What a fantastic way to kick off the new year by attending yet another World of Coffee Dubai event, now in its 5th edition, which was held from 18-20 January 2026. I’m thankful to God for residing in a city that takes its coffee seriously, and it has now been confirmed that this international coffee event is here to stay for another 5 years …. Yay!
This time I participated not once but twice – coffee geek moment. On the first day of the event, I brought along a friend who was experiencing it for the first time and kindly asked him to set aside at least 4 hours because I knew that we would not only be tasting various exquisite coffees from around the world and from premier coffee farms, but I might also geek out at new gadgets and meet coffee royalty.
So, where do I begin…
Upon learning that Benchmark coffee, ranked among the top 100 coffee shops globally, would be at the Brewing Gadgets stand, I realized this would be one of my stops for my milk-based coffee craving, a cortado.
And they did not disappoint. My first sip transported me to a kind of sweet milk paradise, so I inquired with head barista, Gibson, about the milk and, in short, they produce their own milk to make it exceptionally creamy. You’ll be pleased to hear that Benchmark secured wins in two of the three competitions at WOC, UAE national barista and latte art.
Just around the corner, I met Mariam Erin, former UAE national barista, who served us coffee using her latest creation, the binocular – nominated for a best new product award – a novel brewing method that allows you to brew two types of coffee into a single carafe – a delightful concoction indeed.
So, what else thrilled me?
At the Espresso Lab stand, they showcased the Single Wavemaker by Waved, which is “a single-serve-style wavemaker emitting ultra-low frequency electromagnetic waves and electrical currents into water and coffee to enhance them functionally and sensorially.”
In essence, it attempts to minimize bitterness in coffee while amplifying the acidic and fruity components. I was presented with two cups to compare but confessed that I preferred the non-waved version as it offered more complex taste notes.
We visited the world-renowned Panama coffee farm, Hacienda Esmeralda, where we requested to sample their most expensive coffee, which was NIDO ??
I don’t think it was the NIDO 7, purchased by the Dubai-based coffee shop, Julith, which sells this coffee for US$980 per cup and was acquired for US$604,080 for just 20kg. I know… coffee madness. Nonetheless, we enjoyed NIDO something (zoom into the picture). In any event, it was characteristic, with notes of black tea and well balanced with a sweet mouthfeel finish.
We then proceeded to Grandmother coffee, one of my favorite roasteries in Dubai, where we were treated to a scrumptious cup of coffee prepared by master roaster Freddie himself.
I must admit that when I saw Abbas, owner and head roaster of Pirates of Coffee, a Canadian coffee roaster, I was thrilled. Why? Because two years ago, I had one of the most fascinating coffees ever, the Munchies, an Anaerobic Honey processed Colombian coffee, featuring flavors of pineapple, NY vanilla cheesecake but most prominently, coconut. I was so excited by this coffee back then that I dedicated an entire blog post to it – see here. I quickly purchased a bag after tasting it as both an espresso and piccolo — coconut goodness in a cup.
After a few cups, we made a brief stop at the Victoria Arduino stand, where Frederico (in the pic at the top in the beige blazer) presented us with their latest model, the E1 Prima Pro, which features their pure brew technology enabling you to brew both espresso and filter, but moreover, brew freshly roasted coffee… wow! Added to my wish list or should I say coffee bucket list.
Before we departed, I noticed this strange apparatus, a block of ice with a hole extending from the top to the bottom to permit freshly brewed coffee to travel into a cup, called the Brewvie. Intrigued, I asked Enea of alchemy coffee for a taste. Iced coffee with a sparkling orange acidity.
On my second day, I went with another friend who wanted to introduce me to a company exporting coffees from East Africa, primarily from Uganda – we had a discussion, and they provided me with plenty of coffee to sample.
Who else did I encounter?
Allan from Man vs Machine
Naveed and I met Allan a few years back in a coffee shop in Dubai, and shortly thereafter, he was recruited by Barn Berlin and moved to Germany. I’ve been following his journey since, and now he’s working for Man vs Machine in Germany and was at their stand. He was so thrilled to see me that he gifted me a complimentary bag of coffee to take. Danke.
Andrew Tolley, Chairman of Specialty Association of Coffee
You might not know this, but back in 2012 when I was planning to return to London to launch a new coffee venture, I met with Andrew and his siblings, who were running one of London’s best specialty coffee shop groups. We exchanged ideas multiple times, and I almost joined their team. I hadn’t seen Andrew since, so it was wonderful catching up for a few minutes, where we discussed some concepts about the coffee scene before he had to dash off to another meeting.
Martin Wolf, 2024 World Brewers Champion
Just before I left, I ran into Martin Wolf, my favorite barista from Vienna.
After two trips, I was coffee’d out.
See you next year at WOC 2027 insha’allah.
**Title: Discovering the World of Coffee Dubai 2026: An Unmissable Experience for Coffee Lovers**
The World of Coffee Dubai 2026 promises to be an essential gathering for coffee enthusiasts, industry insiders, and anyone with a passion for the diverse and rich realm of coffee. Scheduled to be hosted in the lively city of Dubai, this event aims to unite the global coffee community for an exciting display of innovation, networking, and education.
**A Global Coffee Center**
Dubai, famed for its vibrant business landscape and cultural variety, offers the ideal setting for the World of Coffee event. As a key hub for worldwide commerce and tourism, the city showcases a unique mixture of traditional and contemporary influences, making it an optimal venue for exploring the global coffee industry.
**What to Anticipate**
1. **Exhibitions and Product Displays:**
Attendees will have the chance to explore an expansive exhibition featuring the newest products and innovations from prominent coffee brands and equipment manufacturers. From cutting-edge espresso machines to eco-friendly coffee packaging solutions, the exhibition will spotlight pioneering advancements in the coffee field.
2. **Workshops and Seminars:**
The event will feature a series of workshops and seminars conducted by industry experts. These sessions will tackle a variety of topics, including coffee brewing methods, sustainability practices, and market trends. Whether you’re an experienced barista or a coffee entrepreneur, there’s something for everyone to discover and learn.
3. **Networking Opportunities:**
World of Coffee Dubai 2026 will offer numerous chances to network with industry peers, potential business associates, and coffee enthusiasts from across the globe. Attendees can engage in meaningful conversations, exchange ideas, and forge valuable connections that can propel their coffee ventures forward.
4. **Coffee Competitions:**
The event will showcase thrilling coffee competitions, where talented baristas and coffee professionals will demonstrate their skills and creativity. These competitions are a highlight for many attendees, granting a chance to observe the artistry and precision involved in crafting the ideal cup of coffee.
5. **Cultural Experiences:**
Beyond the event itself, Dubai presents a rich array of cultural experiences. Attendees can explore the city’s iconic sites, indulge in its diverse culinary offerings, and immerse themselves in the local culture, ensuring their visit to the World of Coffee is a truly unforgettable experience.
**Why Join?**
Participating in the World of Coffee Dubai 2026 is an invaluable chance for anyone involved in the coffee sector. It serves as a platform to uncover the latest trends, gain insights from industry experts, and connect with like-minded individuals who share a love for coffee. Whether you’re aiming to expand your business, enhance your skills, or simply revel in the world of coffee, this event is the place to be.
**Conclusion**
The World of Coffee Dubai 2026 represents more than just an event; it’s a celebration of coffee culture and innovation. With its varied offerings and global reach, it promises to be an enlightening experience for all attendees. Save the date and get ready to embark on a journey through the captivating world of coffee in one of the most dynamic cities worldwide.
