Garfield Kerr: 10 Years of Passion at the UAE AeroPress
- The 10th edition of the UAE AeroPress Championship 2026 concluded on the evening of November 14.
- It took place at Almas Tower, headquarters of the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre.
- A total of 252 competitors from all seven emirates took part under the theme “United and Strong.”
- Twenty-one finalists advanced to the national finals, three from each emirate.
- The winner represents the UAE at the World AeroPress Championship in Mexico City on December 6.
- Garfield Kerr described the event as the largest public AeroPress competition in the world.
- The first edition launched in March 2016 in Dubai’s historic Al Fahidi district.
The 10th edition of the UAE AeroPress Championship 2026 concluded on the evening of Saturday, November 14. The event took place at Almas Tower, headquarters of the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre. It marks a decade since the competition was first launched in the UAE.
In an exclusive statement to Qahwa World on the second day of the championship, Garfield Kerr, CEO of Mokha 1450, expressed pride in reaching the event’s 10th anniversary. He highlighted the enthusiasm of the UAE’s coffee community and the country’s growing position in the global coffee scene.
Pride in Reaching the 10th Anniversary
“This is the 10th anniversary of the UAE AeroPress Championship, and we are proud to be organising it. The DMCC has hosted many of the events here, and that’s important for us, to be back at the DMCC once again.”
— Garfield Kerr, CEO of Mokha 1450
Kerr added that the level of enthusiasm has driven this competition for years. It is also the reason they return every year. He noted that the venue is large and that records are set every edition.
“The Largest Public Competition in the World”
“We are such a large venue, with record numbers every year. It is the largest public competition in the world, by none other than AeroPress.”
— Garfield Kerr
Kerr stressed that the enthusiasm in the UAE cannot be replicated anywhere else in the world. He said the rest of the world comes here. He explained that this passion is part of why he believes the UAE is currently leading the world of coffee.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Edition | 10th |
| Final day | November 14, 2026 |
| Venue | Almas Tower, DMCC |
| Competitors | 252 from all seven emirates |
| National finals | 21 competitors |
| Theme | United and Strong |
| Organizer | Mokha 1450 with the World AeroPress Championship |
| Prize | Representing the UAE in Mexico City on December 6 |
Enthusiasm That Cannot Be Replicated
“The enthusiasm here in the UAE cannot be replicated anywhere else in the world. We are so enthusiastic and always passionate about this event, and that’s part of the reason why I think the UAE right now is leading the world of coffee.”
— Garfield Kerr
Kerr concluded by expressing his happiness at the 10th anniversary. He voiced his hope that the level of enthusiasm in the UAE will remain the same.
“We are very proud and excited that it’s the 10th year, and that the level of enthusiasm we see here in the UAE will hopefully stay the same.”
— Garfield Kerr
From Al Fahidi to Almas Tower
The competition first launched in March 2016 in Dubai’s historic Al Fahidi district. Over the past decade, it has grown into a major annual gathering for the country’s specialty coffee community. It brings together coffee professionals, enthusiasts, and competitors from across the seven emirates.
The national finals feature 21 finalists, the top three competitors from each emirate. The UAE champion earns the opportunity to represent the country at the World AeroPress Championship in Mexico City on December 6, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Garfield Kerr?The CEO of Mokha 1450, the Dubai-based specialty coffee chain and organiser of the UAE AeroPress Championship.
What did he say about the 10th anniversary?He expressed pride in organising the 10th edition, stressing that the UAE coffee community’s enthusiasm cannot be replicated anywhere else.
How many competitors took part in the 10th edition?252 competitors from all seven emirates, with 36 from each emirate.
Where was the championship held?At Almas Tower, headquarters of the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre, in Dubai.
What does the UAE champion win?The chance to represent the country at the World AeroPress Championship in Mexico City, Mexico, on December 6, 2026.
When did the first edition launch?In March 2016 in Dubai’s historic Al Fahidi district.
