CISOs and Saudi coffee

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This week we’re focused on…

Coffee. 

Why?

Because at Black Hat MEA 2024, the coffee came up a lot when we talked to cybersecurity folk on the exhibition floor. 

Gary Hayslip (Global CISO at Softbank Investment Advisors) said his experience in Riyadh had been top notch, then added: “Of course, I’ve probably had a dozen of the little Saudi coffees.” There’s no ‘but’ there, though – the coffee is one of many details that makes being in Riyadh such a great (and delicious) experience. 

And Allan Alford (CEO at Alford and Adams Consulting) mentioned the coffee too. 

“One thing I’ve learned is that Saudi coffee is outstandingly flavourful, super caffeinated, and I’ve even learned the coffee culture. How you pour, how you indicate you want more, how you indicate you’re done. It’s beautiful to see such a great coffee culture.” 

What’s so special about the coffee at Black Hat MEA? 

If you’re wondering why coffee is such a big deal at BHMEA, we’ll be honest with you: it’s not that good coffee is exclusive to our event at all. 

No; we just happen to be located in (as Allan said) a city with an incredible coffee culture, so that culture has inevitably made its way inside the exhibition hall. 

We’ll have to get the results of our poll back (see above; please select your answer!) before we can know for sure, but we’re confident that coffee is a beverage enjoyed by a lot of cybersecurity people. So we thought we’d introduce you to the local coffee culture here – to help you get a little bit more excited about coming to BHMEA 2025. 

Coffee is a symbol of hospitality and connection 

Coffee is an important part of Saudi Arabian culture. It features in celebrations, family events, and social get-togethers; and it symbolises the nation’s hospitality. 

Traditional coffee is called qahwa or gahwa. The lightly roasted Arabica coffee beans are infused with spices – cardamom, saffron, or cloves – and the drink is brewed carefully; often in front of guests, because the preparation is all a part of the experience. The act of serving coffee is a ceremony in itself. 

It’s served in small cups called finjān, and guests are often served several rounds of coffee – to make them feel welcomed and honoured by their host. In fact, some Saudi Arabians consider each coffee to represent something slightly different: 

The first cup for respect; the second for friendship, and the third cup for trust. 

And if all of that wasn’t lovely enough, coffee is often served with dates or sweet treats. 

Connect with the global cybersecurity over a Saudi Arabian coffee (or three) 

Disclaimer: You don’t have to drink coffee at BHMEA. 

But if you are a coffee drinker, then our location in Riyadh offers the perfect way to connect with others from the global cybersecurity community over a shared coffee (or three). Come for the cybersecurity knowledge; but come for the coffee culture too.

Ready to register and secure your spot? We can’t wait to see you there.

Join us at Black Hat MEA 2025 to grow your network, expand your knowledge, and build your business.