Saudi Arabia Ramps Up Coffee Production With New Initiative

Saudi Arabia has launched an ambitious program to increase high‑quality coffee seedling production using tissue‑culture technology, strengthening the Kingdom’s fast‑growing coffee sector and advancing its sustainable‑agriculture agenda.

Project Overview

From Lab to Farm: How the Program Works

1. Selecting Elite Genetics

• Six elite genotypes were collected from leading farms across Jazan, Asir, and Baha.
• 82 genetic patterns were re‑assessed and consolidated into 12 clusters based on morphology and vigor.

2. Tissue‑Culture Propagation

• Labs have generated 17,000 somatic embryos and 4,000 tissue‑culture plantlets.
• A bioreactor growth accelerator now speeds embryogenesis and lowers labor costs.

3. Acclimatization & Hardening

• 1,200 plantlets already transferred to greenhouse acclimatization; 400 seedlings in hardening phase.
• Additional 1,000 rooted cuttings (non‑tissue) prepared for quick field deployment.

Climate‑Smart Coffee: Resilience & Quality

“Our focus is on drought‑tolerant and disease‑resistant varieties to future‑proof Saudi coffee,”
— Majid Al‑Brikan, Saudi Reef spokesperson.

• Staff tag each seedling to record its origin and genetic profile.
• 14 knowledge products developed—ranging from nutrition guidelines to post‑harvest protocols.
• Farmer manual in final edits: a reference text on local cultivation best practices.

Capacity Building & Global Outreach

Outlook

With 50 k seedlings set for the ground and a pipeline of climate‑resilient varieties, Saudi Arabia aims to secure a larger share of the premium‑Arabica market while uplifting rural livelihoods. The initiative aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals to diversify agriculture, promote sustainability, and position Saudi coffee on the world stage.