JEDDAH: The Saudi Coffee Expert training program — an initiative of the Ministry of Culture and the Culinary Arts Commission — is currently underway across Saudi Arabia.
The first two week-long sessions of the training program were held in Jeddah from Oct. 29-Nov. 2 and Riyadh from Nov. 5-9. Two more sessions will be held in Riyadh over the next fortnight and the final session will be held in Alkhobar from Nov. 26-30.
Mayada Badr, CEO of the Culinary Arts Commission, told Arab News: “The Saudi Coffee Expert training program is a testament to our dedication to preserving our cultural heritage and fostering the growth of the coffee industry. By equipping young national cadres with the essential skills and knowledge, we are laying a solid foundation for the sustained prosperity of our beloved Saudi coffee. I wholeheartedly encourage all coffee enthusiasts to seize this exceptional opportunity and embrace the rich traditions of Saudi coffee.”
The organizers said the course explores the history of Saudi coffee, its significance to Arabs, and coffee cultivation practices in the Arabian Peninsula in general and in Saudi Arabia in particular, including different strains, processors, crop quality, and how to identify defects. Participants also learn about Saudi coffee tools and preparation techniques, roasting, additives, and traditional regional recipes, as well as the literary heritage surrounding coffee, examining early writings and symbolism in poetry.
The program also sheds light on coffee-serving practices and effective communication skills, covering ancient customs, modern-day practices, and ensuring the best possible experience for guests.
Sultan Al-Murayyi, a Saudi coffee expert based in Jeddah and one of the program’s trainers, told Arab News: “During the training program, I guided participants through the variations in roasting and additives used in Saudi coffee (in different areas of the Kingdom). For instance, the northern region tends to have a darker roast, while the southern region favors a lighter roast. The middle regions are typically characterized by a medium roast.”
He added: “For the first time, we trained female Saudi coffee experts. Women constitute half of Saudi Arabia, and the aim of the program is to empower and include them. They will play a crucial role in introducing Saudi coffee and our cultural heritage through an accessible and simplified approach. Our aspiration is to share Saudi culture and our exceptional coffee with the global community.”
Rami Ahmad Almwari, who participated in the Jeddah training program, said: “The program provided me with a deeper understanding of the captivating history and culture surrounding Saudi coffee. My aspiration is to leverage this newfound knowledge to potentially create a distinctive modern Saudi coffee beverage, offering a taste of our heritage to coffee lovers everywhere, all while drawing inspiration from our rich cultural roots.”
Another participant, Najwa Raheem, said: “There were several female participants in the program who were all proud to break barriers and pave the way in the Saudi coffee industry. This opportunity has definitely given us a platform to showcase our passion for coffee and our dedication to preserving our cultural heritage. We are excited to share our knowledge and expertise with the world, introducing Saudi coffee and our unique traditions in a way that resonates with coffee enthusiasts everywhere. Through our journey, we hope to inspire other women to pursue their dreams and excel in any field they choose.”
The Ministry of Culture has said that the Saudi Coffee Expert training program is intended to “create opportunities for increased productivity and profitability, in addition to networking and collaboration among Saudi coffee makers and producers, creating a stronger and more vibrant industry.”
Saudi Coffee Expert training program seeks to boost coffee industry
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Saudi Coffee Expert training program seeks to boost coffee industry
- Women being trained as coffee experts for the first time
- Participants also learn about Saudi coffee tools and preparation techniques, roasting, additives, and traditional regional recipes
Saudi Cabinet welcomes UN request for ICJ opinion on Israel’s obligations
- UN General Assembly resolution was put forward by Norway
- Advisory opinion from ICJ will clarify Israel’s obligations under international law
RIYADH: The Saudi Cabinet welcomed on Tuesday the adoption of a UN General Assembly resolution requesting an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice on Israel’s obligations related to the presence and activities of the UN.
Last week, UN member states requested the World Court to act urgently, with 137 countries voting in favor, 12 against and 22 abstaining.
The resolution was put forward by Norway on behalf of a core group of 13 countries, including the Kingdom.
An advisory opinion from the ICJ will clarify Israel’s obligations under international law to ensure and facilitate the work of the UN, international organizations and third states in providing life-saving humanitarian assistance and basic services to the Palestinian civilian population.
The resolution and its adoption come after Israel’s Knesset passed a law in October banning the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East from operating in Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
The Cabinet expressed gratitude for the positive stance of the countries that supported the resolution, the Saudi Press Agency said.
The Saudi Cabinet meeting, chaired by King Salman, also discussed the recent meeting between Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani.
On Sudan, the Cabinet affirmed Saudi Arabia’s position to end the conflict in the country, stressing efforts to enhance humanitarian aid and seek a political future that secures Sudan’s stability, unity and sovereignty.
The Cabinet commended the hosting of the first Arab Cybersecurity Ministers Council in Riyadh this month, aimed at enhancing cooperation among Arab nations in cybersecurity and computer-related threats.
Domestically, the Cabinet recognized the progress made by government agencies in the digital transformation index for 2024 and their efforts to improve services to residents and visitors of the Kingdom.
Minister of Media Salman Al-Dossary told SPA that the Cabinet praised the success of recent economic, cultural and media conferences and events in Riyadh, strengthening the city’s position as a global hub for science, knowledge, investment and innovation.
Jeddah’s Islamic Arts Biennale to open in January
- Over 30 artists explore cultural heritage through contemporary art
JEDDAH: The second Islamic Arts Biennale is set to open on Jan. 25, 2025, at the Western Hajj Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah.
Organized by the Diriyah Biennale Foundation, the event will showcase a blend of timeless Islamic civilization treasures and contemporary artistic creations.
The biennale will offer visitors a journey through the artistic heritage of Islam, engaging the senses, intellect, and creativity, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Featuring contributions from over 30 artists from Saudi Arabia and beyond, the artworks will be displayed in both indoor and outdoor spaces until May 25.
Saudi artist Muhannad Shono will curate contemporary art, supported by associate curators Joanna Chevalier and Amina Diab.
Shono, along with artistic directors Julian Raby, Amin Jaffer, and Abdul Rahman Azzam, has tasked the artists with creating new works that complement historical Islamic artifacts.
The biennale’s theme, “And All That Is In-Between,” captures the essence of contemporary artworks, transcending simplistic notions to foster collective understanding, imagination, and interpretation.
The artworks, inspired by themes including space, time, and light, provide insight into preserving and nurturing culture by exploring the evolving landscape of Saudi Arabia.
The new art pieces will be displayed alongside historical artifacts, including religious relics, maps, and jewelry, in five indoor halls and various outdoor spaces beneath the Hajj Terminal canopy.
The works, also inspired by the concept of the garden in Islamic civilization, blend nature and traditional design while addressing contemporary environmental and social issues.
The Islamic Arts Biennale will be organized into seven sections — Al-Bidaya (the beginning), Al-Madar (the orbit), Al-Muqtani (homage), Al-Mathala (the canopy), Makkah Al-Mukarramah, Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, and Al-Musalla (the prayer hall) — spread across various galleries and outdoor areas, covering 100,000 square meters of dedicated exhibition space.
Saudi ambassador presents credentials to Ukraine’s president
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Ukraine, Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Barakah, presented his credentials to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, at a ceremony held in the capital, Kyiv.
Ambassador Al-Barakah conveyed the greetings of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to President Zelensky along with their wishes for continued progress and prosperity for the government and people of Ukraine.
Saudi artist crafts Madinah’s culture in resin
RIYADH: Resin art, a crafting technique using the liquid form of the substance to create 3D objects or glossy coatings, has gained widespread popularity. When mixed with a hardener, resin solidifies, forming a glass-like finish.
Elyan Al-Aufi, a citizen from Madinah and a visual arts graduate of Taibah University, has significantly contributed to the medium, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Her pieces reflect Madinah’s culture, incorporating local elements including Madani script, roses, mint and basil.
Travelers to Madinah and the Prophet's Mosque often purchase her art as souvenirs, including keychains, jewelry, wall clocks, decorative pieces, and prayer beads, the SPA reported.
Resin art is versatile, used to create accessories and jewelry — such as necklaces, rings and earrings — via special molds. It is also key to paintings made with pouring techniques, producing distinctive results.
Resin is popular in household items including tables and trays, often featuring natural elements such as flowers or wood. It also used to preserve memorabilia and natural objects including leaves, photos and other items.
With its glass-like transparency and glossy finish, resin art allows creative use of colors, dyes, and natural elements such as flowers and shells. It produces durable, timeless pieces.
Saudi Arabia honors Qur’an contest winners in Nepal
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs recently honored winners of a Qur’an memorization competition in Nepal, involving more than 750 contestants and with 18 winners in four categories for boys and girls.
The competition, supervised by the Saudi Embassy in Kathmandu and coordinated with Nepal’s Muslim Commission, concluded with awards presented by the ministry’s undersecretary, Awad Al-Anzi.
Saudi Ambassador to Nepal Saad Nasser Abu Haimed and Nepal’s Speaker of the House of Representatives Dev Raj Ghimire attended the ceremony, alongside Islamic leaders, diplomats and parliamentarians.
The event featured Qur’an recitations by contestants and highlighted the Kingdom’s efforts to promote the Qur’an globally, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Al-Anzi reiterated the Kingdom’s commitment to Islam’s values of justice, mercy and kindness and emphasized its longstanding support for Qur’an-related initiatives, including competitions and free distribution through the King Fahd Qur’an Printing Complex in Madinah.
Abu Haimed praised the competition as part of Saudi Arabia’s dedication to the Qur’an and congratulated the winners.
Participants expressed gratitude for the Kingdom’s support of Islam and encouragement of Qur’an memorization and recitation.
