Ali Thahlek: A Passion for Coffee Produces 4 Tons Monthly
In May 2020, Emirati entrepreneur Ali Thahlek launched his ambitious project “Falcon Coffee Roasters” from the heart of Dubai, aiming to establish a distinctive brand in the field of specialty coffee and deliver it to homes and cafes. Thahlek, who holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration, explained that his passion for coffee and his experiences traveling around the world were the main drivers behind the launch of this project, which aligns with the rapid growth of the specialty coffee market in the UAE.
In an interview with “Al Bayan,” Thahlek noted that his passion for different types of coffee and his growing expertise in the field led him to establish a project that meets the increasing demand for “Arabica” specialty coffee, which has gained significant popularity in the local market. He confirmed that the project received support from the Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for SME Development, which provided him with several facilities, including issuing a commercial license at reduced costs, guidance, training courses, and a database of local suppliers.
Thahlek chose Nad Al Hamar in Dubai as the location for the company’s headquarters and its primary roastery, which currently produces between 3 and 4 tons of roasted coffee monthly. He also plans to expand production through a larger roastery in the future while continuing to focus on product quality to meet growing demand.
Thahlek pointed out that the company offers more than 16 different types of coffee with various flavors and styles, in addition to accessories and equipment for coffee preparation, such as manual roasters, coffee scales, and heating tools. The company’s services reach all Emirates, with demand split equally between homes and cafes.
Despite the challenges of launching the project during the exceptional circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic, Thahlek succeeded in turning these challenges into growth opportunities. The increased interest in high-quality coffee for home preparation during the lockdown fueled the company’s growth. He now aims to expand within the UAE and into Gulf countries, focusing on delivering high-quality products that meet the expectations of increasingly knowledgeable coffee enthusiasts.
In conclusion, Thahlek encouraged new entrepreneurs to be bold in transforming their ideas into real-world projects, highlighting the importance of learning from experiences and mistakes to achieve growth and success.
