What a fantastic 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 incredibly 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 for another 5 years… Yay!
This time I attended not just once, but twice – pure coffee enthusiast moment. On the first day of the event, I brought along a friend who was attending for the first time and kindly requested him to set aside at least 4 hours because I knew we would be sampling various exquisite coffees from around the globe and top coffee farms, plus I might nerd out over some new gadgets and meet some coffee royalty.
So, where should I begin…
Upon learning that Benchmark coffee, recognized among the top 100 coffee shops globally, would be featured at the Brewing Gadgets booth, I immediately knew this would be one of my destinations for my milk-based coffee craving, a cortado.
And they truly 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 achieve extra creaminess. You’ll be pleased to know that Benchmark triumphed in two out of three competitions at WOC, winning the UAE national barista and latte art contests.
Just around the corner, I encountered Mariam Erin, a 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 different coffees into a single carafe – a truly delightful brew.
So, what else piqued my interest?
At the Espresso Lab booth, 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 elevate them both functionally and sensorially”.
In essence, it attempts to reduce bitterness in coffee while enhancing its acidic and fruity characteristics. I was given two cups of coffee to taste the difference BUT confided that I favored the non-waved version for its richer taste complexity.
We made a stop at the world-famous Panama coffee estate, Hacienda Esmeralda, and requested to sample their most expensive coffee, which was NIDO ??
I don’t believe it was the NIDO 7, which was purchased by the Dubai-based coffee shop, Julith, who sells this coffee for US$980 per cup and bought for US$604,080 for merely 20kg. I know… coffee insanity. However, we had NIDO something (take a closer look at the picture). It was quite typical, featuring notes of black tea and a well-balanced sweet mouthfeel finish.
We dropped by Grandmother Coffee, one of my favorite roasteries in Dubai, and were served a delicious cup of coffee by master roaster himself, Freddie.
I must admit that when I spotted Abbas, the proprietor 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 of my life, the Munchies, an Anaerobic Honey processed Colombian coffee, which carried flavors of pineapple, NY vanilla cheesecake, but predominantly, coconut. I was so captivated by this coffee back then that I wrote an entire blog post about it – see here. I quickly procured a bag after tasting it as both an espresso and piccolo — coconut bliss in a cup.
After a few cups, we made a brief stop at the Victoria Arduino booth, where Frederico (featured in the picture above in the beige blazer) introduced us to their latest model, the E1 Prima Pro, which boasts their pure brew technology, enabling you to brew both espresso and filter, particularly allowing you to brew freshly roasted coffee… amazing! It has been added to my wish list or should I say coffee bucket list.
Before departing, I noticed this peculiar device, a block of ice with a hole running from top to bottom to allow freshly brewed coffee to flow into a cup, called the Brewvie. Curious, I asked 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 coffees from East Africa, primarily from Uganda – we chatted, and they provided me with heaps of coffee to sample.
Who else did I encounter?
Allan from Man vs Machine
Naveed and I crossed paths with Allan a few years ago at a coffee shop in Dubai, and shortly after, he was recruited by Barn Berlin and moved to Germany. I’ve been following his journey since, and now he represents Man vs Machine in Germany and was at their booth. He was thrilled to see me and gifted me a complimentary bag of coffee to take home. Danke.
Andrew Tolley, Chairman of Specialty Association of Coffee
You might not be aware, but back in 2012, when I was preparing to return to London to embark on a new coffee venture, I met with Andrew and his siblings, who were operating one of London’s premier specialty coffee shop groups. We exchanged ideas multiple times, and I almost joined their team. I hadn’t seen Andrew since, so it was great to catch up briefly, where we shared thoughts on the coffee scene before he had to hurry to another meeting.
Martin Wolf, 2024 World Brewers Champion
Just before I was about to leave, I ran into Martin Wolf, my favorite barista from Vienna.
After two days of coffee overload, I was coffee’d out.
See you next year at WOC 2027 insha’allah.
Attending World of Coffee Dubai 2026: A Personal Experience
The World of Coffee event is a highly awaited yearly gathering for coffee lovers, professionals, and industry leaders from across the globe. In 2026, the event was hosted in the lively city of Dubai, a place renowned for its blend of modernity and tradition, making it a perfect setting for this international coffee celebration. As a coffee enthusiast, attending World of Coffee Dubai 2026 was an unforgettable experience that provided a unique mix of culture, innovation, and networking possibilities.
Upon arriving at the Dubai World Trade Centre, the event venue, I was instantly struck by the massive scale and organization of the exhibition. The vast halls were filled with booths from more than 100 countries, each displaying their unique coffee products, brewing gear, and innovative technologies. The ambiance was electric, alive with the scent of freshly brewed coffee and the buzz of eager conversations.
One of the highlights of my visit was joining the various workshops and seminars led by industry experts. These sessions encompassed a wide array of topics, from sustainable coffee farming practices to the latest trends in roasting and brewing methods. I particularly enjoyed a latte art workshop, where I was able to learn from a world-renowned barista and even try my hand at crafting intricate designs.
The event also showcased several competitions, including the esteemed World Barista Championship. Observing the competitors exhibit their skills and creativity under pressure was both motivating and educational. It exemplified the commitment and passion that fuels the coffee community.
Networking was another essential component of the event. I had the opportunity to meet and connect with coffee producers, roasters, and fellow enthusiasts from every corner of the world. These conversations provided valuable insights into diverse coffee cultures and business practices, and I left with a wealth of new contacts and potential partnerships.
The exhibition floor was a treasure trove of revelations. I was introduced to an array of coffee beans, each with its distinct flavor profile, and I sampled brews from various regions. The innovative brewing equipment on hand was also remarkable, with many companies unveiling state-of-the-art technologies designed to enhance the coffee experience.
Outside the event, Dubai itself offered a rich cultural journey. From exploring traditional souks and tasting local dishes to visiting iconic landmarks like the Burj Khalifa, the city provided a perfect combination of leisure and education.
In summary, attending World of Coffee Dubai 2026 was a transformative experience that deepened my appreciation for the art and science of coffee. The event not only highlighted the latest innovations and trends but also nurtured a sense of community among coffee lovers worldwide. It was a celebration of coffee in all its forms, and I departed with a renewed passion for this cherished beverage and a greater understanding of its global implications.
