Definition: What is the Subaba profession?

Subaba is a common term in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region, and refers to the working women in the hospitality field. The Subabas prepare and serve Arabic coffee, tea, desserts and other alimentary treats. The root Arabic word of Subaba is subb and translates to “to pour” . Clients hire Subabas for their service in various all-female social events and especially in wedding ceremonies. The term also includes Subabas who work in private houses and palaces.

In the Saudi Vocational Classification Guide1 , female Subabas and male Sababs fall under the vocational title “Bartender” (or more accurately, coffee tender), in Arabic ﻲﺟوﮭﻗ Qahwaji, and is defined as: “one who prepares beverages such as coffee, tea, cocoa, Arabic coffee and other beverages ordered by customers. ”

A majority of Saudis and those working in the profession generically use the two terms “Subaba” and “Coffee tender (Qahwaji)” interchangeably as synonyms. However, there are precise differences in the assigned duties for each job title which become more evident in larger teams of Subabas.

The Focus of this Photo Essay

This research paper focuses on the socioeconomic factors and background from which the profession of Subabas evolved and developed.

For the purposes of this research, I will focus on Saudi Subabas in social events, which will be referred to later as ‘Event Subabas’ or simply ‘Subabas’ , particularly in Riyadh city and hosted in houses, private and commercial ‘istirahas2’ , wedding halls etc.

This research is based on months of in-person and phone interviews with Saudi Subabas from various generations whose experience range from 6 to 40 years, in addition to administrative and technical staff.

It is worth noting that the research’s emphasis on female Subabas does not imply that it is an exclusive-female profession; men are known to prepare and pour coffee in all-men events. This research focuses on female workers for the purpose of enriching content in research and art concerned with the history and documentation of women’s stories and lives in Saudi Arabia.

1 Saudi Arabian General Authority of Statistics website. 2 Rented or owned estate, also called chalet or resort.