The global coffee community is turning its eyes to Dubai once again as World of Coffee Dubai 2026 prepares for its fifth edition, returning to the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from January 18–20, 2026. Organised by DXB LIVE in partnership with the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), the event has rapidly become the Middle East’s most influential coffee exhibition — uniting producers, traders, roasters, and innovators from across continents.
This year’s edition builds on four years of unprecedented success, with international exhibitors now representing 77% of participants — a testament to the event’s global impact. Dubai’s position as a bridge between coffee-producing regions and fast-growing consumer markets continues to strengthen, aligning with the UAE’s broader ambition to become a global trade and cultural hub.
UAE’s Coffee Boom: A $3.2 Billion Market on the Rise
The UAE’s coffee market, now valued at over $3.2 billion (AED 12 billion), is projected to grow 8.4% annually, reaching $4.5 billion (AED 16.5 billion) by 2029. Across the wider Middle East and North Africa region, analysts forecast the market to surpass $11 billion (AED 40 billion) in the same period.
Khalid Al Hammadi, Executive Vice President of DXB LIVE, described the event as a “symbol of the UAE’s vision to unite innovation with cultural tradition.” He noted that each edition reinforces Dubai’s role as an international hub for specialty coffee — where global brands and emerging entrepreneurs converge to explore trade, sustainability, and innovation.
Yannis Apostolopoulos, CEO of the SCA, added that World of Coffee Dubai “has evolved into one of the world’s most influential gatherings — blending culture, creativity, and commerce under one roof.”
Competitions, Auctions, and the Art of Innovation
The 2026 event will host its most diverse programme yet, including live championships, seminars, workshops, and business sessions. Among the highlights are three national competitions organised by the SCA UAE Chapter:
- UAE National Barista Championship
- UAE National Cup Tasters Championship
- UAE National Roasting Championship
Two exclusive coffee auctions will also headline the event, offering participants the rare opportunity to bid on some of the world’s finest and most exotic beans. As Khalid Al Mulla, CEO of the SCA UAE Chapter, remarked, “It’s not just about trade — it’s about culture, collaboration, and creativity.”
Workshops will delve into topics such as sustainable farming, sensory innovation, and technology in roasting and brewing, giving participants the tools to “espresso their potential.”
Dubai’s Coffee Economy: From Bean to Business
Coffee, the world’s second-most traded commodity after oil, has found a new capital in Dubai. The emirate’s strategic location and vibrant logistics ecosystem make it a vital link between growers in Latin America, Africa, and Asia and consumers in Europe and the Middle East.
With the 2026 event expected to surpass previous records in participation and trade volume, World of Coffee Dubai continues to pour fresh energy into the region’s booming coffee economy. As Al Mulla summed up, “It’s where business meets passion — and where Dubai keeps raising the bar-ista.”
