Dubai, 15 September 2025 (Qahwa World) – The Middle East has welcomed a new chapter in coffee education with the launch of the first edition of Youth Academy Middle East 2025, held in Dubai and organized by Simonelli Group. This pioneering program provides six young coffee talents with full scholarships to attend the prestigious SCA Coffee Skills Program, giving them the opportunity to build professional careers in the global coffee industry.
The inaugural edition began at the Simonelli Group Middle East Experience Lab, where participants embarked on their training under the guidance of SCA-certified trainers. The program blends theory with practice, offering young baristas and coffee enthusiasts a chance to deepen their knowledge and discover new perspectives on coffee.
The Scholarship Winners
Among the six winners are young professionals whose passion and dreams reflect the diverse paths coffee can inspire:
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Hnin Kha Nady (22 years old), a barista who hopes to inspire others through her craft: “Eventually I want to share my passion by creating unique coffee experiences for others.”
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Mark Mwangi Mungai, a Kenyan barista, fascinated by both tradition and innovation: “The slowly emerging trends with AI and modern technology show how coffee, which has been here for ages, is adapting to new times.”
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Amritha Varsha PR, an engineer-turned-coffee explorer: “For me, learning is exciting, but re-learning is like a second brew—often richer and clearer.”
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Brenzen Labarete, Senior Barista, Brand Ambassador, and Middle East Barista of the Year 2023: “I look forward to connecting with people who share the same passion, exchange ideas, and be inspired to take my craft to the next level.”
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Mohamed Alameeri, who describes himself as a “normal coffee guy” driven by curiosity: “The endless amount of information in the coffee world fascinates me. No matter how much you know, there is always more to learn.”
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Donna Santianez, a passionate barista dreaming of opening her own café: “My dream is to become a professional barista and, one day, to have my own coffee shop.”
A Future Built on Passion
With their unique stories, ambitions, and dedication, these six young talents embody the essence of the Youth Academy—transforming passion into knowledge and knowledge into opportunity. Their journey marks not only a personal milestone but also a promising step for the future of coffee in the Middle East.
As the Youth Academy Middle East continues, the energy, curiosity, and commitment of its first participants highlight the growing importance of education and innovation in shaping the next generation of coffee professionals.
