Saudi Arabia: 400 litres of Saudi coffee served daily to Umrah pilgrims at Mecca’s Grand Mosque

Dubai: As the sun sets over the Grand Mosque in Mecca during the holy month of Ramadan, a distinct aroma fills the air: the rich, spiced scent of traditional Saudi coffee.

For thousands of Umrah performers and worshippers gathering to break their fast, Saudi coffee has become more than just a beverage —i t’s a symbol of hospitality, identity, and cultural pride.

Each day during Ramadan, 400litres of Arabic coffee are served alongside 12,000 Iftar meals distributed throughout the mosque grounds.

Traditionally paired with dates, the Arabic coffee, brewed with cardamom and served in elegant, small cups , has become a staple offering on Iftar tables and favorite drink among worshippers throughout the mosque.

Dressed in uniform and moving swiftly between pilgrims, a team of 73 young Saudi volunteers is responsible for distributing the meals and coffee.

The initiative, led by the Al Hudaibiyah Association for Humanitarian Services, is part of the Iftar for Fasting Pilgrims program, which provides 12,000 meals each day within the mosque’s premises.

The project is supported by the King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Endowment for His Parents and operated by the Bader Center.