As Ramadan sunsets paint Makkah’s Grand Mosque, a rich aroma fills the air—traditional Saudi coffee infused with cardamom. Umrah pilgrims and worshippers savor this beloved beverage during Iftar, embracing its role as a cultural symbol.
Each Ramadan day, volunteers serve 400 liters of Arabic coffee alongside 12,000 Iftar meals across the mosque. Brewed with cardamom and served in small cups, this coffee pairs with dates as an Iftar staple. Worshippers across the mosque now cherish it as a favorite drink.
Volunteers at the Heart of Service
Seventy-three young Saudi volunteers, dressed in uniform, swiftly distribute meals and coffee to pilgrims daily. Their efforts reflect the Kingdom’s commitment to hospitality and faith-based generosity.
Spearheaded by the Al Hudaibiyah Association, the initiative falls under the Iftar for Fasting Pilgrims program. The King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Endowment funds the project, while the Bader Center manages operations. Together, they amplify Ramadan’s spirit of unity and care.
Saudi coffee, traditionally brewed with cardamom and served in small, elegant cups alongside dates, is a staple at Iftar tables. It represents hospitality, identity, and cultural pride, deeply cherished by worshippers at the mosque.
By blending heritage with service, Saudi Arabia continues to honor pilgrims through timeless traditions and modern generosity.
