The cream of the global coffee industry has grounds for celebration as World of Coffee Dubai returns for its fifth serving in January.
The aroma of opportunity is in the air as DXB LIVE confirmed the show will return to Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from January 18–20, 2026 at Za’abeel Halls 1, 4, 5 and 6.
Organised in partnership with the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), World of Coffee Dubai has quickly become the Middle East’s leading industry event, bringing together producers, roasters, traders, and global experts.
World of Coffee Dubai
The 2026 edition builds on four years of remarkable growth and will showcase how Dubai is heating up as a hub for global coffee trade and culture.
International exhibitors now account for 77 per cent of all participants — proof that the event is no small beans in the global coffee calendar.
The UAE’s coffee market is valued at more than $3.2bn (approximately AED12bn) and is forecast to grow by 8.4 per cent annually, reaching $4.5bn (around AED16.5bn) by 2029.
Analysts project that the Middle East and North Africa market will exceed $11bn (more than AED40bn) in the same period. The Dubai coffee economy has a latte to celebrate.
Dubai blends business and innovation
Khalid Al Hammadi, Executive Vice President of DXB LIVE, said the exhibition embodies the UAE’s vision of building a global bridge between producing regions and fast-growing consumer markets.
He said: “The exhibition represents the continued success of the vision that has made the UAE a global hub for the specialty coffee industry and a bridge between producing regions and fast-growing markets.
“With participation expanding year after year, the event has become an international platform that brings together leading experts, brands, and innovators, reflecting Dubai’s spirit of innovation and renewal.”
“Not just a cup, but a culture”
Yannis Apostolopoulos, CEO of the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), said the event continues to strengthen its role as one of the world’s most influential coffee gatherings.
“World of Coffee Dubai has become one of the leading events where the global coffee community comes together, bringing culture, innovation, and commerce under one roof.”
Meanwhile, Khalid Al Mulla, CEO of the SCA UAE Chapter, said the forum isn’t just about trade — it’s where ideas are brewed, partnerships are filtered, and new flavours of collaboration emerge.
This year’s show aims to deliver the perfect blend of business opportunity and creative exchange.
Competitions and auctions
World of Coffee Dubai 2026 will feature the event’s most diverse programme yet, with cutting-edge roasting and brewing technology alongside live championships, seminars, and workshops.
Among the highlights are three national championships organised by the SCA UAE:
- UAE National Barista Championship
- UAE National Cup Tasters Championship
- UAE National Roasting Championship
Two exclusive coffee auctions will also take place, allowing participants to bid for some of the world’s rarest beans — proof that the event keeps raising the industry’s bar-ista.
From bean to business
Workshops and seminars will explore everything from sustainable farming to sensory innovation, helping participants espresso their potential and master new skills.
As Al Mulla noted, the event is both marketplace and think tank — a space where the industry stays grounded but continues to rise.
Trade growth
As the world’s second-most traded commodity after oil, coffee represents both heritage and high-growth potential.
World of Coffee Dubai 2026 will connect producers, innovators, and investors across continents — demonstrating that in Dubai, opportunity is always pour-over of plenty.
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