The Committee,

1. Recalling the initial inscription of ‘Arabic coffee, a symbol of generosity’ (submitted by the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Qatar) on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by the tenth session of the Committee in 2015 (Decision 10.COM 10.b.32),
2. Takes note that the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Jordan have nominated Arabic coffee, a symbol of generosity (No. 02111) for inscription, on an extended basis to include Jordan, on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity:

Arabic coffee highlights an important aspect of generosity in Arab societies and the associated traditions of hospitality. Serving and drinking Arabic coffee is a daily ritual for communities, groups and individuals. It is served at weddings and tribal gatherings (reconciliation and conflict resolution majalis) in all submitting States including Jordan (the new submitting State). The practice is associated with specific rituals and rules of etiquette that are passed down informally from one generation to the next. For instance, older people and guests are served first, and the coffee must be poured using the right hand. It is also customary for the person drinking the coffee to shake their cup to signal that they are done. Arabic coffee is a popular practice that is enjoyed by all segments of society. In gatherings, it is often accompanied by the recitation of poetry, stimulating discussions, and the exchange of memories. In Jordan, Arabic coffee is held in high regard as a symbol of generosity and hospitality in the offices of government officials and statesmen, including ministers, representatives, and directors, and is always present in the homes of Jordanians, whether in Jordan or abroad. In addition to being a symbol of generosity, hospitality and respect, it acts as a call for peace and dialogue within and across countries.

3. Considers that, from the information included in the file, the nomination satisfies the following criteria for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity:

R.1:   The element of Arabic coffee has many cultural connotations, social functions, and practices in the States Parties that have currently inscribed the element and in Jordan which is requesting the extension. In terms of social functions, Jordan’s participation in the nomination file will provide the opportunity to learn about more rituals associated with Arabic coffee, especially those that relate to the social gatherings in which attendees exchange conversation, make acquaintances, share news and knowledge, as well as strengthen the foundations of social harmony and understanding. From a cultural standpoint, Jordanian communities associated with Arabic coffee will contribute to the strengthening of cultural connotations and practices, especially those related to the promotion of Arabic coffee gatherings within the family unit, neighbourhood councils, and the majalis that are held on special occasions.

R.2:   The element contributes to sustainable development in different ways. It unites people of all backgrounds, genders and religions and builds relations among them, thereby fostering affinity, cooperation and social cohesion. The element also provides job opportunities for many individuals and families. The proposed extension will contribute to introducing the concept of Arabic coffee to other societies. It will facilitate knowledge exchange regarding the preparation, consumption and social functions related to other varieties of coffee, thus promoting cultural diversity and supporting sustainable development. Lastly, the element promotes social values and communication, both at the family and community levels.

R.4:   The nomination file explains how Jordan engaged the various communities concerned in the preparation of the file. In 2022 and within the framework of updating the element, a group of researchers collected information from the community, individual practitioners, and NGOs. Information was also collected from individuals who produce and prepare Arabic coffee and its associated tools and equipment. These efforts facilitated the inclusion of the element in the inventory and ensured the approval of the extended nomination. The communities from Jordan provided letters to express their free, prior and informed consent to the nomination. Letters of consent from the original submitting States to extend the multinational nomination were also provided.

R.5:   The element was included in the National Inventories of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in 2012. The inventory is managed by the Ministry of Culture. Information about the inventorying process and community involvement is included in the form and the supporting documents, such as the periodic reports.

4. Further considers that, from the information included in the file and the information provided by the submitting States through the dialogue process, the nomination satisfies the following criterion for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity:

R.3:   The submitting State Party describes how it will adopt the safeguarding measures proposed in the original multinational file. Additional safeguarding measures proposed in the nomination file will be implemented jointly and separately. These include conducting research, supporting community-based dissemination and transmission activities, and including the element in education curricula. The roles of the community and the State Party are explained in the nomination file.

5. Decides to inscribe Arabic coffee, a symbol of generosity on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity;
6. Further takes note that the present nomination is an inscription on an extended basis which incorporates and replaces ‘Arabic coffee, a symbol of generosity’ (No. 01074), previously inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2015;
7. Encourages the States Parties, when submitting nomination files on an extended basis in the future, to provide more information on how communities in the original nomination support the extension of the element.