The coffee shop in Al Mina has a large coffee machine, two grinders, and individuals who know exactly what steps make for a great coffee. However, the focus is clearly on beans. One finds bags, big buckets, smaller buckets, and a variety of 1-kilo and half-kilo bags of beans. Too many bean alternatives for my choosing.
As I considered the origins, tasted the beans, and talked with the barista, I found myself longing to know more about the business, the philosophy, and how things came together with sourcing the beans, styles of roasting, etc. While I have discovered the Sheik who is behind the business, there is so much more to this story. Even as I wonder, I hear an old observation as a whisper; “You know the story of how Adam landed us in the dilemma we’re in – first sin, then death, and no one exempt from either sin or death.” (Romans 5.12) The superficial highlights of the story are easy to get; I am interested in the details.
The symbol at the top of the label is a silhouette of an Arabian oryx, the national animal of the United Arab Emirates. In addition to their reputation for endurance and grace, for centuries they have inspired Arab poets. Symbols bring meaning and emotions to those who are willing to dig into their stories and the understanding that follows.
The Arabic script and phonetic English words just below the symbol both translate as Emirates Coffee. In a fun play with the layout of the label, the description also doubles as the company name. I find myself thinking of the different words across history and faith systems for Divinity, and my curiosity urges me to investigate the story while paying attention to the details and nuances.
The box calls out the originals with a subtle Arabic mixed with an English note that this is a Premium Coffee from Rwanda. There is so much more to the origins and roasting. With the obvious care given to the quality of the roasted beans, I want to know more.
