How Coffee Has Warmed Itself Into Emirati Culture


International Coffee Day

On 1st October, the world will mark International Coffee Day to celebrate the beloved beverage and support the countless coffee farmers.

This year’s global theme is about putting the spotlight on the plight of coffee farmers, the threat in their livelihoods and ways to overcome the problems the industry is facing.

Enjoying this beverage cup happens three billion times a day across the world.

Widely regarded as a Western tradition, the truth is that coffee is embedded in Arabic culture dating back to ancient days. It remains integral in Emirati hospitality, welcoming guests warmly with a cup of brew to break the ice between strangers or keeping the conversation going between friends and families.

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Last year, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi in a bid to preserve this heritage launched the ‘Bait Al Gahwa’ or Coffee House initiative.

The project aims to provide licenses for operating tourism projects that offer a real-life simulation of the customary Emirati process of preparing and serving coffee.

This was part of the DCT Abu Dhabi’s broader commitment to promote the art of making Arabic coffee, which was cited on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2015.

We’ve also seen an increase in artisan and independent coffee joints competing with the big brands around the emirate.

Generally speaking there are seven essential stages in the coffee making process: picking, washing, drying, grading, roasting, cupping and serving for enjoyment.

That goes for all coffee variants whether you’re talking about espresso, café latte, cappuccino, flat white and macchiato, to name only a few.

Craving for a cup now? The good news is that Café 302 in Al Maha Arjaan by Rotana is celebrating the occasion with a special promo.

From 6 am to 11 pm this Tuesday, the urban eatery will be serving its all types of coffee for just AED 12.

The special price covers all coffee variants including the café’s signature cold brew Kyoto Style, Ethiopian ‘Tatari’ coffee beans and more.

If that’s not enough to keep you awake all day, we don’t know what will.

Happy International Coffee Day, everyone!

You can also read our article on “Home grown coffee shops in Abu Dhabi”


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