About Bait Al Gahwa

Arabic coffee (known as Gahwa in the Emirati Arabic dialect) has been a central part of Arab culture for centuries, with its preparation and serving marked by elaborate traditions. Reflecting the cultural importance of Arabic coffee, the United Arab Emirates, in collaboration with Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Qatar, successfully applied to have it inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2015.

Bait Al Gahwa is a cultural initiative by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT), created to preserve and promote the Emirati traditions of Arabic coffee-making and majlis-hosting. Recognised by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, Gahwa holds deep cultural significance as a symbol of hospitality and heritage.

This initiative is a cultural experience that showcases the traditional methods and rituals of preparing and serving Arabic Gahwa to guests—a living testament to the hospitality passed down through generations. Its importance goes beyond honoring guests; it symbolizes the strength of the social, political, and cultural bonds that shape the Emirati community. It explores each phase of Gahwa preparation, from roasting, cooling, and grinding the beans, to boiling, infusing with distinct flavours, and finally the ceremonial serving. Every stage is guided by specific customs and tools, governed by unique social etiquette in the United Arab Emirates.

Bait Al Gahwa provides certified training services through ‘Bait Al Gahwa Academy’ for Emirati individuals and businesses interested in learning the traditional methods of preparing and serving Gahwa, as well as the etiquette of majlis hospitality. Participants are trained by heritage experts to become certified Gahwa Experts.

Bring the Authentic Emirati Gahwa Experience to Your Venue

Bait Al Gahwa Experience Operating System is a landmark initiative that invites public-facing platforms and venues across the emirate to become exclusive, certified platforms of the traditional Emirati coffee experience.

This is an opportunity for platforms and venues to offer their visitors more than Arabic coffee by delivering a cultural experience rooted in the UAE’s intangible heritage and recognised by UNESCO.

Register as an Official Operator

Meeting the Eligibility Criteria for Certification

Rooted in the UAE’s intangible heritage and recognised by UNESCO, the practice of preparing and serving Gahwa is an emblem of Emirati hospitality. Through this dedicated system, DCT Abu Dhabi offers a comprehensive guide for delivering a certified traditional Gahwa experience to hotels, cultural destinations, airports, government spaces, and event organisers—ensuring the experience remains authentic and true to its cultural essence for both local visitors and tourists.

Benefits of Becoming a Certified Operator

• Empower operators to deliver this experience with authenticity and respect, ensuring these treasured customs remain an integral part of our society.
• Reinforce your commitment—alongside partners—to nurturing cultural pride and ensuring our heritage continues to inspire future generations and resonate with them.
• Receive official recognition as a Certified Bait Al Gahwa Operator, authorised to always host this authentic experience.
• Gain inclusion in local cultural festivals and events.

Steps to Register as an Operator

1. Fill out the registration form and submit your application (takes approximately 5 minutes).
2. Your application will be reviewed (within 3-5 working days).
3. Our team will contact you with the next steps.

Apply Now

For any information or inquiries, please email us at BaitAlGahwa@dctabudhabi.ae