For over 800 years, coffee has been a part of Middle Eastern culture, and today, it’s more popular than ever with bold flavour combos, buzzing cafés around every corner, and even caffeine-fuelled raves shaking up the country
As the second most traded commodity in the world, coffee consumption isn’t slowing down anytime soon; in fact, it’s arguably cooler and more popular than ever. Maybe you started with instant cups during late-night study sessions and eventually levelled up to your own fancy espresso machine and single-origin beans, or maybe it’s simply your morning ritual or an excuse to catch up with friends. Even if the bold taste isn’t your thing, today’s coffee culture has something for everyone, ranging from playful flavour twists and mellow frappes to quirky cafés and even morning coffee raves.
In today’s blog, we’ll explore the origins of coffee culture and its deep roots in Middle Eastern traditions, which have led to the caffeine craze we see today. Of course, we’ll also give you our top spots for the perfect brew along the way.
Historic Coffee Traditions
Since it was discovered thousands of years ago, likely by Ethiopian goat herders, coffee has become a part of everyday life, with an estimated 2.25 billion cups consumed daily around the world. While the rest of the globe didn’t begin brewing coffee until the 1600s, the Muslim community in Arabia has been serving it from as early as the 1200s. Originally, the people of modern-day Saudi Arabia drank the brew to give them energy for long prayer sessions.
Eventually, coffee culture spread to the surrounding countries, Egypt, Persia, Turkey, and Syria, where it was enjoyed both in homes and public coffee houses. These historic cafés became a place for people to connect, watch performances, learn the latest news, and play chess. They even became known as ‘The Schools of the Wise’ as so many people used the coffee houses as places to share information.
Nowadays, coffee is a symbol of hospitality throughout the Middle East, with each country having its own unique mix and customs that go along with it. In Saudi Arabia, for example, it is impossible to provide good hospitality without offering a cup of coffee. Known as ‘Al-Qahwa’, this coffee is served with sweet treats, such as dates, at events, social gatherings, and weddings. Turkish coffee has also become famous around the world, made of very finely ground coffee beans and brewed by boiling in traditional copper pots called ‘cezve’.
Modern Coffee Culture
Fast forward to the 20th century, and coffee has received a major glow-up thanks to global giants like Costa and Tim Hortons. It’s now easier than ever to grab your usual order with familiar chains on every corner and even drive-through options - grande iced oat milk latte with one pump of sugar-free vanilla, please! Let’s not forget the seasonal drinks because what’s autumn without a pumpkin spice latte or summer without a cold brew?
Today, the region is brewing its own exciting take on coffee culture with Dubai’s trendsetters trading in late nights for daytime coffee raves. These energetic get-togethers blend fresh DJ sets, baristas working their magic, and dancing, creating a feel-good space for connection and conversation – Gen Z’s modern twist on old-age coffee house gatherings.
The Region’s Favourite Brews
While many flock to global coffee chains as creatures of habit, you haven’t truly experienced the region’s modern-day coffee culture without trying out one of its unique coffee brands. One of Abu Dhabi’s new favourite coffee spots is the local neighbourhood café Seed & Bloom. Located in Al Raha Gardens Plaza, Seed & Bloom isn’t just a café but rather a space where stories are shared and creativity is encouraged, allowing guests to sip on the finest blends all while enjoying everything from floral focaccia decorating classes to flower arranging workshops.
Another coffee spot that has taken the UAE by storm is EL&N London, the iconic café chain known for its playful spin on dining and eye-catching interiors. With five branches now open across Dubai, EL&N, short for “Eat, Live, and Nourish”, is on a mission to reinvent how people enjoy their coffee and create memorable moments. Over in Qatar, Vogue Café Doha has also captivated coffee connoisseurs; this Parisian-inspired destination draws from the world of high fashion, blending style, indulgence, expertly brewed coffee, and culinary flair.
At the end of the day, coffee has been and always will be much more than just a beverage. For many, it's an extra boost in the morning, a taste of comfort and cultural identity, and a medium for sparking connection and conversations, be it leisurely catch-ups or lively coffee raves. As trends evolve and cafés continue to shape how we socialise, one thing remains the same: coffee brings people together. So, stay cultured, stay connected, and most importantly, stay caffeinated!
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