Dubai is set to host a major event for coffee aficionados, professionals, and industry pioneers as GulfHost 2024 gears up to offer a truly immersive experience through its Coffee Experience Lab. Running from November 5th to 7th at the Dubai World Trade Centre’s Za’abeel Hall, this event will bring together some of the most influential figures in the coffee world, providing an unrivaled platform for learning, networking, and exploring the latest trends in coffee production, brewing, and business.
The Coffee Experience Lab, a key highlight of the GulfHost exhibition, aims to deepen participants’ understanding of coffee’s rich heritage and future prospects. The event will feature a diverse program that promises to take attendees on a journey through the vibrant and evolving world of coffee across regions such as Ethiopia, Vietnam, Italy, Türkiye, and Mexico.
A Star-Studded Lineup of Coffee Experts
A host of renowned coffee professionals will lead the sessions, including Sarah Aradi, owner of Al Habasha Restaurant & Café, and Medina Ilyassova, founder of Medina Coffee. Industry stalwarts like Matt Toogood, co-founder and CEO of RAW Coffee, and Antonio Nurri, CEO of Nurri Espresso, will also contribute their insights. This star-studded lineup of coffee specialists and business leaders is expected to offer attendees a deep dive into both the technical and cultural aspects of coffee.
Among the highlights will be the participation of Rasam Adabi, Head of Training & Quality Control at Coffee Market Innovations, who will provide invaluable tips on quality control and trends in coffee extraction methods. Other industry figures, such as Jerry Flores, Beverage Manager at Café Bateel, and David Barraza, Commercial Manager at Juan Valdez, will lead live demonstrations and workshops, ensuring that attendees walk away with actionable insights to enhance their craft and operations.
Exploring the Culture Behind Every Brew
This three-day event will be packed with masterclasses and interactive demonstrations that emphasize the importance of understanding the traditions behind each coffee cup. From espresso-making sessions inspired by Italy’s Neapolitan coffee culture to discussions on the significance of Arabic coffee, participants will uncover the hidden stories that shape coffee cultures worldwide.
Greek and Turkish coffee traditions will also be in the spotlight, with workshops designed to educate participants on the preparation, history, and significance of these cultural staples. The diversity of coffee cultures represented promises a rich experience for attendees, with each session delivering insights into different brewing techniques, coffee-making philosophies, and regional flavors.
Practical Skills and Future Trends
Coffee enthusiasts and professionals will have the chance to perfect their technical skills in workshops that cover a wide range of topics, including latte art, milk frothing, roasting techniques, and espresso machine mastery. Participants will also be updated on the latest technologies in the coffee industry, learning how innovations such as freeze-dried coffee production and sustainable practices are reshaping the market.
Experts like Matteo D’Ottavio, Coffee Consultant, and Cenk Girginol, Coffee Consultant & Gastronomy Author, will offer live demonstrations on advanced brewing techniques, while Ginny Tan, Category Manager at ADNOC Distribution, will highlight the importance of operational strategies that enhance both efficiency and quality in coffee businesses.
A Growing Coffee Industry
With coffee consumption on the rise and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) coffee industry projected to be worth over USD 15.26 billion by 2030, GulfHost 2024’s Coffee Experience Lab arrives at a critical time for the region’s coffee professionals. As the industry booms, this event offers a timely opportunity for café owners, baristas, and coffee business leaders to expand their knowledge and refine their skills, ensuring they remain at the forefront of the coffee revolution.
By attending, participants will also gain insights from key industry players such as Sitaram Napit, Co-Founder and CEO of The Ore Coffee, and Stavros Lamprinidis, a renowned barista and bartending consultant, who will demonstrate the importance of sustainability and innovation in today’s competitive coffee market.
GulfHost 2024’s Coffee Experience Lab promises to be a landmark event for coffee professionals looking to enrich their expertise and stay ahead in an ever-changing industry. Through workshops, live demonstrations, and masterclasses led by coffee legends, attendees will have the opportunity to elevate their craft and build valuable connections within the global coffee community.
For those passionate about coffee, this is a must-attend event that goes beyond the beans—delving into the stories, techniques, and trends that make coffee one of the world’s most beloved beverages.