Starbucks, operated by Alshaya Group in Saudi Arabia, recently announced the winners of its 2025 Starbucks Design Competition, a yearly event that showcases the talent of Saudi artists. In partnership with the Saudi Ministry of Culture, the competition invited creatives to submit artwork inspired by the nation’s “Year of the Handicraft” cultural theme. The winning designs will be featured on Starbucks cups across the Kingdom, furthering the brand’s commitment to local arts and its cultural identity.
Adel Alahmady took first place with his design, “Hurafna” (“Our Crafts”). The competition, now in its fourth year, highlights Saudi artistry and provides a platform for cultural expression. The initiative demonstrates Starbucks’ ongoing support for Saudi Vision 2030, which prioritizes cultural preservation and creative industry development.
Celebrating Saudi Heritage Through the Starbucks Design Competition
This year’s theme, “Year of the Handicraft,” encouraged artists to explore and reinterpret traditional Saudi crafts. According to the Ministry of Culture, the “Year of the Handicraft” is a national initiative designed to raise awareness of and appreciation for the Kingdom’s rich artisanal traditions. The competition specifically aimed to blend these time-honored techniques with contemporary artistic approaches.
Winning Designs and Artistic Inspiration
Alahmady’s winning design, “Hurafna,” creatively merges elements of Saudi craft heritage into a modern composition. He expressed his desire to honor the crafts of his upbringing and present them in a relatable and resonant way. Abeer Almalki secured second place with a design focused on the reimagining of palm-frond weaving and basketry, both historically significant crafts in the region.
Almalki’s work underlines the storytelling aspect of Saudi traditions, reflecting how practices have been passed down through generations. Wedad Alotaibi received third place, drawing inspiration from the handcrafted items created by the women in her family. Her artwork encapsulates the warmth and authenticity characteristic of traditional Saudi homes.
Starbucks and Alshaya Group’s Role in Cultural Support
Mohammad Mahmoud Al Najjar, Senior Vice President of Starbucks at Alshaya Group, emphasized the company’s pride in collaborating with the Ministry of Culture. He stated that the competition consistently reveals remarkable creativity among Saudi artists. Starbucks views its role as sharing this talent with customers and promoting the cultural identity that fuels these designs.
Alshaya Group has long-standing operations within Saudi Arabia, and Starbucks represents a significant part of that presence. The company’s investment in locally-focused initiatives like this competition demonstrates a broader understanding of consumer expectations and a willingness to embrace Saudi art. These efforts go beyond simple brand recognition and aim to build stronger community ties.
The partnership with the Ministry of Culture reinforces Starbucks’ position not only as a coffee retailer but as a participant in Saudi Arabia’s evolving cultural landscape. This extends to incorporating local flavors and designs into their product offerings. The ongoing art collaboration also serves as a draw for both local customers and tourists interested in experiencing Saudi culture.
The 2025 Starbucks Design Competition builds upon previous successful years, each centered around a specific theme aligned with the Ministry of Culture’s priorities. The ministry has launched several initiatives in recent years focused on supporting the creative economy. This competition is one example of a wider effort to nurture and celebrate cultural talent within the Kingdom, which includes support for museums, galleries, and performing arts centers.
Looking ahead, Alahmady’s winning design, “Hurafna,” is scheduled to appear on Starbucks cups throughout Saudi Arabia in early 2025. The specifics of future competitions, including the next cultural theme and submission dates, will be announced by the Ministry of Culture and Starbucks at Alshaya Group in the coming months. The sustained success of this initiative suggests its continued relevance to both the brand and the Kingdom’s artistic community.
