What an amazing way to kick off the year by participating in yet another World of Coffee Dubai event, now in its 5th edition, held from 18-20 January 2026. I’m truly thankful to God for residing in a city that appreciates its coffee, and it’s now been affirmed that this global coffee event will continue for an additional 5 years…. Hooray!
This time I attended not just once but twice – coffee enthusiast moment. On the opening day of the event, I brought along a friend who was experiencing the event for the first time and graciously requested him to set aside at least 4 hours because I was aware that we would be sampling various exquisite coffees from around the world and top coffee farms, plus I might indulge in new gadgets and encounter coffee icons.
So, where to begin…
Upon discovering that Benchmark coffee, ranked among the top 100 coffee shops globally, would have a presence at the Brewing Gadgets stand, I knew this would be one of my stops for a milk-based coffee treat, a cortado.
And they certainly delivered. My first sip transported me to a delightful creamy milk paradise, so I inquired with head barista Gibson about their milk, and in short, they craft their own milk to achieve that extra creaminess. You’ll be pleased to know that Benchmark clinched two out of the three contests at WOC, UAE national barista and latte art.
Just nearby, I encountered Mariam Erin, a former UAE national barista, who served us coffee using her latest invention, the binocular – nominated for a best new product award – a new brewing method that allows you to brew two types of coffee in a single carafe – a truly delightful concoction.
So, what else sparked my interest?
At the Espresso Lab stand, they showcased the Single Wavemaker by Waved, which is “a single-serve-style wavemaker that sends ultra-low frequency electromagnetic waves and electrical currents into water and coffee to enhance their functionality and sensory experience.”
In essence, it aims to reduce bitterness in coffee and enhance the acidity and fruity notes. I was offered two cups of coffee to differentiate between them BUT admitted that I preferred the non-waved version due to its more complex flavor notes.
We visited the globally renowned Panama coffee farm, Hacienda Esmeralda, and requested to taste their most expensive coffee, which was NIDO ??
I don’t suppose it was the NIDO 7, purchased by the Dubai-based coffee shop, Julith, which sells this coffee for US$980 per cup and which was acquired for US$604,080 for merely 20kg. I know… coffee insanity. However, we did sample NIDO something (check out the picture). In any case, it was standard, featuring notes of black tea and a pleasant sweet finish.
We then proceeded to Grandmother coffee, one of my favorite roasteries in Dubai, where master roaster Freddie himself served us a delightful cup of coffee.
I must admit that when I spotted Abbas, owner and head roaster of Pirates of Coffee, a Canadian coffee roaster, I was thrilled. Why? Because two years ago, I experienced one of the most fascinating coffees of my life, the Munchies, an Anaerobic Honey processed Colombian coffee, featuring hints of pineapple, NY vanilla cheesecake, and more prominently, coconut. I was so captivated by this coffee back then that I wrote an entire blog post about it – see here. I quickly bought a bag after tasting it as both an espresso and piccolo — coconut bliss in a cup.
After several cups, we made a quick visit to the Victoria Arduino stand, where Frederico (in the picture above in the beige blazer) introduced us to their latest model, the E1 Prima Pro, which features their pure brew technology enabling you to brew both espresso and filter, but even more so, brew freshly roasted coffee… wow! Added to my wishlist or should I refer to it as my coffee bucket list.
Before wrapping up, I noticed this peculiar apparatus, a block of ice with a tunnel running from the top to the bottom allowing freshly brewed coffee to flow into a cup, called the Brewvie. Curious, I asked Enea from Alchemy Coffee for a taste. Iced coffee accompanied by a sparkling orange acidity.
On my second day, I brought another friend who wanted to introduce me to a company exporting coffees from East Africa, mainly from Uganda – we had an engaging conversation, and they provided me with a multitude of coffees to sample.
Who else did I encounter?
Allan from Man vs Machine
Naveed and I first 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 been following his journey since then, and now he’s with Man vs Machine in Germany and was at their stand. He was so delighted to see me that he presented me with a complimentary bag of coffee to take home. Danke.
Andrew Tolley, Chairman of Specialty Association of Coffee
You may not know, but back in 2012, when I was planning to return to London to kick-start a new coffee venture, I met with Andrew and his siblings, who were running one of London’s top specialty coffee shop groups. We had numerous discussions, and I almost joined their team. I hadn’t seen Andrew since, so it was wonderful to reconnect for a few minutes, where we exchanged ideas on the coffee scene before he had to dash to another meeting.
Martin Wolf, 2024 World Brewers Champion
Just before departing, I encountered Martin Wolf, my favorite barista from Vienna.
After two excursions, I was completely coffee-saturated.
See you next year at WOC 2027 insha’allah.
Participating in the 2026 World of Coffee Event in Dubai
The World of Coffee event represents a top-tier gathering for coffee professionals and enthusiasts globally. In 2026, this esteemed event will take place in the lively city of Dubai, providing attendees with a unique chance to discover the latest trends, innovations, and products in the coffee sector.
Why Dubai?
Dubai, recognized for its avant-garde architecture and luxury shopping, serves as an ideal venue for the World of Coffee event. The city is a global business and tourism hub, offering excellent infrastructure, world-class lodging, and a rich cultural experience. Dubai’s prime location ensures it is easily accessible for international guests, with its well-connected airport acting as a gateway to the Middle East.
Event Highlights
1. Exhibitions and Showcases: The event will host an extensive exhibition area where leading coffee brands and equipment manufacturers will display their latest products and innovations. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore a wide array of coffee machines, brewing equipment, and accessories.
2. Workshops and Seminars: A series of workshops and seminars led by industry experts will cover topics such as coffee brewing techniques, sustainability practices, and the latest market trends. These sessions provide valuable insights and knowledge for both experienced professionals and newcomers in the coffee industry.
3. Competitions: The event will feature various contests, including barista championships, latte art competitions, and brewing challenges. These competitions are a highlight for many attendees, showcasing the skills and creativity of coffee professionals from around the world.
4. Networking Opportunities: The World of Coffee event offers an excellent platform for networking with industry colleagues, potential business partners, and coffee aficionados. Attendees can engage in meaningful conversations, share experiences, and explore opportunities for collaboration.
5. Cultural Experiences: Beyond the event, Dubai presents a rich cultural experience with its blend of traditional and contemporary attractions. Visitors can explore the historic Al Fahidi district, enjoy a desert safari, or visit iconic landmarks such as the Burj Khalifa and Palm Jumeirah.
Preparing for Your Visit
When planning to attend the 2026 World of Coffee event in Dubai, consider the following suggestions:
– Accommodation: Dubai provides a diverse array of lodging options, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly accommodations. It’s advisable to book your stay well in advance to secure the best deals and proximity to the event site.
– Transportation: Dubai features an efficient public transport system, including the metro, buses, and taxis. Renting a vehicle is also a viable option for those seeking more travel flexibility.
– Visa Requirements: Check your country’s visa requirements well ahead of time. Many nationalities can receive a visa on arrival, but it’s crucial to verify the specifics based on your nationality.
– Cultural Etiquette: Familiarize yourself with local customs and cultural etiquette. Although Dubai is a multicultural city, it’s important to respect local traditions and dress modestly, particularly in public spaces.
Attending the 2026 World of Coffee event in Dubai guarantees to be a rewarding experience, blending professional growth, networking, and cultural exploration. Whether you are a coffee professional or a passionate enthusiast, this event is a must-attend.
