What a fantastic way to kick off the year by participating in another World of Coffee Dubai event, now in its 5th edition, held from 18-20 January 2026. I am extremely grateful to God for residing in a city that takes its coffee seriously, and it’s now official that this global coffee event will be around for another 5 years …. Yay!
This time, I attended not just once but twice – a true coffee enthusiast moment. On the inaugural day of the event, I brought along a friend who was visiting for the first time, and I requested he set aside at least 4 hours because I was aware that we wouldn’t just be tasting various types of exquisite coffees from around the globe and premium coffee farms, but I might also get excited about new gadgets and meet some coffee royalty.
So, where does one begin…
Upon learning that Benchmark coffee, acclaimed as one of the top 100 coffee shops globally, would be at the Brewing Gadgets stand, I recognized this would be a key stop for my milk-based coffee fix, a cortado.
And they sure didn’t disappoint. My first sip catapulted me to a sweet milk paradise, so I inquired with head barista, Gibson, about the milk, and in summary, they make their own milk to ensure extra creaminess. You’ll be pleased to hear that Benchmark clinched two out of the three competitions at WOC, UAE national barista and latte art.
Just around the corner, I encountered Mariam Erin, a former UAE national barista, who treated us to coffee made with her latest gadget, 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 – an exquisite concoction indeed.
So, what else captivated me?
At the Espresso Lab stand, they featured 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 them both functionally and sensorially.”
In essence, it aims to reduce bitterness in coffee while amplifying acidic and fruity characteristics. I was served two cups of coffee to compare the differences BUT admitted that I favored the non-waved version for its richer flavor notes.
We visited the world-famous Panama coffee farm, Hacienda Esmeralda, and requested to sample their most expensive coffee, which was NIDO ??
I doubt it was NIDO 7, which was purchased by the Dubai-based coffee shop, Julith, selling this coffee for US$980 per cup and bought for US$604,080 for just 20kg. I know… coffee madness. Nevertheless, we tasted NIDO something (zoom into the picture). In any case, it was typical with notes of black tea and a well-balanced sweet finish.
We proceeded to Grandmother coffee, one of my favorite roasteries in Dubai, where we were served a delightful cup by the master roaster himself, Freddie.
I must admit, 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 experienced one of the most fascinating coffees of my life, the Munchies, an Anaerobic Honey processed Colombian coffee, showcasing flavors of pineapple, NY vanilla cheesecake and more prominently, coconut. I was so enchanted by this coffee at that time that I penned an entire blog post on it – see here. I quickly purchased a bag after sampling it as both an espresso and piccolo — coconut bliss in a cup.
After a few cups, we briefly visited the Victoria Arduino stand, where Frederico (in the picture above wearing a beige blazer) introduced us to their latest model, the E1 Prima Pro, featuring their pure brew technology that allows you to brew both espresso and filter but, crucially, brew freshly roasted coffee… wow! 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 permit freshly brewed coffee to flow into a cup, named the Brewvie. Intrigued, I asked Enea of Alchemy Coffee for a taste. Iced coffee with a vibrant orange acidity.
On my second day, I went with another friend who aimed to introduce me to a company exporting coffees from East Africa, mainly 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 had met Allan a few years ago at a coffee shop in Dubai, and shortly thereafter he was recruited by Barn Berlin and relocated to Germany. I’ve followed his journey since, and now he’s working 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. Danke.
Andrew Tolley, Chairman of Specialty Association of Coffee
You may not be aware, but back in 2012, when I was preparing to return to London to launch a new coffee venture, I met Andrew and his siblings, who were running one of London’s premier specialty coffee shop groups. We had numerous discussions, and I nearly joined their team. I hadn’t seen Andrew since, so it was wonderful catching up for a few minutes, where we exchanged ideas about the coffee scene, before he had to rush off to another meeting.
Martin Wolf, 2024 World Brewers Champion
Just before I exited, I ran into Martin Wolf, my favorite barista from Vienna.
After two days of visits, I was full of coffee.
See you next year at WOC 2027 insha’allah.
**Title: My Experience at World of Coffee Dubai 2026: A Journey Through the Heart of Coffee Culture**
As a coffee lover, attending the World of Coffee Dubai 2026 was a dream realized. This yearly event, hosted at the Dubai World Trade Centre, gathered coffee professionals, enthusiasts, and industry leaders from across the globe. The lively atmosphere, accompanied by the scent of freshly brewed coffee, fashioned an unforgettable experience.
**Day 1: The Grand Opening and Initial Impressions**
The event’s first day featured an impressive opening ceremony. The venue vibrated with excitement as attendees assembled to witness the unveiling of cutting-edge innovations in the coffee sector. The exhibition hall was a sensory delight, with booths highlighting everything from advanced espresso machines to artisanal coffee beans sourced from far-flung locations.
A major highlight was the keynote address by a distinguished coffee authority, who elaborated on emerging trends and the future of sustainable coffee farming. This established the event’s tone, underscoring the significance of innovation and sustainability in the industry.
**Day 2: Workshops and Networking**
The second day focused on workshops and networking events. I attended an intriguing workshop on latte art, where baristas showcased their abilities to craft intricate designs. It was motivating to observe the level of creativity and precision inherent in this art.
Networking prospects were plentiful, with coffee professionals from diverse sectors eager to share their insights and experiences. I had the opportunity to connect with coffee roasters, equipment manufacturers, and café proprietors, exchanging ideas and discussing potential collaborations.
**Day 3: Competitions and Closing Ceremony**
The concluding day featured thrilling competitions, including the World Barista Championship and the Brewers Cup. Watching competitors display their skills under pressure was exhilarating. The talent and commitment levels were genuinely impressive, making it a privilege to see the champions crowned.
The closing ceremony celebrated the event’s success, with organizers expressing gratitude to participants and sponsors. It was a fitting conclusion to an extraordinary journey through the world of coffee.
**Reflections and Takeaways**
Attending the World of Coffee Dubai 2026 was a rewarding experience that deepened my appreciation for the coffee industry. The event highlighted the significance of innovation, sustainability, and community in shaping the future of coffee. It reminded me of the passion and dedication that fuels coffee professionals globally.
As I departed the venue, I felt inspired and motivated to implement the knowledge and connections gained during the event in my own coffee pursuits. The World of Coffee Dubai 2026 was more than an event; it was a celebration of coffee culture and a testament to the vibrant community that surrounds it.
