Dubai – Qahwa World

In a move that reinforces Dubai’s position as a global center of gravity in the coffee economy, the city is preparing to host World of Coffee Dubai 2026, an event that seeks to outline a new chapter in the history of the industry, shifting coffee from a traditional commodity trade to a knowledge- and innovation-driven sector.

  • A Journey of Quality Through Time

The exhibition’s vision is grounded in the historical progression that shaped today’s coffee culture, while correcting misconceptions and offering authoritative reference content:

The Era of Mass Production (1890–1960):
This period was dominated by “coffee for the masses,” with the focus placed on volume and ease of preparation at the expense of quality.

The Emergence of Specialization (1960–1990):
The early signs of a shift toward higher quality appeared in the 1960s, a movement that led to the official emergence of the term “specialty coffee” in the 1970s. This era marked a growing global focus on origin, quality, and roasting methods.

The Age of Craft and Sustainability (2000–Present):
Today, the industry has entered a professional and mature phase, where coffee has become a social experience supported by technology, alongside an intensified focus on transparency and sustainability.

  • Figures and Ambitions

The fifth edition of the exhibition will take place from 18 to 20 January 2026 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. What began with just 3,000 visitors has grown into an event attracting more than 17,000 visitors and 450 international exhibitors, positioning it as the primary gateway to the regional coffee market, which is projected to reach revenues of USD 38 billion by 2030.

  • Participation Opportunities and Activities

The exhibition offers a range of opportunities for professionals, including:

Roasters Village: A dedicated area for small roasteries to showcase their products directly (AED 9,000).

Brewing Zone and Cupping Rooms: Professional platforms that enable the tasting and evaluation of rare coffees by industry experts.

Innovation Awards and Coffee Auctions: Activities that celebrate creativity and bring exporters and buyers together in a dynamic setting.

“Be a Speaker” Program: A knowledge-sharing platform that allows experts to present their insights on the future of the industry and the impact of technology and artificial intelligence.

An Invitation to Regional Cafés

The exhibition invites cafés across the region to join the World of Coffee Café Network, benefiting from direct sourcing opportunities and professional networking with more than 1,980 brands from 130 countries.

World of Coffee Dubai 2026 is not merely a trade event; it is a global platform that brings farmers together with roasters, investors with baristas, collectively shaping the future of the global coffee landscape from the heart of Dubai.