Share your coffee stories with us by writing to info@comunicaffe.com.
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – The fifth edition World of Coffee Dubai is back for its fifth edition, taking place from 18–20 January 2026 at Za’abeel Halls 1, 4, 5 and 6 of the Dubai World Trade Centre. World of Coffee Dubai 2026 is set to be its most internationally diverse edition, featuring an expanded line-up of origins, national pavilions, and producer organisations from Africa, Latin America, and Asia.
Organised by DXB LIVE in collaboration with the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), World of Coffee Dubai has become the region’s leading coffee event, uniting producers, roasters, traders, and experts, further reinforcing Dubai’s role as a hub for coffee trade and culture.
Since its launch, World of Coffee Dubai has grown rapidly, with international participants in the new edition making up 77% of exhibitors—underscoring its global reputation and industry trust.
The exhibition coincides with the UAE’s booming coffee industry, now worth over USD 3.2 billion and projected to grow 8.4% annually to USD 4.5 billion by 2029. Regionally, the Middle East and North Africa market is set to surpass USD 11 billion. This growth is driven by rising specialty coffee demand, evolving tastes, and greater investment in quality, sustainability, and innovation—key themes of this year’s show.
Building on the success of the last four editions, World of Coffee Dubai 2026 will engage an audience from the MENA region and beyond. #WOCDubai is tailored to the UAE’s coffee businesses and those seeking to break into the Middle East’s emerging coffee market.
Participants can explore the bustling trade show floor and popular features such as the Roaster Village, Farmer’s Village, UAE National Championships, SCA Community Lounge, Best New Product Competition & Display, lectures, and more.
Dates: 18-20 January 2026
Venue: Dubai World Trade Centre, Z’abeel Halls 1, 4, 5 & 6, Dubai, UAE
Exhibition Space: 20,000 square meters
Exhibitors
- Number of Exhibitors: 350+
- Number of Countries: Representing 130+ countries, including the USA, Germany, Canada, Portugal, Kuwait, Australia, Ecuador, and more.
Market Insights
- The projected revenue from the Middle East & Africa coffee market by 2030 is $3.8 billion 82% of global coffee revenue comes from cafés and restaurants, with 18% from home consumption
- The MENA branded coffee shop segment grew 11.2% in 2023, totaling 11,163 outlets, and is projected to expand to 16,460 by 2029 at an 8.1% CAGR
- The specialty coffee market in the UAE is valued at around $450 million
- Top roasters like Karam Foods and Black Knight roast around 16 tons/day, exemplifying GCC roasting capacity growth
- DMCC (Dubai Multi-commodities Centre) has enabled the trade of 100+ coffee varieties from major growing regions such as Central and South America, Africa and Asia. This large global sourcing footprint has made Dubai one of the world’s top coffee trading hubs.
Pavilions & Features
- Roaster Village: A vibrant hub for micro-roasters to showcase their expertise, discover the latest trends in coffee sourcing, roasting, and brewing, and sample a wide variety of coffee blends.
- Producer Village: A dedicated platform where independent farmers showcase their coffee at origin, connect with buyers, and share their stories from soil to cup
- Brew Bar: Showcase your coffee at the Brew Bar during a 3-hour slot
- Cupping Rooms: Visitors can taste freshly harvested coffees in an interactive space designed for sensory exploration
Awards & Competitions
- Coffee Design Awards: Celebrating innovation in coffee design, including packaging, branding, and café space decoration
- Best New Product Competition: Recognizing cutting-edge coffee products for their quality, innovation, and impact
- SCA UAE National Barista Championship: This competition challenges baristas to create exceptional coffee within 15 minutes, with judging based on taste, technique, and presentation by World Coffee Events standards
- National Latte Art Championship: This Championship tests baristas’ latte art skills, judged on visual appeal, creativity, and consistency, adhering to World Coffee Events criteria
Interactive Sessions & Workshops
SCA training and workshops: Renowned coffee experts will share their knowledge on roasting, grinding, trading, and marketing
SCA Community Lounge: Visitors can connect with global experts and explore the latest research from the Specialty Coffee Association
The Unfiltered Stage: This feature offers a deep dive into coffee with panel discussions, workshops, and talks from industry leaders, exploring complex issues and fostering honest conversations about innovation and sustainability.
Khalid Al Hammadi, Executive Vice President of DXB Live, said: “The exhibition represents the continued success of the vision that has made the UAE a global hub for the specialty coffee industry and a bridge between producing regions and fast-growing markets. With participation expanding year after year, the event has become an international platform that brings together leading experts, brands, and innovators, reflecting Dubai’s spirit of innovation and renewal and reaffirming its pivotal role in shaping the future of the coffee industry regionally and globally. We are proud to contribute to strengthening Dubai’s position as a leading destination for coffee lovers and experts, and as an inspiring platform that supports development and creativity in this vital sector.”
Khalid Al Mulla, Chief Executive Officer of the SCA UAE Chapter, added: “What distinguishes World of Coffee Dubai is its commitment to education and knowledge exchange. It’s not only a marketplace but a space where ideas are shared, skills are refined, and partnerships are built. The event has proven that when passion and expertise come together, they can create a thriving and sustainable ecosystem for the coffee industry.”
Yannis Apostolopoulos, CEO of the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), said: “World of Coffee Dubai has become one of the leading events where the global coffee community comes together, bringing culture, innovation, and commerce under one roof. With each new edition, the exhibition continues to strengthen its position as an exceptional global event, thanks to the high caliber of participants and industry pioneers who help shape the future of specialty coffee.”
He added: “Our partnership with DXB Live and the Dubai World Trade Centre represents a key pillar in the ongoing success of this event, which has become an indispensable destination for coffee professionals and enthusiasts alike, both regionally and globally.”
