What an amazing way to kick off the year by participating in another World of Coffee Dubai event, now in its 5th edition, which occurred from 18-20 January 2026. I’m truly thankful to God for residing in a city that values its coffee culture, and it’s now been confirmed that this worldwide coffee event will be around for an additional 5 years…. Yay!
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 kindly suggested he set aside at least 4 hours, knowing we would not only sample various exquisite coffees from across the globe and top coffee farms but also geek out over new equipment and meet some coffee legends.
So, where should I begin…
Upon learning that Benchmark coffee, ranked among the top 100 coffee shops globally, would be at the Brewing Gadgets stand, I knew this would be a key stop for my milk-based coffee craving, a cortado.
And they exceeded expectations. My initial sip transported me to a sweet creamy paradise, prompting me to ask head barista, Gibson, about their milk, and in summary, they craft their own milk to make it extra rich. You’ll be pleased to learn that Benchmark took home two out of three competitions at WOC, notably the UAE national barista and latte art.
Just around the corner, 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 – an innovative brewing method allowing you to brew two types of coffee into a single carafe – an exquisite brew indeed.
So, what else thrilled me?
At the Espresso Lab stand, they presented the Single Wavemaker by Waved, which is “a single-serve-type wavemaker that projects 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 enhancing the acidic and fruity notes. I was offered two cups of coffee to compare the difference BUT admitted that I favored the non-waved version for its more complex flavor profile.
We then visited the renowned Panama coffee farm, Hacienda Esmeralda, and requested to sample their most expensive coffee, which was NIDO ??
I don’t think it was the NIDO 7, which was purchased by a Dubai-based coffee shop, Julith, selling this coffee for US$980 per cup, which cost US$604,080 for just 20kg. I know… coffee craziness. Regardless, we tried NIDO something (zoom into the picture). It was characteristically smooth, with hints of black tea and a wonderfully balanced sweet aftertaste.
Next, we made our way to Grandmother coffee, one of my favorite roasters in Dubai, where we were treated to a delicious cup of coffee prepared by the master roaster himself, Freddie.
I must admit, when I spotted Abbas, owner and head roaster of Pirates of Coffee, a Canadian roastery, I was filled with excitement. Why? Because two years ago, I had one of the most fascinating coffees ever, the Munchies, an Anaerobic Honey processed Colombian coffee, which showcased flavors of pineapple, NY vanilla cheesecake, and most notably, coconut. I was so thrilled by this coffee previously that I wrote an entire blog post about it – see here. I quickly grabbed a bag after sampling it as both an espresso and piccolo — coconut delight in a cup.
After enjoying a few cups, we briefly swung by the Victoria Arduino stand, where Frederico (shown in the pic at the top in the beige blazer) presented us with their latest model, the E1 Prima Pro, featuring their pure brew technology that enables you to brew both espresso and filter coffee but primarily, brew freshly roasted coffee… wow! Added to my wish list or should I say coffee bucket list.
Before departing, I spotted this peculiar device, a block of ice with a tunnel from top to bottom allowing freshly brewed coffee to flow into a cup, referred to as the Brewvie. Intrigued, I requested Enea from Alchemy Coffee for a sample. Iced coffee with a zesty orange acidity.
On my second day, I returned with another friend who wished to introduce me to a company exporting coffees from East Africa, primarily from Uganda – we had a conversation, and they provided me with a plethora of coffee to sample.
Who else did I encounter?
Allan from Man vs Machine
Naveed and I met Allan several years ago at a coffee shop in Dubai, and shortly thereafter, he was recruited by Barn Berlin and moved to Germany. I’ve kept up with his journey since, and now he’s part of Man vs Machine in Germany and was present at their stand. He was thrilled to see me and gifted me a complimentary bag of coffee. Danke.
Andrew Tolley, Chairman of Specialty Association of Coffee
You might not be aware, but back in 2012 when I was planning to return to London to launch a new coffee venture, I met Andrew and his siblings, who managed one of London’s top specialty coffee shop groups. We chatted multiple times, and I nearly joined their team. I hadn’t seen Andrew since, so it was wonderful to catch up for a few moments, exchanging thoughts on the coffee landscape before he had to hurry off to another meeting.
Martin Wolf, 2024 World Brewers Champion
Just before leaving, I ran into Martin Wolf, my favorite barista from Vienna.
After two trips, I was coffee-ed out.
Catch you next year at WOC 2027 insha’allah.
**Participating in World of Coffee Dubai 2026: My Personal Encounter**
In January 2026, I had the fantastic chance to join the World of Coffee event in Dubai, an annually occurring assembly that has established itself as a significant gathering for coffee professionals and aficionados worldwide. Hosted at the Dubai World Trade Centre, this year’s event was a lively exhibit of the newest trends, innovations, and cultural exchanges within the coffee sector.
**Arrival and Atmosphere**
Upon reaching the venue, I was immediately captivated by the extensive scale and vibrant energy of the event. The Dubai World Trade Centre buzzed with enthusiasm, drawing thousands of participants from all corners of the globe. The ambiance was charged, rich with the delightful scent of freshly brewed coffee and the buzz of animated discussions.
**Exhibitions and Innovations**
The exhibition space was a coffee lover’s dream, showcasing hundreds of booths from leading coffee brands, equipment suppliers, and artisan roasters. Each booth provided a distinctive experience, from live demonstrations of cutting-edge espresso machines to tastings of rare and unique coffee beans. A standout moment was the presentation of a new sustainable coffee packaging solution aimed at significantly minimizing environmental impact.
**Workshops and Seminars**
World of Coffee Dubai 2026 featured an extensive array of workshops and seminars guided by industry specialists. I attended an insightful seminar regarding the future of coffee cultivation amid climate change, which imparted essential understanding of sustainable farming methods and the necessity of biodiversity. Another workshop concentrated on the craft of latte art, where participants had the chance to refine their techniques under the mentorship of globally renowned baristas.
**Competitions and Championships**
The event also showcased several prestigious competitions, including the World Barista Championship and the World Brewers Cup. Observing these skilled individuals compete was both inspiring and informative. The level of talent and innovation presented was remarkable, and it was an honor to witness the crowning of the new champions.
**Networking and Connections**
One of the most fulfilling aspects of attending World of Coffee was the chance to network with fellow coffee enthusiasts. I encountered coffee shop proprietors, importers, and other enthusiasts, all keen to exchange insights and experiences. These discussions revealed valuable perspectives on diverse coffee cultures and business practices, fostering a sense of community and collaboration.
**Cultural Experiences**
Being in Dubai, the event also provided an opportunity to delve into the city’s rich cultural landscape. In the evenings, I explored the bustling streets, savoring local delicacies and visiting iconic sites such as the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain. The blend of traditional and contemporary elements in Dubai reflected the innovative essence of the World of Coffee event.
**Conclusion**
Attending World of Coffee Dubai 2026 was an extraordinary experience that enriched my appreciation for the coffee sector and its international community. The event not only showcased the latest innovations and trends but also emphasized the significance of sustainability and cultural exchange. As I left Dubai, I took away renewed enthusiasm for coffee and a wealth of knowledge and connections that will surely enhance my journey in the world of coffee.
