Arabic Coffee Institute teaches Saudi youth the secrets of making specialty coffee

Al-Mohanad Al-Marwai, the co-founder and the CEO of Arabian Coffee Institute. He is one of 30 licensed coffee graders in the Kingdom; the total number of licensed coffee graders globally is only 3,000. (AN Photo/Ali Khamaj)
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Al-Mohanad Al-Marwai, the co-founder and the CEO of Arabian Coffee Institute. He is one of 30 licensed coffee graders in the Kingdom; the total number of licensed coffee graders globally is only 3,000. (AN Photo/Ali Khamaj)
Explaning about the stage of roasting a coffee crop, Al-Marwai said it is just “the tip of the iceberg” as there is much more behind the technique. (AN Photo/Ali Khamaj)
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Explaning about the stage of roasting a coffee crop, Al-Marwai said it is just “the tip of the iceberg” as there is much more behind the technique. (AN Photo/Ali Khamaj)
Al-Mohanad Al-Marwai, the co-founder and the CEO of Arabian Coffee Institute. He is one of 30 licensed coffee graders in the Kingdom; the total number of licensed coffee graders globally is only 3,000. (AN Photo/Ali Khamaj)
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Al-Mohanad Al-Marwai, the co-founder and the CEO of Arabian Coffee Institute. He is one of 30 licensed coffee graders in the Kingdom; the total number of licensed coffee graders globally is only 3,000. (AN Photo/Ali Khamaj)
Al-Mohanad Al-Marwai, the co-founder and the CEO of Arabian Coffee Institute. He is one of 30 licensed coffee graders in the Kingdom; the total number of licensed coffee graders globally is only 3,000. (AN Photo/Ali Khamaj)
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Al-Mohanad Al-Marwai, the co-founder and the CEO of Arabian Coffee Institute. He is one of 30 licensed coffee graders in the Kingdom; the total number of licensed coffee graders globally is only 3,000. (AN Photo/Ali Khamaj)
The Arabic Coffee Institute is the first coffee institute licensed by the Ministry of Culture, and it was launched in 2022. (AN Photo/Ali Khamaj)
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The Arabic Coffee Institute is the first coffee institute licensed by the Ministry of Culture, and it was launched in 2022. (AN Photo/Ali Khamaj)
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Updated 15 March 2023

Arabic Coffee Institute teaches Saudi youth the secrets of making specialty coffee

The Arabic Coffee Institute is the first coffee institute licensed by the Ministry of Culture, and it was launched in 2022.
  • Coffee consumption in Saudi Arabia grew by 4 percent per year between 2016 and 2021
  • Kingdom is best known for its traditional coffee, gahwa

JEDDAH: A coffee institute in the Kingdom is aiming to streamline the coffee industry and capitalize on surging consumption of Saudi products, its founder has told Arab News.

The spike in interest led to the opening of the Arabic Coffee Institute, the first center of its kind in the Kingdom, which will help entrepreneurs from the region pave their way professionally. The institute was launched in Jeddah last year and is the first to be licensed by the Ministry of Culture.

According to a report by global business analysts Euromonitor International in January 2022, coffee consumption in Saudi Arabia grew by 4 percent per year between 2016 and 2021 and is forecast to increase by a further 5 percent annually up to 2026, reaching an expected consumption of 28,700 tons each year.

Although the Kingdom is best known for its traditional coffee, gahwa, which is served with dates and highlights the Saudi style of hospitality, the science behind specialty coffee has attracted hundreds of Saudis to take a step ahead in the coffee industry. 

Al-Mohanad Al-Marwai, ACI co-founder and CEO, worked to elevate the institute from  thought to reality. “The idea of the institute is 12 years old, but we started a few years ago. Its proof of concept is five years old,” he told Arab News.

ACI aims to develop the coffee sector by qualifying Saudi youth and enriching local talent. Al-Marwai said: “It is the first institute of its kind in Saudi Arabia and the Arab world, with a special focus on training those interested in the field of coffee based on international curricula by a team of experts, researchers and trainers. We cover the whole value chain from the seed to the cup provided to the consumer and after that, including research and development.”

The institute has received endorsements from the Saudi Technical Vocational and Training Corporation and is authorized by four international coffee associations including AST, Coffee Quality Institute, the Coffee Skills Program and Specialty Coffee Association.

ACI is currently under the umbrella of Coffee Lights company, which is specialized in the operation of coffee shops, consultation, training of staff and baristas, as well as the import and export of coffee.

The ACI aims to become one of the leading international coffee organizations in the Middle East and will be launched this year in Riyadh, the Eastern Province and Jazan. The institute has plans to expand to other countries in the Arab world, including the UAE, Qatar, Egypt and Jordan.

Through leading the institute, Al-Marwai offers Saudi cafes a transparent supply chain of authentic specialty coffee to be served to the public. Over the past 12 years, Al-Marwai has founded eight companies in Saudi Arabia, Uganda, the UK and the US.

“There are only 30 certified coffee instructors distributed among the Kingdom. ACI has 13 of them — most of which have been trained at ACI, At a world level, there are only around 3,000 Certified Q Graders, of which ACI has 4,” Al-Marwai said. CQIs are professionals skilled in the sensory evaluation of coffee quality.

“With over 2,000 trainees enrolled, within 2023, ACI aims to receive 50,000 trainees as we have more than 70 courses of international standards to offer,” Al-Marwai added.

The institute offers accredited, customized and online training courses, as well as institutional solutions and consultation services. Courses cover brewing, barista and sensory skills, as well as coffee farming and roasting.

Speaking of coffee roasting as one of the integral aspects in the world of specialty coffee, Al-Marwai said it is just “the tip of the iceberg.” There are many sensitive skills, standards and operations behind roasting coffee that should be acquired before rushing into the business as it costs a whole crop, he added.

“We don’t just teach roasting as a technical skill, we teach roasting as a business to make sure that trainers succeed and make money,”Al-Marwai said.

Under his leadership is Ash Cafes and Roastery in Jeddah, a place known for its high-quality coffee and appealing ambiance, and which was also listed recently by the Ministry of Tourism as one of the top five cafes in the region.

After only one year of launching the institute, a series of significant partnerships and MoUs were signed with the government and private sectors seeking to enable Saudi youth to contribute economically and achieve the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

Last year, in line with the goals of the Culinary Arts Commission, the Ministry of Culture, the Saudi Coffee Company under the umbrella of the Saudi Coffee Year 2022 and ACI signed a cooperative agreement with Community Jameel to launch a program to develop the coffee sector with the aim of qualifying Saudi youth in the industry.

ACI also signed an array of partnerships with Al-Hokair Group, the Saudi Coffee Company, Bunyan and the University of Prince Mugrin to accommodate different coffee-related aspects such as education, hospitality training, development of standards and metrics, research and development, and more.

The institute took part in the first “Coffeethon,” a technical challenge that was conducted in Riyadh for six days in December. The event highlighted the framework of the coffee production chain and devised projects to serve the industry.

Recently, ACI signed an agreement with Jazan Chamber to implement several development and training programs in the region’s coffee industry and support coffee farmers.

The institute is also planning to launch a coffee magazine to highlight the latest trends in the industry for the Saudi community.


Saudi crown prince speaks to Indian PM on telephone

Saudi crown prince speaks to Indian PM on telephone
Updated 13 sec ago

Saudi crown prince speaks to Indian PM on telephone

Saudi crown prince speaks to Indian PM on telephone
  • A number of topics and issues of common interest were discussed

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman spoke to India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a phone call on Thursday.

During the call, they reviewed the distinguished relations within the strategic partnership between their countries, and existing joint cooperation in various fields and ways to enhance and develop it.

A number of topics and issues of common interest were also discussed.


Saudi Arabia highlights aid work at Oslo conference on protecting children in armed conflict

Saudi Arabia highlights aid work at Oslo conference on protecting children in armed conflict
Updated 20 min 45 sec ago

Saudi Arabia highlights aid work at Oslo conference on protecting children in armed conflict

Saudi Arabia highlights aid work at Oslo conference on protecting children in armed conflict
  • KSrelief led the Saudi delegation, headed by Dr. Hana Omar
  • Over 800 projects benefited 163m children, at cost of $800m

OSLO: Saudi Arabia participated in the international conference “Protecting Children in Armed Conflict – Our Common Future” held recently in Oslo, Norway.
The Saudi delegation was led by the nation’s King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, or KSrelief, represented by Dr. Hana Omar, director of the Community Support Department and acting director of the Partnerships and International Relations Department.
The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs organized the conference with the International Committee of the Red Cross, the United Nations Children’s Fund, and Save the Children International.
Participants discussed the main challenges facing children in armed conflict, as the Norwegian foreign minister pledged NOK1 billion ($90.74 million) over three years.
KSrelief is working across the world to help educate and protect children in conflict-ridden areas, said Omar during the plenary session.
Omar later told Arab News that KSrelief provides psychological and mental health programs for children with disabilities and orphans, and creates awareness in communities about the importance of children’s rights, including being aware of attempts to recruit them as soldiers, and the dangers of mines.
These projects are delivered in cooperation with partners in the UN and local organizations, according to international humanitarian law, she said.
“Until today, more than 800 projects have benefited more than 163 million children with a cost of over $800 million,” she said.
A unit for the protection of children was established in the joint forces of the Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Yemen, and a memorandum of understanding was signed in 2019 with the Office of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict.
The Saudi delegation included representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Human Rights Commission, and the Child Protection Unit of the Joint Forces of the Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Yemen.
Omar said: “KSrelief also offers a project for the reintegration of children formerly associated with the armed conflict since 2017 due to the increased number of child recruitment and ideological indoctrination campaigns by militias in Yemen.”
In Yemen, due to the rising number of mines, KSrelief has implemented a humanitarian clearance project since 2018. “To date, nearly 400,000 mines have been removed, benefiting more than 29 million people, including children,” said Omar.
She added that four centers are being supported for prostheses and training for local medical personnel. “Approximately 47,000 artificial limbs were installed and rehabilitated, including 8,358 for children, most of whom were affected by mines.”
The conference is in partnership with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs or OCHA, the African Union, the Office of the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, and the Child Protection Alliance in Humanitarian Action.
 


Blinken expresses concern over Houthi actions during meeting with Yemeni leader

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken meets with Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council Rashad Al-Alimi in Riyadh. (@SecBlinken)
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken meets with Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council Rashad Al-Alimi in Riyadh. (@SecBlinken)
Updated 08 June 2023

Blinken expresses concern over Houthi actions during meeting with Yemeni leader

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken meets with Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council Rashad Al-Alimi in Riyadh. (@SecBlinken)
  • Blinken welcomed the Presidential Leadership Council’s continued support for UN-led peace efforts and for measures to bring immediate relief to Yemenis

RIYADH: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed concern on Thursday with actions by the Houthi militia that are cutting Yemenis off from resources and impeding the flow of goods inside of Yemen.

During a meeting in Riyadh with the president of the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council Rashad Al-Alimi, Blinken said parties to the conflict in the country must “come together to reach a new, more comprehensive agreement to end the war.”

The secretary of state welcomed the Presidential Leadership Council’s continued support for UN-led peace efforts and for measures to bring immediate relief to Yemenis.

He also reiterated that a UN-led peace process will give Yemenis the opportunity to address critical questions facing the country, durably resolve the conflict, and chart a brighter future for Yemen.


Saudi environment minister meets Jordanian PM

Saudi environment minister meets Jordanian PM
Updated 08 June 2023

Saudi environment minister meets Jordanian PM

Saudi environment minister meets Jordanian PM
  • Ministers affirmed the strength of Saudi-Jordanian relations

AMMAN: Saudi Arabia’s Environment Minister Abdulrahman Al-Fadhli met Jordan’s Prime Minister Bisher Al-Khasawneh in Amman on Thursday, Jordan News Agency reported. 

They discussed ways to boost cooperation in agriculture and on the environment and water as well as prospects for integration, trade, and knowledge exchange. It also reviewed food and water security challenges.

The ministers also affirmed the strength of Saudi-Jordanian relations, which are overseen by King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, as well as Jordan’s King Abdullah II and Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah. 

Khasawneh said Jordan and its people wanted to strengthen ties with Saudi Arabia. He also highlighted King Abdullah's progressive approach to regional and global food security, encouraging governments to collaborate and leverage their strengths, particularly given the ongoing challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian-Ukrainian crisis.

Al-Fadli said there were numerous opportunities for cooperation with Jordan in agriculture and on matters of the environment and water. 

The meeting was also attended by Jordan’s Agriculture Minister Khaled Hneifat and Saudi Ambassador in Jordan Naif bin Bandar Al-Sudairi.
 


Saudi and Norwegian foreign ministers hold talks on sidelines of anti-Daesh coalition meeting

Saudi and Norwegian foreign ministers hold talks on sidelines of anti-Daesh coalition meeting
Updated 08 June 2023

Saudi and Norwegian foreign ministers hold talks on sidelines of anti-Daesh coalition meeting

Saudi and Norwegian foreign ministers hold talks on sidelines of anti-Daesh coalition meeting
  • Huitfeldt said she appreciated the opportunity to discuss cooperation between Norway and Saudi Arabia

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Affairs Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan met his Norwegian counterpart, Anniken Huitfeldt, on the sidelines of the Global Coalition to Defeat Daesh’s ministerial meeting in Riyadh.

They reviewed bilateral relations between their countries and ways in which they might be enhanced, the Saudi Press Agency reported, and discussed regional and international issues of mutual concern, and important issues raised during the ministerial meeting.

In a message posted on Twitter on Thursday, Huitfeldt said she appreciated the opportunity to discuss cooperation between Norway and Saudi Arabia, the energy sector, human rights, regional development and stability, and the situations in Sudan, Yemen, Israel and Palestine.

Also present at the meeting were Saud Al-Sati, the undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Abdulrahman Al-Daoud, director-general of the foreign minister’s office.