituals still take place in households and traditional coffee shops across the Kingdom, the advent of social media and globalisation has given rise to a new type of coffee culture in Saudi Arabia. The act of enjoying a simple coffee has transformed into a billion-riyal industry, driven by a youthful generation of caffeine enthusiasts eager to try the finest blends and the latest inventive menu items they saw on TikTok. Something that was once reserved for special occasions has become far more widespread, with hip local cafés and global giants like Costa Coffee, Tim Hortons, and Dunkin’ Donuts around every corner.

 

The demand for a good cup of coffee isn’t slowing down anytime soon, with more than 61,000 café licences issued across the country to date. In many ways, contemporary café culture has become the new majlis, offering a place for friends to catch up, colleagues to talk business, or families to spend quality time together. The only difference is that traditional gahwa now shares the table with iced Spanish lattes, cold brews, and matcha creations.

Our Favourite Places for a Good Brew

At Katch, coffee has fuelled the creativity and connections behind some of our brightest ideas and boldest campaigns. For our PR offices in Riyadh and Dubai, sharing a brew is part of our daily routine. We even celebrated our 15^th anniversary with a Katch Kafé coffee rave at To The Moon & Back in Dubai, telling you exactly how much we love the stuff.

 

So, from one coffee connoisseur to another, we present you with some of the spots serving the best coffee in Saudi Arabia.

 

Starting off strong, Beast House serves up an expertly brewed selection of all the classics, as well as its dreamy signature Honeycomb Latte that’s simply *chef’s kiss*. The creative hub’s bold blends are best enjoyed alongside a high-energy DJ set or jamming session with fellow music lovers.

For those looking to really take their café experience to the next level, look no further than Café Boulud at Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre. Seated within a vintage-inspired space, guests can expect a refined French café experience shaped by Chef Daniel Boulud’s Lyon roots. Sip on velvety macchiatos, classic cappuccinos, or a rich French press coffee, perfect for pairing with freshly baked pastries or enjoying as a finale to a sophisticated lunch or dinner.

 

Another country that loves coffee almost as much as the Kingdom is, of course, Italy, and in Riyadh, Cucina is the best spot to try some authentic Italian brews for yourself. Take a seat in the trendy interiors or on the breezy terrace adorned with graffiti and savour a taste of la dolce vita with all-time favourites like espressos, macchiatos, and cappuccinos. For those who prefer their coffee in dessert form, make sure to try the velvety tiramisu, a timeless Italian treat layered with espresso-soaked sponge, creamy mascarpone, and a dusting of cocoa.

As you can see, coffee, or gahwa, in Saudi Arabia represents rituals passed down through generations, shared values of generosity and hospitality, and a deeply communal way of life. While the traditional act of serving and enjoying coffee remains, it continues to evolve, reflecting how a society remembers its roots, adapts with the times, and expresses who it is today.

 

For more related updates and to Katch us covering similar topics, watch this space!

 

Katch our game-changing PR and Communications, Social Media, Branding and Design, Brand Consultancy, ESG, and Global Communications services to help your brand make noise. Get in touch with our 360-Marketing Consultancy in Dubai, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and London, and let’s get the conversation started!