The Emirati capital, Abu Dhabi, will host the Arab Coffee Championships from January 18 to 28, 2024. The event is organized by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, as part of the department’s efforts to celebrate the Arab coffee industry in the UAE and the region.
The Arab Coffee Championships are a part of the successful “Coffee House” initiative, which aims to document and preserve Arab coffee as a central element in Emirati culture. These championships showcase the knowledge and expertise of participants, covering traditional methods of coffee preparation and presentation.
The concept is based on extensive research conducted by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi to document and protect a key element of the cultural heritage of the United Arab Emirates. The competitions are judged by professionals and experts in Arab coffee preparation, aimed at selecting and rewarding the skilled coffee makers.
Coffee is an integral part of Arab hospitality, reflecting the traditions associated with authenticity and the heritage of the region. The preparation and presentation of Arab coffee are considered traditions of hospitality and symbols of quality and generosity. Due to its significance in Arab culture, Arab coffee was included in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2015.
Participants in the Arab Coffee Championships will have the opportunity to win a cash prize of up to AED 100,000! The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi has set December 21, 2023, as the final registration deadline for those interested in participating in the championships.
The Arab Coffee Championships include five different categories:
- SANE’ AL GAHWA CHAMPIONSHIP – LIGHT ROAST
In this category, contestants aim for the best light roast brew with pre-roasted, ground beans. During the presentation, each explains the steps, ingredients, and history. Evaluation covers knowledge of Gahwa and bean selection.
- SANE’ AL GAHWA CHAMPIONSHIP – MEDIUM/DARK ROAST
Competitors in this category strive for an optimal medium/dark roast brew using pre-roasted, ground beans. Each participant outlines the process steps, ingredients, and history. Evaluation considers Gahwa knowledge and bean preparation.
- GAHWA ROASTER AWARD – LIGHT ROAST
Participants aim to showcase the finest light-roasted beans. Expert judges conduct a blind tasting to assess the quality of beans. Criteria for evaluation focus solely on the excellence of the roast.
- GAHWA ROASTER AWARD – MEDIUM/DARK ROAST
In this category, entrants target the best medium and dark roasted beans. Expert judges perform a blind tasting for evaluation. The assessment centers around the quality and nuances of the roast.
- GAHWA BEVERAGE CONCEPT AWARD
This award honors the most creative hot or cold Gahwa-based beverage. Judges evaluate entries on ingenuity, flavor, and presentation. The focus is on innovation while maintaining the essence of Gahwa.