DXB LIVE announces fifth edition of World of Coffee Dubai 2026, opening January 18 at DWTC

DXB LIVE, the integrated event management and experiential agency of Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), has announced the fifth edition of World of Coffee Dubai, taking place from January 18 to 20, 2026, across Za’abeel Halls 1, 4, 5, and 6 at DWTC.

Organised in collaboration with the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), the event has grown fourfold in just five years, establishing itself as the Middle East’s leading coffee industry exhibition. The 2026 edition underscores Dubai’s role as a global hub for coffee trade, culture, and innovation, bringing together roasters, producers, traders, and experts from around the world.

Rapid growth reflects UAE’s booming coffee market

Since its inception, World of Coffee Dubai has mirrored the region’s fast-expanding coffee sector. International exhibitors now represent around 77% of total participants, showcasing the event’s growing global appeal and the UAE’s rising influence in the specialty coffee industry.

The UAE coffee market is currently valued at over USD 3.2 billion (AED 12 billion) and is projected to reach USD 4.5 billion (AED 16.5 billion) by 2029, growing at an annual rate of 8.4%. Across the Middle East and North Africa, the market is expected to exceed USD 11 billion (AED 40 billion) in the same period.

This expansion is driven by increased demand for specialty coffee, evolving consumer tastes, and investment in sustainable and high-quality products, all of which will be reflected in the 2026 edition’s dynamic program.

A global platform for innovation, learning, and competition

The event will feature three national championships organized by the Specialty Coffee Association of the UAE:

• UAE National Barista Championship

• UAE National Cup Tasters Championship

• UAE National Roasting Championship

In addition, attendees can look forward to the Best Coffee Design Awards, the Best New Product Competition, and two exclusive coffee auctions offering some of the world’s rarest and finest coffee beans.

Complementing these events will be a series of educational workshops and seminars focusing on new technologies, sustainable practices, and global trends shaping the coffee value chain.

Industry leaders praise Dubai’s growing role

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, World of Coffee Dubai has become a platform that unites leading experts, brands, and innovators, reflecting Dubai’s spirit of innovation and reaffirming its pivotal role in shaping the global coffee industry.”

Yannis Apostolopoulos, CEO of the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), added:

“World of Coffee Dubai has evolved into one of the leading international events where the global coffee community comes together. Our collaboration with DXB LIVE and DWTC has been instrumental in making this exhibition an essential destination for professionals and enthusiasts alike.”

Khalid Al Mulla, CEO of the SCA UAE Chapter, highlighted the event’s educational mission, stating:

“What makes World of Coffee Dubai unique is its focus on education and collaboration. It’s more than a marketplace—it’s a community space for sharing ideas, building skills, and fostering partnerships that support a sustainable coffee ecosystem.”

A global celebration of coffee culture and trade

The World of Coffee Dubai 2026 will showcase the event’s most diverse and inclusive program yet, spotlighting innovations in roasting, brewing, and sustainable production. As coffee remains the world’s second-largest traded commodity after crude oil, the event reaffirms Dubai’s status as a vibrant meeting point for global coffee culture and commerce, blending tradition, innovation, and sustainability.