What an excellent way to kick off the new year by attending 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 deeply values its coffee, and it has now been confirmed that this international coffee event is set to continue for another 5 years…. Woohoo!
This time I attended not just once but twice – coffee enthusiast moment. On the first day of the event, I brought along a friend who was experiencing the event for the first time and politely asked him to allocate at least 4 hours because I knew we would not only be sampling various exquisite coffees from around the globe and top-notch coffee farms but I might also geek out over new gadgets and meet some coffee royalty.
So, where should I begin…
Upon hearing that Benchmark coffee, recognized as one of the top 100 coffee shops worldwide, would be at the Brewing Gadgets stand, I realized this would be one of my pit stops for my milk-based coffee craving, a cortado.
And they did not let me down. My first sip transported me to a sweet milk paradise, so I inquired with head barista, Gibson about the milk and, in brief, they craft their own milk to achieve exceptional creaminess. You’d 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 on her latest creation, the binocular – nominated for a best new product award – a novel brewing method that allows two types of coffee to brew into one carafe – a truly delightful brew.
So, what else piqued 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 them functionally and sensorially.”
In summary, it aims to minimize bitterness in coffee while enhancing acidity and fruity characteristics. I was provided two cups of coffee to compare but admitted that I favored the non-waved version for its richer, more complex flavor notes.
We made a stop at the world-renowned Panama coffee farm, Hacienda Esmeralda and requested to try 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, selling this coffee for US$980 per cup after being acquired for US$604,080 for only 20kg. I know… coffee craziness. Regardless, we had NIDO something (focus in on the image). In any case, it was standard, presenting notes of black tea, well-balanced with a sweet finish on the palate.
We strolled over to Grandmother coffee, one of my favorite Dubai-based roasters, and were treated to a scrumptious cup of coffee crafted by the master roaster himself, Freddie.
I must admit that upon seeing Abbas, the owner and head roaster of Pirates of Coffee, a Canadian 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, which had flavors of pineapple and NY vanilla cheesecake, but most notably, coconut. I was so captivated by this coffee 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 delight in a cup.
After enjoying a few cups, we briefly visited the Victoria Arduino stand, where Frederico (featured in the picture at the top in the beige blazer) introduced us to their latest edition, the E1 Prima Pro, which boasts their pure brew technology that allows you to generate both espresso and filter coffee but even better, brew freshly roasted coffee… incredible! Adding this to my wish list or should I say my coffee bucket list.
Before we departed, I came across this peculiar apparatus, a block of ice with a hole running from the top to the bottom, designed to permit freshly brewed coffee to flow into a cup, called the Brewvie. Intrigued, I requested Enea from alchemy coffee for a taste. Iced coffee with a sparkling orange tang.
On my second day, I attended with another friend eager to introduce me to a company that exports coffees from East Africa, primarily from Uganda – we conversed, 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 at a coffee shop in Dubai, and soon after, he transitioned to Barn Berlin and moved to Germany. I’ve been following his journey since, and now he’s with Man vs Machine in Germany, at their stand. He was so thrilled to see me that he gifted me a bag of coffee to take. Danke.
Andrew Tolley, Chairman of Specialty Association of Coffee
You might not be aware, but back in 2012, when I was gearing up 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 best specialty coffee shop groups. We conversed frequently, and I nearly joined their team. I hadn’t seen Andrew since then, so it was wonderful to catch up for a few minutes, where we exchanged thoughts on the coffee scene before he had to hurry 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 visits, I was coffee-saturated.
Catch you next year at WOC 2027 insha’allah.
**Title: An In-Depth Guide to Attending World of Coffee Dubai 2026**
The World of Coffee Dubai 2026 is poised to be an essential event for coffee lovers, industry professionals, and anyone intrigued by the lively world of coffee culture. Slated to occur in one of the most vibrant cities in the Middle East, this event guarantees a distinctive mix of innovation, networking, and cultural exchange. Here’s everything you need to know about attending this renowned event.
**Event Summary**
World of Coffee Dubai 2026 will be hosted at the Dubai World Trade Centre, a top-notch venue known for its cutting-edge facilities and prime location. The event is anticipated to attract thousands of visitors from around the world, including coffee producers, roasters, baristas, retailers, and caffeine enthusiasts.
**Main Attractions**
1. **Exhibition Area**: The core of the event will be the vast exhibition area, showcasing hundreds of exhibitors presenting the latest in coffee technology, equipment, and products. Attendees will get to explore cutting-edge brewing techniques, sustainable practices, and new coffee variants.
2. **Workshops and Presentations**: A series of workshops and presentations will be held by industry experts, covering a broad range of topics such as coffee roasting methods, brewing science, and business tactics. These sessions are tailored to provide essential insights and practical knowledge to both newcomers and experienced professionals.
3. **Coffee Championships**: The event will feature several esteemed competitions, including the World Barista Championship and the World Brewers Cup. These contests will highlight the skills and creativity of top baristas and brewers globally, offering an exhilarating experience for attendees.
4. **Networking Possibilities**: World of Coffee Dubai 2026 will offer plentiful networking opportunities, allowing attendees to connect with industry leaders, potential business allies, and fellow coffee aficionados. Specific networking events and social gatherings will be organized to foster meaningful connections.
5. **Cultural Experiences**: Dubai’s rich cultural background and cosmopolitan ambiance will infuse a unique essence into the event. Attendees can experience the city’s lively coffee culture, visit local cafes, and savor traditional Middle Eastern hospitality.
**Travel and Lodging**
Dubai is well-connected to major cities around the globe, making it easily reachable for international attendees. The city provides a diverse array of lodging options, from luxurious hotels to budget accommodations. It is advisable to arrange your stay early, as the event is likely to attract a large audience.
**Advice for Attendees**
– **Prepare in Advance**: Check the event schedule and plan your visit to optimize your experience of the workshops, presentations, and exhibitions.
– **Engage with Exhibitors**: Interact with exhibitors to discover the latest trends and innovations in the coffee sector.
– **Network Actively**: Bring business cards and be ready to engage in discussions with other participants.
– **Discover Dubai**: Utilize your time in Dubai to explore the city’s attractions, such as the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and the historic Al Fahidi District.
**Conclusion**
World of Coffee Dubai 2026 promises to be a thrilling and enlightening experience for anyone passionate about coffee. Whether you’re aiming to broaden your knowledge, discover new products, or connect with industry peers, this event has something for everyone. Mark your calendars and get ready for an unforgettable journey into the coffee world in one of the most dynamic cities worldwide.
