Dubai – Qahwa World
Jhomar Morales of Benchmark Coffee has claimed first place in the UAE National Latte Art Championship during the fifth edition of World of Coffee Dubai 2026, held at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The championship recognized creativity, precision, and technical excellence in crafting milk-based coffee beverages, a highlight among the four national and international competitions featured at the event.
Morales was followed by Mark Lyster Gimeno from Heaf in second place, and Win Min Htike from Jebena Specialty Coffee in third, after rigorous evaluations based on artistic design, milk texture, coffee balance, and overall presentation.
The UAE National Latte Art Championship is part of the wider set of competitions held at World of Coffee Dubai, which also included the UAE National Barista Championship, the UAE National Roasting Championship, and the World Cezve/Ibrik Championship. At this year’s event, Adam Rubin from Benchmark Coffee was crowned UAE National Barista Champion, while Nizam Basha Luwang from Espressi was named Roaster of the Year, and Jane Espante from the UAE won the Cezve/Ibrik World Championship.
World of Coffee Dubai 2026 brought together over 2,100 exhibiting companies from 78 countries, attracting more than 20,000 visitors from across the globe. The event also celebrated innovation through awards such as the Best New Product Award, won by Sage for the Oracle Dual Boiler, and the Coffee Design Award, awarded to Coffee Market Innovations (CMI).
The exhibition confirmed strong demand for next year’s edition, with 50% of the space already booked and several countries, including Brazil, announcing an increase in their national pavilion areas.
Jhomar Morales’ victory underscores the growing expertise and creativity of UAE-based baristas in the global specialty coffee scene, reflecting Dubai’s emerging position as a hub for coffee excellence and innovation.
World of Coffee Dubai 2027 is scheduled to take place from 26–28 January 2027 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
