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.