RIYADH — Starbucks announced that Najibah Al-Makki has qualified for the EMEA Barista Championship, which will be held in London, becoming the first Saudi woman to participate in this international competition. She qualified after winning the local tournament in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East tournament in Kuwait.

Najibah Al Makki joined Starbucks when employment was opened for girls in 2018. Her passion for coffee led her to work for this international coffee brand.

Commenting on her qualification for the EMEA Barista Championship, Al-Makki said she is looking forward to learning more about coffee, setting an example for her colleagues in Starbucks, and representing the brand in the best way.

“I am very proud to be the first Saudi woman in the barista championship, and I will do my best to represent the true culture of my country,” she said. “I had a great feeling after winning the Kuwait regional championship, and I let everyone know that – my family, friends, my coach, and even the judges. I am now preparing for the EMEA championship in London. I know it will not be easy, but my belief in myself and my determination to achieve my goal are strong incentives for me to win the title.”

Describing her journey in the world of coffee, Al-Makki said she joined Starbucks as a partner – the term the company uses for its employees, as it sees them more than just employees. She participated in the company’s Coffee Master program and became the first Saudi woman to obtain a Coffee Master certificate. She developed her skills, especially about latte art, and learned everything about coffee and coffee tasting. She then started training her colleagues on coffee making and art.

“Coffee was and will continue to be my starting point,” says Al-Makki, summing up her experience in and passion for the world of coffee.

Launched in 2014, the EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa) Barista Championship is an annual competition held in different cities in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and the United States. Starbucks partners around the world compete to show their skills in and love for coffee, hoping to be crowned as barista world champions. — SG