In commemoration of International Coffee Day, the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture in Saudi Arabia has highlighted its commitment to coffee cultivation development. In the southern region alone, the Kingdom boasts more than (2,535) coffee farms, including over (500) model coffee farms.
The Ministry's objective is to transform (15) regions in the southwestern part of the Kingdom into significant hubs for Arabica coffee production, known for its exceptional quality compared to other varieties. This initiative aims to boost the Kingdom's coffee crop production, aligning with the economic goals in Vision 2030.
Saudi Arabia is classified among the top 10 coffee-consuming countries, and within its borders, over 400 thousand coffee trees in Saudi Arabia produce the finest species in the world. The Kingdom's target is to plant 1.2 million coffee trees by 2026.
The Ministry has launched various initiatives and programs to foster coffee cultivation, including the Sustainable Agricultural Rural Development Program (REF). The program focuses on enhancing the production, processing, and marketing of Arabica coffee. Additionally, the Ministry has signed an investment agreement for the establishment of the Kingdom's first coffee city.
The Saudi Khawlani coffee is inscribed in the UNESCO on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Locally 'Arabic coffee' is officially renamed 'Saudi coffee' to strengthen local culture, and the Year of Saudi Coffee was commemorated in 2022. Moreover, The Public Investment Fund established the Saudi Coffee Company.
Coffee stands as one of the most traded agricultural commodities globally and serves as a significant revenue generator for numerous nations. It is cultivated across an expanse exceeding 10 million hectares in over 50 countries, supporting the livelihoods of approximately 125 million individuals across Latin America, Africa, and Asia. These people rely on coffee as their primary source of income, whether it be Arabica or Robusta varieties. Arabica, being the more prevalent, accounts for roughly 65% of total commercial production, while Robusta contributes about 35%. According to statistics, 500 billion cups of coffee are consumed every day worldwide.