World of Coffee Dubai 2026 kicks off at DWTC with record international participation and five-year SCA partnership

Business

World of Coffee Dubai 2026 kicks off at DWTC with record international participation and five-year SCA partnership

The fifth edition of World of Coffee Dubai opened today at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), marking a significant milestone for the Middle East’s specialty coffee sector. Organized by DXB LIVE, the integrated event management and experiential agency of DWTC, in collaboration with the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), this year’s edition welcomed over 2,100 exhibiting companies and brands from 78 countries, making it the largest and most internationally diverse to date.

A major highlight on the opening day was the signing of a five-year partnership extension between World of Coffee Dubai and the SCA, extending their collaboration until 2031. The agreement strengthens cooperation in specialty coffee competitions, education programs, and professional standards. The MoU was signed by Khalid Al Hammadi, Executive Vice President of DXB LIVE, and Yannis Apostolopoulos, Chief Executive Officer of the SCA, reaffirming the event’s role as a key fixture on the global specialty coffee calendar.

Spread across more than 20,000 square meters in Za’abeel Halls 1, 4, 5, and 6, the exhibition floor buzzed with activity as participants from producing and consuming markets showcased green coffee, roasting and brewing technologies, packaging innovations, and café concepts—covering every link in the coffee value chain.

Among the key attractions were the Roasters Village and Producers’ Village, where coffee growers and roasters connected with buyers, importers, and professionals. The Brew Bar and Cupping Rooms hosted immersive tasting sessions, while the SCA Community Lounge served as a hub for networking and knowledge sharing.

Innovation took center stage, with a unique collaboration between Oatly and Yaba, a modern Iraqi restaurant, debuting an inventive coffee concept using culinary steeping techniques combined with nut crème and saffron-infused bubbles.

Equipment innovation was also in focus, with Coffee Desk, the exclusive Middle East distributor for leading global brands, unveiling the first global showcase of Fellow’s upgraded Espresso Series 1—ahead of its official commercial release later this year.

Adding to the day’s commercial momentum, DXB LIVE and DMCC co-hosted the Dubai Coffee Equipment Auction, curated by M-Cultivo. The live auction featured specialized and custom coffee equipment from exhibitors, offering demonstrations, inspections, and bidding opportunities to connect manufacturers with serious buyers.

Reflecting on the event’s success, Khalid Al Hammadi, Executive Vice President at DXB LIVE, stated:

“World of Coffee Dubai continues to grow in scale, diversity, and international relevance. The strong participation seen on the first day, together with the signing of a five-year partnership agreement with the Specialty Coffee Association, reflects the event’s maturity and its importance as a global platform for trade, education, and professional exchange.”

In a further regional development, Al Hammadi also announced a three-year Memorandum of Understanding for organizing the Bahrain Coffee Festival, a curated B2C and B2B experience featuring workshops, competitions, and immersive activities. The festival aims to engage the wider coffee community while spotlighting both local and international brands.

DXB LIVE additionally revealed plans to expand its coffee-focused portfolio with upcoming festivals in Qatar, Oman, and Saudi Arabia, further strengthening the GCC’s position as a growing hub for specialty coffee culture and trade.

Exhibitors expressed enthusiasm about the event’s reach and professional audience. Denkayehu Dessalegn, Head Roaster and Quality Control at Roasters, remarked:

“World of Coffee Dubai provides an important platform for regional specialty coffee brands looking to scale internationally. This is our first participation, and it allows us to introduce what we have been developing over the past four years to a global audience.”

World of Coffee Dubai 2026 runs through January 20, featuring the Microlot Coffee Auction, Exhibitors’ Coffee Auction, championship finals, workshops, and new industry announcements in the coming days.