Jeddah: International Coffee Day, celebrated annually on October 1, is a tribute to one of the world's most cherished beverages. This day honors the rich history of coffee, which traces its origins back to Ethiopia in the sixth century AD before expanding across continents. Today, coffee is a symbol of cultural and social convergence and a significant global economic resource valued at over $100 billion annually.

According to Saudi Press Agency, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, coffee is closely linked with national identity and cultural heritage, especially in the regions of Aseer, Al-Baha, and Jazan. The country's coffee production capacity is around 2,400 tons annually, sourced from 398,000 trees across more than 2,500 farms. The harvest season usually starts in spring and involves meticulous manual picking followed by various processing methods such as drying, washing, and the honey method, all aimed at preserving the quality and distinctive characteristics of the beans.

To further enhance the sector's contribution to economic development, the Coffee City was established in Al-Baha to plant 300,000 coffee trees and create over 1,000 job opportunities.

The coffee tree, classified as an evergreen, has specific environmental requirements, thriving in temperate highlands between 800 and 2,000 meters above sea level, a condition provided by the mountains in the southern part of the Kingdom.

As the world celebrates International Coffee Day, Saudi Arabia continues to elevate the status of Saudi coffee, highlighting its integral role in the nation's heritage and its significant contribution to the development of the agricultural sector and the national economy.