World of Coffee Dubai to Host the 2026 Cezve/Ibrik Championship
Dubai – Qahwa World
The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) has officially announced that World of Coffee Dubai 2026 will host the 2026 Cezve/Ibrik Championship (CIC)—marking the first stage of the 2026 World Coffee Championships (WCC) season.
The competition will take place January 18–20, 2026 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, coinciding with what is expected to be the largest edition of World of Coffee Dubai to date.
Produced by DXB Live in collaboration with the SCA UAE Chapter, World of Coffee Dubai has rapidly become the Middle East’s leading coffee trade event since its launch in 2022. The show continues to unite producers, roasters, manufacturers, and coffee professionals from around the globe — highlighting Dubai’s growing role as a bridge between coffee cultures of the East and the West.
The Cezve/Ibrik Championship pays homage to one of the world’s oldest brewing traditions. The cezve, also known as an ibrik, is a small long-handled pot traditionally made from copper, brass, or ceramic, used for centuries across Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. Competitors in this event bring cultural expression and personal artistry to their performances, reimagining this ancient brewing method in a modern competitive setting.
Hosting this championship in Dubai is especially symbolic. The city’s deep cultural ties to traditional coffee preparation, combined with its reputation as a global hub for innovation and trade, make it a fitting venue for a competition that blends heritage with creativity.
Khalid Al Mulla, National Coordinator of the UAE Coffee Championships, stated: “We are truly honored to welcome the Cezve/Ibrik Championship to Dubai. This event represents more than competition — it’s a celebration of tradition, craftsmanship, and cultural connection. Bringing it to the UAE reinforces Dubai’s position as a bridge between the coffee cultures of the East and the West.”
The SCA has also released the 2026 CIC Rules and Regulations, including updated rules documents, summaries of changes, scoresheets, and an appeals form, all available at wcc.coffee/rules-regulations
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The World Coffee Championships serve as a platform for global coffee professionals to showcase their craft, share knowledge, and inspire future generations of baristas, brewers, tasters, and roasters. Dubai’s inclusion as the first host city of the 2026 season further strengthens its status as a world-class coffee destination.
2026 World Coffee Championships Calendar
Dubai World Coffee Championships
January 18–20, 2026 | World of Coffee Dubai, Dubai World Trade Centre, UAE
Featuring the Cezve/Ibrik Championship
San Diego World Coffee Championships
April 10–12, 2026 | World of Coffee San Diego, USA
Featuring the World Latte Art Championship
Bangkok World Coffee Championships
May 7–9, 2026 | World of Coffee Bangkok, Thailand
Featuring the World Cup Tasters Championship
Brussels World Coffee Championships
June 25–27, 2026 | World of Coffee Brussels, Belgium
Featuring the World Brewers Cup, World Coffee Roasting Championship, and World Coffee in Good Spirits Championship
Panama City World Coffee Championships
October 22–25, 2026 | World of Coffee Panama, Panama Convention Center
Featuring the World Barista Championship
