Dubai – Qahwa World

The UAE’s most anticipated and inclusive coffee competition is back – and promises to be better than ever. The 2025 UAE AeroPress Championship returns for its ninth edition, bringing together competitors, café owners, industry professionals, and coffee lovers from across the Emirates in what is now considered one of the most exciting and dynamic coffee events in the region.

Building on the momentum of last year’s record-breaking success – which saw the UAE host the largest coffee competition in the world by number of competitors – the 2025 edition will celebrate the unique and evolving coffee culture of the Emirates under the theme: “A Celebration of Qahwa Qulture in the Emirates.”

This year’s theme pays tribute to the UAE’s deep-rooted coffee heritage – from traditional Arabic Qahwa brewed in a dallah to the rise of specialty coffee and modern methods like the AeroPress. The event will highlight how these traditions now coexist and shape one of the most vibrant and innovative coffee cultures in the world.

The event’s host, Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, DMCC, said: “The global coffee industry generates more than USD 200 billion each year, spanning production, trade, culture, and consumption, and supports the livelihoods of approximately 25 million farmers. As a longstanding champion of the sector, I have witnessed first-hand the opportunities it creates for producers and consumers alike. As the industry continues to expand and transform, the UAE AeroPress Championship is not only a celebration of brewing excellence; it is a platform for cultural expression and global connection. Hosting the championship at DMCC’s Almas Tower, with support from the DMCC Coffee Centre, which processed more than 7,400 metric tonnes of coffee in 2024 and has recently expanded its capacity to provide even greater market access for our members, reflects our continued commitment to advancing the sector and strengthens Dubai’s position as a global hub for coffee heritage, trade, and innovation.”

The organizer of the event and CEO of Mokha 1450, Garfield Kerr, said: “Dubai and the UAE writ large has become one of the leading specialty coffee markets and coffee destinations in the world, and I do not think this happened by chance. The long history of coffee in the UAE means that coffee is not just a daily dose of caffeine to get you through the day, but a cultural cornerstone that elevates and adds a sense of measure to a normal day. Furthermore, coffee is used to imbue importance and ceremony to significant events and social gatherings. Each household has a special recipe for “Qahwa” or “coffee”, that is closely guarded, passed down for generations, and is still referenced for the daily preparation of coffee. For this reason, there is always a very strong level of enthusiasm, passion, as well as innovation at the UAE AeroPress Championship. Accordingly, this year’s iteration, will place the cultural significance of Qahwa in the UAE on full display.”

EVENT FORMAT & DATES

For 2025, the Championship will again feature two Regional Championships followed by the National Championship, all hosted at the DMCC Almas Conference Centre, Almas Tower, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai.

REGION ONE CHAMPIONSHIP
November 6th, 2025 – 6pm onwards
Featuring: Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, and Umm Al Quwain
REGION TWO CHAMPIONSHIP
November 7th, 2025 – 6pm onwards
Featuring: Dubai, Ajman, and Fujairah
2025 NATIONAL AEROPRESS CHAMPIONSHIP
November 8th, 2025 – 6pm onwards
Featuring: 21 finalists – the top three from each Emirate

Each regional round will see 36 competitors per Emirate, highlighting the growing interest and talent across the country.

The national champion will earn the honour of representing the UAE at the 2025 World AeroPress Championship, which takes place December 5^th and 6^th, in Seoul, South Korea.

A GATHERING FOR THE ENTIRE COFFEE COMMUNITY – AND IT’S FREE TO ATTEND

More than just a competition, the UAE AeroPress Championship is a celebration of community, craftsmanship, and culture. This open and inclusive event welcomes everyone – from professional baristas to hobbyist brewers, café owners, coffee brands, and curious spectators.

Attendees will be immersed in a vibrant atmosphere filled with activations, specialty coffee tastings, AeroPress giveaways, and engaging community programming. It’s the perfect place to discover emerging coffee trends, connect with local roasters, and witness coffee excellence in action.

ABOUT THE COMPETITION

The World AeroPress Championship is the most accessible and widespread coffee competition globally, with over 175 events across more than 60 countries and 5,000+ participants annually. The format is simple, fun, and fast-paced, providing a relaxed environment where creativity and technique shine.

All competitors brew using the AeroPress with the same coffee provided by the official coffee sponsor, ensuring a level playing field that truly tests brewing skill and ingenuity.

WHAT IS AN AEROPRESS?

The AeroPress is a compact and affordable manual coffee brewing device that uses a combination of pressure and immersion to create unique coffee profiles. Invented by Alan Adler, its flexibility and ease of use have made it a favourite among baristas and home brewers alike. The first AeroPress Championship was held in 2008 and has since grown into a global phenomenon.

SPONSORS

GOLD

– Aiya

– Polpanorte

– CMI

– Bon’cafe

– Oatley

– Lohas

SILVER

– Stree F&B

– KGN

– Raw Coffee Company

– Coffee Museum

– Karam

BRONZE

– Steens

– Brewing Gadgets

– Victoria Arduino

MEDIA PARTNER

– Qahwaworld

Coffee Culture in the Emirates

2025 uae aeropress championship returns this november with a new theme celebrating “qahwa qulture”