Dubai – Ali Alzakary

The UAE National Latte Art Championship 2026, held during the fifth edition of World of Coffee Dubai at the Dubai World Trade Centre, brought together some of the country’s most talented baristas in a showcase of creativity, precision, and technical excellence. Among them, Jhomar Morales of Benchmark Coffee claimed first place, earning the national title in one of the event’s most anticipated competitions.

In this interview, Morales reflects on the emotional moment of his win, the discipline behind his preparation, the role of teamwork, and his vision for the future of latte art and specialty coffee in the UAE.

  • How did you feel at the moment you were announced as the UAE National Latte Art Champion 2026?

In that moment, everything felt unreal. I thought about all the early mornings, the repetitive practice, the mistakes, and the sleepless nights spent thinking about how to improve each design. I felt proud—not just of winning, but of the journey I went through for this competition.

My team was always there, supporting me and helping me polish every design I prepared. Representing the UAE as the National Latte Art Champion 2026 is truly an honor. More than anything, it reminded me that hard work and belief really do show up when it matters most.

  • What does this win mean to you personally and professionally?

Personally, this win is a deep validation of the journey—of discipline and believing in myself, even during moments of doubt. It reminds me that consistency in practice pays off, and it fuels my confidence to keep pushing my limits.

Professionally, it’s a major milestone in my coffee career. It represents growth as a barista, an artist, and a competitor, and it opens the door to represent the UAE on a bigger stage. More than a title, it’s a responsibility—to inspire others in the coffee community, to keep learning, and to share knowledge.

  • What do you think was the key factor behind your success in this competition?

I believe the key factor was consistency under pressure. I trusted my preparation and the practice I did with my team, and I didn’t try to do anything different on stage. I focused on clean fundamentals, calm execution, and staying present in each pour.

Mentally, I stayed grounded by reminding myself why I started competing in the first place—to enjoy the process and express myself through latte art. That balance between solid technical preparation and a clear, calm mindset made the biggest difference.

  • How will this title impact your journey with Benchmark Coffee?

This title deepens my commitment to Benchmark Coffee. It reflects the environment, support, and high standards the team has built, and I’m proud to carry the Benchmark name with me.

Moving forward, it pushes me to give back more—by sharing competition insights and helping raise the bar in training. I see this win not just as a personal milestone, but as an opportunity to grow alongside Benchmark.

  • How do you see the future of latte art and specialty coffee in the UAE?

I see the future of latte art and specialty coffee in the UAE as incredibly exciting and dynamic. The scene here is still young compared to some established coffee cultures, which means there’s huge room for creativity, innovation, and growth.

More baristas are developing signature styles, pushing technical boundaries, and blending local influences into their work. With more competitions, workshops, and collaborations, I believe we’ll see a stronger community that supports continuous learning and excellence. The UAE has real potential to become a vibrant specialty coffee hub in the region.

  • What’s next for you after this win—are you aiming for international competitions?

What’s next for me is preparing properly for the world stage. My focus is on building a solid training structure—refining consistency under pressure, tightening my workflow, and practicing in competition-style conditions again and again.

I’m aiming to develop a style that truly represents who I am as a latte artist and where I come from. When I step onto the international stage, I want to feel prepared, grounded, and proud to represent the UAE at the highest level.

  • What advice would you give to aspiring baristas who want to compete?

Never underestimate the power of teamwork, discipline, and routine.

No one succeeds alone in competition. Build a strong team around you—coaches, peers, and mentors who will challenge you, support you, and give you honest feedback. Having people who believe in your vision makes a huge difference, especially during long preparation periods.

Discipline is what keeps you moving forward when motivation fades. Show up even on days when practice feels repetitive or frustrating. Small, consistent improvements build real confidence on stage.

Finally, create a routine and trust it. From daily practice to pre-competition habits, routines remove doubt and help calm your mind under pressure. When you step on stage, rely on your preparation and let your hands do what they’ve been trained to do.