Medina Ilyas is an Arabic coffee connoisseur who has spent the last 15 years collecting recipes and stories about the aromatic essence of Arab culture. From the Bedouin communities of Oman to the modern cafes of Abu Dhabi and Riyadh, Medina has documented the centuries-old coffee-making rituals spanning Arabian Peninsula. Through her advocacy and demonstrations, she has made it her mission to show the world that this enduring feature of Arab society has a living heritage that deserves recognition. Medina is a mother of three wonderful children, as well as a marathoner, philanthropist and supporter of refugee initiatives. Originally from Kazakhstan, she and her family live between homes in Oman and Dubai.