What a fantastic way to kick off the new year by visiting yet another World of Coffee Dubai event, now in its 5th edition, held from 18-20 January 2026. I am truly thankful to God for residing in a city that values its coffee, and it has now been confirmed that this international coffee event will continue for another 5 years…. Hooray!
This time around, I attended not once but twice – a true coffee enthusiast moment. On the first day, I brought along a friend who was experiencing the event for the first time and advised him to allocate at least 4 hours because I was aware that we would not only sample a variety of exquisite coffees from around the world and premier coffee farms but I might also geek out over new tools and interact with coffee royalty.
So, where do I begin…
Upon hearing that Benchmark coffee, recognized among the top 100 coffee shops globally, would be at the Brewing Gadgets display, I knew this would be a stop for my milk-based coffee craving, a cortado.
And they certainly did not disappoint. My initial sip transported me to a sort of sweet milk paradise, so I inquired with head barista, Gibson about the milk and learned that they create their own milk to enhance creaminess. It’s great to know that Benchmark claimed two out of the three competitions at WOC, for UAE national barista and latte art.
Just around the bend, I encountered Mariam Erin, former UAE national barista, who served us coffee using her latest innovation, the binocular – nominated for a best new product award – a new brewing method that allows two types of coffee to be brewed in one carafe – a truly delightful brew.
So, what else sparked my excitement?
At the Espresso Lab booth, they featured the Single Wavemaker by Waved, described as “a single-serve-style wavemaker that releases ultra-low frequency electromagnetic waves and electrical currents into water and coffee to improve them functionally and sensory-wise”.
In summary, it seeks to reduce bitterness in coffee while enhancing its acidic and fruity characteristics. I was offered two cups to experience the difference BUT admitted that I preferred the non-waved variant because it offered more complex flavor notes.
We then dropped by the world-renowned Panama coffee farm, Hacienda Esmeralda and requested to sample their most expensive coffee, which was NIDO ??
I doubt it was the NIDO 7, which was purchased by a Dubai-based coffee shop, Julith, selling this coffee for US$980 per cup and bought for US$604,080 for merely 20kg. I know… coffee madness. Still, we tasted NIDO something (zoom into the image). Regardless, it was typical, featuring notes of black tea and a well-balanced sweet mouthfeel finish.
We wandered over to Grandmother coffee, one of my favorite Dubai-based roasters, where we were treated to a delicious cup of coffee prepared by the master roaster himself, Freddie.
I must admit that when I spotted Abbas, the owner and head roaster of Pirates of Coffee, a Canadian coffee roaster, I was thrilled. Why? Because two years prior, I had one of the most fascinating coffees of my life, the Munchies, an Anaerobic Honey processed Colombian coffee, which had flavors of pineapple, NY vanilla cheesecake but most prominently, coconut. I was so captivated by this coffee then that I wrote an entire blog post about it – see here. I quickly purchased a bag after tasting it both as an espresso and piccolo — coconut bliss in a cup.
After several cups, we made a brief stop at the Victoria Arduino stand, where Frederico (in the image at the top in the beige blazer) introduced us to their latest model, the E1 Prima Pro, which features their pure brew technology that enables both espresso and filter brewing, as well as freshly roasted coffee… wow! It’s been added to my wish list, or is it my coffee bucket list?
Before we departed, I noticed an unusual contraption, a block of ice with a channel from the top to the bottom that allows freshly brewed coffee to flow into a cup, dubbed Brewvie. Intrigued, I requested Enea from Alchemy Coffee for a taste. Iced coffee with a sparkling orange acidity.
On my second day, I attended with another friend who wanted to introduce me to a company exporting coffee from East Africa, particularly from Uganda – we chatted 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 ago at a coffee shop in Dubai, and shortly after, he was recruited by Barn Berlin and relocated to Germany. I’ve kept up with his journey since, and now he is with Man vs Machine in Germany and was present at their stand. He was so happy to see me that he gifted me a complimentary bag of coffee to take. Danke.
Andrew Tolley, Chairman of the Specialty Coffee Association
You might not be aware, but back in 2012, when I was preparing to return to London to initiate a new coffee venture, I met with Andrew and his siblings, who were operating one of London’s finest specialty coffee shop groups. We had numerous discussions, and I almost joined their team. I hadn’t seen Andrew since, so it was wonderful catching up for a few minutes, where we exchanged some ideas on the coffee landscape before he had to dash to another meeting.
Martin Wolf, 2024 World Brewers Champion
Just before I departed, I ran into Martin Wolf, my favorite barista from Vienna.
After two excursions, I was thoroughly coffeed out.
See you next year at WOC 2027 insha’allah.
**Title: Discovering the World of Coffee Dubai 2026: An Essential Event for Coffee Lovers**
The World of Coffee Dubai 2026 is shaping up to be an unmissable gathering for coffee enthusiasts, industry veterans, and anyone passionate about the rich and varied realm of coffee. Slated to occur in the dynamic city of Dubai, this event promises a center of innovation, networking, and exploration in the coffee sector.
**A Global Coffee Gathering**
World of Coffee is a leading international occasion that unites coffee experts from across the globe. In 2026, Dubai will once again host this esteemed event, providing a unique stage for exhibitors, buyers, and coffee aficionados to connect and discover the latest trends and developments in the coffee industry.
**What to Anticipate**
1. **Exhibitions and Showcases:** Attendees can look forward to an expansive exhibition area featuring a wide array of products and services. From coffee beans and brewing apparatus to cutting-edge technology and sustainable practices, the exhibition will highlight the entire coffee supply chain.
2. **Workshops and Seminars:** The event will present a series of workshops and seminars led by seasoned professionals. These sessions will cover an extensive range of topics, including coffee brewing methods, sustainability initiatives, market dynamics, and business strategies.
3. **Coffee Championships:** World of Coffee Dubai 2026 will host various prestigious coffee contests, including the World Barista Championship and the World Brewers Cup. These competitions will showcase the talents and creativity of the top baristas and brewers worldwide.
4. **Networking Opportunities:** With thousands of attendees from diverse fields, the event offers an excellent chance for networking. Whether you’re seeking to establish new business relationships or just share your love for coffee, the World of Coffee is the place to be.
5. **Cultural Experiences:** Dubai, renowned for its rich cultural heritage and contemporary attractions, provides a unique backdrop for the event. Attendees can explore the city’s iconic sites, indulge in its culinary offerings, and experience its lively nightlife.
**Why Participate?**
– **Stay Updated:** Keep abreast of the latest trends and innovations in the coffee realm.
– **Learn and Evolve:** Gain insights from industry leaders and enhance your coffee knowledge and abilities.
– **Connect and Cooperate:** Meet individuals with similar interests and explore potential collaborations and business opportunities.
– **Experience Dubai:** Savor the vibrant and multicultural atmosphere of one of the world’s most thrilling cities.
**Conclusion**
World of Coffee Dubai 2026 is more than merely an event; it’s a celebration of coffee culture and a reflection of the industry’s growth and innovation. Whether you’re a seasoned expert or a coffee fan, attending this gathering will undeniably deepen your understanding and appreciation of the coffee world. Mark your calendars and prepare for an unforgettable experience in Dubai.
