Dubai – Qahwa World
Dubai has successfully solidified its position as a leading regional hub for coffee re-exports, with the value of its operations in this sector exceeding AED 3.5 billion in 2024. This robust performance is driven by strategic investments across the value chain, including advanced storage warehouses, cupping labs, quality control centers, and specialized trading platforms that have streamlined the flow of green coffee throughout the region.
Simultaneously, the UAE continues to lead the sector’s transformation, with the national coffee market value surpassing AED 12 billion (approximately $3.2 billion). Reinforcing this role, the Dubai World Trade Centre is preparing to host the fifth edition of the “World of Coffee Dubai” exhibition from January 18 to 20, 2026, amid the city’s growing status as one of the world’s most diverse and coffee-dense urban hubs.
Regionally, North Africa and Levant markets have seen remarkable growth; coffee consumption in Egypt has doubled over the past five years, while Morocco’s coffee imports rose by 23% in 2024. A youthful demographic, with those under 35 representing over 60% of the population, has fueled an 11% growth in the branded coffee shop sector, where coffee is embraced as a modern lifestyle and cultural experience.
Khalid Al Mulla, Chairman of the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) UAE Chapter, emphasized that this growth reflects infrastructure development across the entire value chain, beyond just consumption. Furthermore, Shouq Bin Redha, Exhibition Director of World of Coffee Dubai, noted that a new generation of entrepreneurs and producers is driving innovation and sustainability, ensuring long-term growth for the industry.
