Fifth Edition of World of Coffee Dubai Announced for 2026

By Jenny Susan / October 31, 2025

Dubai, UAE: DXB LIVE has announced the return of the World of Coffee Dubai for its fifth edition. Significantly, this premier event takes place from 18–20 January 2026 at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). The show has quadrupled in size since its debut. Therefore, it is now the region’s leading platform for coffee trade, culture, and innovation. It successfully unites the global community of producers, roasters, traders, and enthusiasts in one dynamic location.

Dubai’s Pivotal Role in the Global Coffee Market

World of Coffee Dubai has experienced remarkable growth. This success strongly mirrors the region’s dynamic coffee landscape. Organised by DXB LIVE in collaboration with the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), the event reflects Dubai’s growing influence as an international centre for commerce and knowledge exchange. Statistics indicate international participants account for approximately 77% of total exhibitors. This confirms the global coffee community’s confidence in the event.

The exhibition coincides with the continued rise of the coffee industry across the UAE. The UAE coffee market is now valued at over AED 12 billion (USD 3.2 billion). Furthermore, it expects to grow by8.4% annually. Consequently, it will reach around AED 16.5 billion (USD 4.5 billion) by 2029. Across the Middle East and North Africa, the market is projected to exceed AED 40 billion (USD 11 billion). This massive growth is driven by increasing demand for specialty coffee and greater investment in quality and sustainability.

Khalid Al Hammadi, Executive Vice President of DXB Live, affirmed that the exhibition represents the continued success that has made the UAE a global hub for the specialty coffee industry. He noted that the event reflects Dubai’s spirit of innovation and its pivotal role in shaping the future of the coffee sector.

A Curated Programme of Culture and Competition

The 2026 edition presents its most diverse and inclusive programme to date. It showcases cutting-edge products, roasting and brewing technologies, and global coffee innovations. Key highlights include three National Championships, which the Specialty Coffee Association of the UAE organises, such as the UAE National Barista Championship, the UAE National Cup Tasters Championship, and the UAE National Roasting Championship. Furthermore, the event will host two coffee auctions over two days. This gives participants the unique opportunity to acquire some of the world’s rarest and finest coffee beans. Additionally, a series of educational workshops and seminars will further enrich the programme. They promote a culture of innovation within the global coffee community. Yannis Apostolopoulos, CEO of the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), stated that World of Coffee Dubaihas become one of the leading events where the global coffee community comes together. Moereover, Khalid Al Mulla, CEO of the SCA UAE Chapter, emphasised the event’s commitment to education and knowledge exchange, proving that passion and expertise create a thriving and sustainable ecosystem.