‘Year of Saudi Coffee’ initiative launched with Flynas

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A Flynas airplane with ‘Year of Saudi Coffee’ livery. (Supplied)
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A Flynas airplane with ‘Year of Saudi Coffee’ livery. (Supplied)
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Updated 01 September 2022
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‘Year of Saudi Coffee’ initiative launched with Flynas

  • ‘Year of Saudi Coffee’ will include various activities, partnerships and promotions to celebrate the Kingdom’s rich coffee heritage
  • Flynas passengers will be provided with free Saudi coffee during flights until the end of the year

JEDDAH: The Ministry of Culture, in cooperation with the Culinary Arts Authority and the airline Flynas, has activated the “Year of Saudi Coffee” initiative aboard one of Flynas’ planes.

Graphics celebrating the initiative will be found on Flynas boarding passes and passenger registration banners at airports, whilst Flynas passengers will be provided with free Saudi coffee during flights, in cups decorated “Year of Saudi Coffee” graphic designs until the end of the year.

The 2022 initiative, also supported by the Quality of Life Program, will include various activities, partnerships and promotions to celebrate the Kingdom’s rich coffee heritage, with the drink an authentic cultural symbol, full of customs and traditions.

Saudi Arabia is one of the world’s largest consumers of coffee, and achieving self-sufficiency in domestic coffee production, in accordance with the plans of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 Program, is vital for consumption and economic progress.

There are three areas in the Kingdom suitable for coffee cultivation: Jazan, Asir, and Al-Baha. 

In particular, the Khawlani coffee bean — named after the Khawlan bin Amer tribe who inhabited the mountainous areas between Saudi Arabia and Yemen where its trees are cultivated — is one of the most expensive and rare types of coffee bean in the world.

The cooperation between the ministry, Flynas and the CAA comes in line with several other partnerships and agreements to celebrate Saudi coffee and the values of the Saudi nation it is associated with, such as generosity and hospitality.

The ministry has also implemented many other events related to the “Year of Saudi Coffee” since the beginning of 2022, in cities and regions of the Kingdom.


Ithra will bring Spain to life for 2-week cultural celebration

Updated 08 January 2026
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Ithra will bring Spain to life for 2-week cultural celebration

  • Ithra Cultural Days will unfold across the plaza, museum, theater, lush garden, library, idea lab, cinema, children’s museum, energy exhibit and Ithra tower

DHAHRAN: Visitors to the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) can enjoy a taste of Spanish culture from Jan. 12-31.

Under the banner “Live Spain,” spaces at Ithra will be transformed to give a glimpse of life in this vibrant European country.

Ithra Cultural Days will unfold across the plaza, museum, theater, lush garden, library, idea lab, cinema, children’s museum, energy exhibit and Ithra tower, with exhibitions dedicated to Spanish photography, fashion and sports. There will also be Spanish cuisine and interactive installations exploring historical and linguistic connections between Arab and Spanish traditions.

There will be live performances across various stages, with a production of “Carmen” among the highlights.

“Cultural exchange is a core part of Ithra’s approach to programming. Celebrating Spain’s culture and history reflects this focus, particularly as this year’s Cultural Days take on a distinctive character by exploring Spain’s cultural heritage,” Noura Alzamil, program manager at Ithra, said.

“Visitors to Ithra will experience an exciting program in every sense, given the scale and variety of events designed to appeal to all tastes and interests.”

Cinema showings will feature Spanish short and feature films, accompanied by post-screening discussions to provide additional cultural context, while talks and sessions in the idea lab and library will explore architecture, literature and creative practice.

Hands-on workshops will invite visitors to engage directly with Spanish crafts and creative traditions, from visual arts and design to food-related practices.

A dedicated program for children and youth will run alongside with storytelling, creative workshops and performances among the attractions. Food and market experiences in Ithra’s public spaces will reflect the important social role played in the country by food.

Ithra Cultural Days present international cultures through immersive, public-facing experiences. This year’s focus on Spain follows the success of last year’s Japan edition, which welcomed more than 200,000 visitors in just two weeks.