What a fantastic way to kick off the year by participating in another World of Coffee Dubai gathering, now in its 5th edition, held from 18-20 January 2026. I’m incredibly thankful to God for residing in a city that appreciates its coffee, and it has been officially confirmed that this worldwide coffee event is here to stay for another 5 years …. Yay!
This year I attended not just once but twice – true 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 I advised him to set aside at least 4 hours, knowing we would be sampling various types of exceptional coffees from around the globe and from top coffee farms, but also that I might nerd out over new tools and connect with coffee legends.
So, where to begin…
Upon hearing that Benchmark coffee, ranked among the top 100 coffee shops globally, would be at the Brewing Gadgets booth, I knew this would be a must-stop for my milk-based coffee craving, a cortado.
And they did not disappoint. My first sip transported me to a realm of sweet milk bliss, so I inquired with head barista, Gibson about the milk, and in summary, they prepare their own to achieve an extra creamy texture. You’ll be pleased to learn that Benchmark secured two of the three contests at WOC, UAE national barista and latte art.
Just nearby, I encountered Mariam Erin, former UAE national barista, who served us coffee from her latest creation, the binocular – nominated for a best new product award – an innovative method of brewing that allows for two types of coffee to be brewed into one carafe – a delightful brew indeed.
So, what else captivated my interest?
At the Espresso Lab booth, they showcased the Single Wavemaker by Waved, which is “a single-serve-style wavemaker that emits ultra-low frequency electromagnetic waves and electrical currents into water and coffee to elevate them functionally and sensorially”.
In essence, it strives to reduce bitterness in coffee while enhancing the acidic and fruity attributes. I was offered two coffee cups to discern the difference BUT admitted that I favored the non-waved version because it offered a more complex flavor profile.
We visited 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 that was purchased by the Dubai-based coffee shop, Julith, which sells this coffee for US$980 per cup and was bought for US$604,080 for merely 20kg. I know… coffee craziness. Nonetheless, we had NIDO something (zoom into the image). Regardless, it was typical, with hints of black tea and well balanced with a sweet mouthfeel finish.
We proceeded to Grandmother coffee, one of my favorite Dubai roasteries, and enjoyed a delightful cup of coffee served by the master roaster himself, Freddie.
I must admit that encountering Abbas, owner and lead roaster of Pirates of Coffee, a Canadian roaster, thrilled me. 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, NY vanilla cheesecake, but more notably, coconut. I was so taken by this coffee that I wrote an entire blog post about it – see here. I quickly grabbed a bag after savoring it both as an espresso and piccolo — coconut delight in a cup.
After several cups, we made a quick stop at the Victoria Arduino booth, where Frederico (seen in the top picture in the beige blazer) introduced us to their latest edition, the E1 Prima Pro, boasting their pure brew technology, allowing for both espresso and filter brewing, but especially, brewing fresh coffee… wow! Added to my wish list or should I say coffee bucket list.
Before we departed, I spotted this peculiar apparatus, a block of ice with a passage from the top to the bottom, facilitating freshly brewed coffee to flow into a cup, labeled the Brewvie. Curious, I requested Enea of alchemy coffee for a taste. Iced coffee with a sparkling orange acidity.
On my second day, I joined another friend eager to introduce me to a company exporting coffees from East Africa, mainly from Uganda – we engaged in discussion 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 been tracking his journey since, and now he’s with Man vs Machine in Germany, and was present at their booth. He was thrilled to see me and gifted me a complimentary bag of coffee to take. Danke.
Andrew Tolley, Chairman of Specialty Association of Coffee
You might not be aware, but in 2012 when I was planning to return to London to embark on a new coffee venture, I met with Andrew and his siblings, who were managing one of London’s top specialty coffee shop groups. We had several discussions, and I nearly joined their team. I hadn’t seen Andrew since, so it was wonderful to catch up briefly, exchanging thoughts on the coffee scene before he had to head to another meeting.
Martin Wolf, 2024 World Brewers Champion
Just before my departure, I ran into Martin Wolf, my favorite barista from Vienna.
After two visits, I was coffee fatigued.
See you next year at WOC 2027 insha’allah.
**Title: Discovering the Diverse Coffee Culture at World of Coffee Dubai 2026**
As the worldwide coffee community gears up to gather in the vibrant city of Dubai, the excitement for World of Coffee 2026 is unmistakable. Set to unfold in the heart of the UAE, this event is poised to be a lively celebration of coffee culture, innovation, and business opportunities. Here’s what participants can look forward to at this premier coffee gathering.
**An Innovation and Networking Center**
World of Coffee Dubai 2026 will act as a melting pot for coffee aficionados, industry specialists, and innovators from around the world. The event promises to showcase a wide variety of exhibitors, ranging from coffee growers and roasters to equipment manufacturers and service providers. This presents a unique chance for participants to delve into the latest trends, technologies, and products shaping the coffee sector.
Networking will take center stage, with myriad opportunities to connect with industry leaders, exchange insights, and cultivate valuable partnerships. Whether you are an experienced expert or a newcomer to the coffee arena, this event offers a platform to broaden your network and gain fresh perspectives.
**Informative Workshops and Seminars**
Education is a fundamental aspect of World of Coffee, and the 2026 edition will uphold this tradition. Attendees can anticipate a thorough schedule of workshops and seminars led by experts in the domain. These sessions will address a wide array of subjects, including sustainable coffee production, brewing techniques, market trends, and business strategies.
Participants will have the opportunity to enhance their knowledge, refine their skills, and stay updated on the latest advancements within the coffee industry. Whether your goal is to improve your barista skills or comprehend the complexities of coffee trading, there will be something appealing for everyone.
**Contests and Championships**
World of Coffee Dubai 2026 will also present a series of thrilling competitions, spotlighting the talents of baristas, roasters, and brewers from various corners of the globe. These contests not only highlight the skill and creativity inherent in the industry but also serve as a source of inspiration for participants.
The event will host prestigious championships, like the World Barista Championship and the World Brewers Cup, where contenders will showcase their expertise and compete for the world champion title. These competitions are a highlight for many attendees, providing an exhilarating glimpse into the artistry and precision of coffee preparation.
**Discovering Dubai’s Coffee Landscape**
While the event itself is a significant attraction, attending World of Coffee Dubai 2026 also opens the door to explore the lively coffee landscape in Dubai. The city boasts a thriving community of specialty coffee shops, roasteries, and cafes, each presenting a unique interpretation of coffee culture.
Attendees can indulge in a varied assortment of coffee experiences, from traditional Arabic coffee to innovative specialty brews. Exploring Dubai’s coffee landscape will not only deepen your appreciation for global coffee culture but also introduce you to the city’s rich culinary heritage.
**Conclusion**
World of Coffee Dubai 2026 promises to be an event not to be missed for anyone who is passionate about coffee. With its combination of innovation, education, and cultural exploration, the event is set to deliver an enriching experience for all participants. Whether you aim to expand your knowledge, connect with industry colleagues, or simply immerse yourself in the realm of coffee, Dubai 2026 presents an unmatched opportunity to do just that. Mark your calendars and get ready to participate in this remarkable celebration of coffee culture.
