Non-profit organisation Qima Foundation has led the charge in an effort to gain UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Status for Yemeni coffee.

The Foundation, sister organisation of social enterprise Qima Coffee, says the move is a “landmark step for the global coffee industry”. 

The nomination was formally submitted by Yemen’s Permanent Delegate to UNESCO Dr Mohammed Jumeh, and was developed by Qima Foundation alongside the country’s Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation.

“This is a historic moment for Yemen and for the coffee world. For centuries, Yemeni coffee has been a pillar of global coffee culture, and this nomination is a powerful recognition of the farmers and communities who have carried this legacy forward,” says Faris Sheibani, Founder and Trustee of Qima Foundation.

“We are honoured to have led this effort and to help safeguard one of the most significant cultural heritages in coffee.”

The submission details the rich cultural traditions, indigenous knowledge, and ancient agricultural practices of Yemen’s coffee heritage. It also covers the extensive research undertaken by Qima Foundation.

“This nomination is a milestone on the path towards international recognition of Yemeni coffee as both a cultural and economic symbol,” says Dr Jumeh.

“It is an inheritance that stretches back centuries, with Yemen’s historic ports, especially Mocha, serving as the original gateway for coffee to reach the world.”

This is the first time Yemeni coffee has been nominated for UNESCO heritage status. As of December 2024, UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list fetures 788 cultural practices in 150 countries.