World of Coffee Dubai 2026 concludes largest edition to date

March 18,2026 0 Rita Ghantous

World of Coffee Dubai 2026 successfully concluded its fifth edition from January 18 to 20 at Dubai World Trade Centre. Notably, the event occupied Za’abeel Halls 1, 4, 5, and 6, marking its largest footprint since its launch.

Event growth underscores global positioning

Over five years, the exhibition has, therefore, quadrupled in size, highlighting its rapid evolution into a leading global coffee platform. Moreover, organized by DXB LIVE with the Specialty Coffee Association, it connected producers, roasters, traders, and professionals worldwide.

Strong international turnout

International exhibitors represented, notably, 77% of total participation, reflecting the exhibition’s growing global credibility and increasing influence across markets. As a result, World of Coffee Dubai continues strengthening its position as the Middle East’s leading specialty coffee platform.

Industry growth reflected on show floor

Meanwhile, the event aligned with strong regional growth, as the UAE coffee market exceeds USD 3.2 billion today. Furthermore, the market is projected to grow annually at 8.4%, reaching USD 4.5 billion by 2029 across the UAE. Across the Middle East and North Africa, the market is, therefore, expected to surpass USD 11 billion within timeframe.

Education and innovation take centre stage

An expanded programme of workshops and seminars covered sourcing, roasting, brewing, sustainability, and coffee technology across multiple sessions. Consequently, these sessions reinforced Dubai’s role as a centre for innovation, professional development, and global coffee knowledge exchange.

Competitions and standout highlights

Notably, the event hosted three UAE national championships organized by the SCA UAE Chapter, showcasing talent and expertise. These included the UAE National Barista Championship, Cup Tasters Championship, and Roasting Championship, attracting strong participation from competitors regionally. Finally, highlights included the Best Coffee Design Awards, Best New Product Competition, and two auctions featuring rare coffee beans globally.

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About author

Rita Ghantous

Publication Executive

Rita Ghantous is a hospitality aficionado and a passionate writer with over 9 years’ experience in journalism and 5 years experience in the hospitality sector. Her passion for the performance arts and writing, started early. At 10 years old she was praised for her solo performance of the Beatles song “All My Love” accompanied by a guitarist, and was approached by a French talent scout during her school play. However, her love for writing was stronger. Fresh out of school, she became a freelance journalist for Noun Magazine and was awarded the Silver Award Cup for Outstanding Poetry, by The International Library of Poetry (Washington DC). She studied Business Management and earned a Masters degree from Saint Joseph University (USJ), her thesis was published in the Proche-Orient, Études en Management book. She then pursued a career in the hospitality industry but didn’t give up writing, that is why she launched the Four Points by Sheraton Le Verdun Newsletter. Her love for the industry and journalism led her to Hospitality Services - the organizers of the HORECA trade show in Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Jordan, as well as Salon Du Chocolat, Beirut Cooking Festival, Whisky Live and other regional shows. She is currently the Publications Executive of Hospitality News Middle East, Taste & Flavors and Lebanon Traveler. It is with ultimate devotion for her magazines that she demonstrates her hospitality savoir-faire.