World of Coffee Dubai 2026 sees Record Producer Participation and New National Pavilions

By Jenny Susan / January 7, 2026

Dubai, UAE: World of Coffee Dubai 2026 is preparing to host its most expansive and representative edition to date. Taking place from 18-20 January 2026 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, this landmark event welcomes an unprecedented roster of origins and producer organisations from across Africa, Latin America, and Asia organised by DXB LIVE in collaboration with the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA).

Record-Breaking Producer Participation

The 2026 edition will host over 76 producers, the highest number in the event’s history. This surge in participation underscores the shifting dynamics of the global coffee trade, where Middle Eastern markets are increasingly influential. At the heart of the exhibition is the Producers Village, a curated hub featuring 14 dedicated spaces where farmers, roasters, and importers can connect directly.

Key highlights of the Producer Experience: Direct Trade a dedicated meeting point for farmers and buyers to discuss terroirs and processing methods; Coffee Auctions, three daily auctions will offer access to rare micro-lots and experimental fermentation profiles previously unavailable in the region; Global Representation, participation from elite bodies such as the Specialty Coffee Association of Panama and the Instituto del Café de Costa Rica.

Economic Momentum and Market Maturation

The expansion of the event aligns with impressive export growth across major producing nations. Kenya recorded a 12% rise in export volumes in 2024, driven by high demand from Gulf-based roasters. Similarly, Ethiopia the largest producer in Africa—generated USD 2.65 billion (approx. AED 10 billion) in export revenue during the 2024/2025 fiscal year, fuelled by a regional appetite for naturally processed and honey-processed beans.

Shouq Bin Redha, Exhibition Manager, noted: “Producers are no longer viewing the Middle East as a peripheral market; they are actively shaping their export strategies around it. Dubai has become a true crossroads where sourcing strategy and business opportunity converge.”

Defining the Future of Specialty Coffee

As the region’s ecosystem matures, roasters are increasingly embracing seasonal single origins and lighter roasting styles. This evolution has encouraged producers to prioritise Dubai as their primary entry point into the wider Middle East.

“The specialty coffee community in the region has grown more sophisticated and quality-driven,” added Khalid Al Mulla, CEO of the SCA UAE Chapter. “World of Coffee Dubai 2026 captures this moment, where global origin culture and regional demand align to reshape the future of the market.”

With a record-breaking line-up and rising international momentum, the 2026 edition stands as a defining moment for operational excellence and interconnectedness within the global coffee value chain.

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