Author: Qahwa World

MICE 2026 Reveals Exhibitor Line-Up in Melbourne

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Melbourne – Qahwa World

The Melbourne International Coffee Expo (MICE) has officially revealed its exhibitor line-up for 2026, offering industry professionals an early look at what to expect when the event takes place from 26–28 March 2026 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Recognised as one of the leading trade exhibitions for the global coffee and hospitality sectors, MICE continues to serve as a key meeting point for roasters, café operators, equipment manufacturers, and suppliers from around the world.

With the exhibitor directory now live, attendees can begin planning their visit and identifying the brands, technologies, and solutions most relevant to their business needs. The show floor will feature a broad mix of coffee roasters, machinery specialists, ingredient suppliers, and service providers, creating a comprehensive showcase of the industry.

The strength of the event is further reflected in its sponsor and partner support, which highlights the expo’s ongoing relevance within the international coffee community. Backing from established brands and industry organisations reinforces MICE’s role in showcasing current trends and future direction across coffee and hospitality.

Across the exhibition space, visitors will have the opportunity to engage directly with equipment manufacturers, grinder specialists, milk and ingredient suppliers, and packaging and technology providers. This face-to-face interaction allows businesses to evaluate options efficiently and make informed decisions with confidence.

The 2026 edition will once again feature hands-on demonstrations of brewing equipment and café workflow solutions, alongside curated areas dedicated to coffee tasting and roasting. These platforms enable attendees to compare products, explore sourcing conversations, and better understand performance across espresso and milk-based beverages.

In addition to product discovery, MICE 2026 brings together suppliers focused on sustainability, automation, packaging, and digital systems designed to support café and roastery operations. The event offers a practical environment for operators seeking solutions that improve efficiency and scalability.

With a focus on quality presentations, clear navigation, and meaningful engagement, MICE 2026 aims to deliver strong commercial value for attendees. As the exhibitor line-up is confirmed, industry professionals are encouraged to plan their visit early to maximise opportunities across the three-day event.

MICE 2026 is set to deliver insight, connection, and business-focused outcomes for the global coffee community.

World of Coffee Dubai 2026 concludes its fifth edition with a record 20,000 visits

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  • 50% of the exhibition space for the sixth edition next year has already been booked
  • Brazil and other countries have announced an increase in their national pavilion spaces for the next edition
  • Results of the three live auctions announced
  • Winners honoured in the four championship categories, Best New Product, and Best Design Award
  • Jean Espanti from the United Arab Emirates crowned champion of the Cezve/Ibrik World Championship
  • Adam Rubin from Benchmark Coffee named Best Barista in the UAE
  • Jomar Morales from Benchmark Coffee takes first place in the Latte Art Championship
  • Nizam Basha Luwang from Espressi named Roaster of the Year
  • Sage wins the Best New Product Award
  • Coffee Market Innovations (CMI) wins the Best Design Award

Dubai – Qahwa World

World of Coffee Dubai 2026 concluded yesterday at the Dubai World Trade Centre, announcing the winners of the local and international championships and competitions, as well as the results of the auctions held on the first and third days. The fifth edition of the exhibition was a remarkable success, recording over 20,000 visits from specialty coffee professionals across more than 80 countries., reflecting the continued growth of international attendance and global participation, and reinforcing Dubai’s position as a leading hub for the specialty coffee industry.

The fifth edition also witnessed the signing of a three-year partnership agreement to organise the Bahrain Coffee Festival between DXB LIVE, the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA), and Exhibition World Bahrain (EWB). The festival’s inaugural edition achieved strong success, positioning it as a platform that combines trade and consumer-focused activities, including workshops, live coffee preparation, championships, and interactive experiences, with the aim of engaging a wider community of coffee enthusiasts, families, and the general public. The opening day also saw the signing of a five-year partnership agreement between World of Coffee Dubai and the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), extending the collaboration through 2031.

As the 2026 edition ended yesterday evening, DXB LIVE, the integrated event management and experiential agency of the Dubai World Trade Centre and organiser of the event, confirmed strong demand for exhibition space in the next edition. 50% of the exhibition space for the sixth edition of World of Coffee Dubai 2027 has already been booked. The next edition is scheduled to take place from 26–28 January 2027 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

The final day marked the conclusion of four championship competitions, including three UAE national titles and the World Cezve/Ibrik Championship, recognising technical excellence, consistency, and performance under internationally recognised standards.

In the UAE National Barista Championship, Adam Ruben (Benchmark Coffee) was crowned National Champion, with Nooran Albannay (Coffee Architecture) securing second place and Serkan Sagsoz (Julith Coffee) placing third, following assessments across espresso, milk-based beverages, and signature drinks.

The UAE National Latte Art Championship recognised excellence in creativity, control, and technical precision, with Jhomar Morales (Benchmark) taking first place, followed by Mark Lyster Gimeno (Heaf) and Win Min Htike (Jebena Specialty Coffee) in second and third positions respectively.

The UAE National Roasting Championship concluded with Nizam Pasha Lolowang (Espressi) awarded first place, with Ajeyudu Pathuri (Brewing Gadgets) securing second place and Raha Shahsavar (Crack Coffee Roastery)placing third, recognising excellence in roast development, flavour profiling, and consistency.

At the international level, the World Cezve/Ibrik Championship crowned Jane Espante (United Arab Emirates) as the 2026 champion, followed by Angel Kotsifakis (Greece) in second place and Waël Hachem (France) in third. The championship celebrates one of the world’s oldest coffee brewing traditions through contemporary specialty coffee standards.

Innovation and creativity were celebrated through the event’s awards programme. The Best New Product Award was presented to Sage for The Oracle Dual Boiler, recognising innovation in coffee equipment and brewing technology. The Coffee Design Award was awarded to Coffee Market Innovations (CMI), celebrating excellence in stand design, creativity, and brand presentation on the exhibition floor.

Key commercial results were confirmed through the Dubai Coffee Auction programme, with the Dubai Coffee Equipment Auction on Day One and the Exhibitors’ Coffee Auction on Day Three, organised by DXB LIVE with DMCC, delivering major milestones including a Bolivian coffee reaching USD 386 per kilogram (the origin’s second highest price on record), the first ever continental U.S. coffee offered at auction setting a new price benchmark, and a record diversity of 13 origins represented in a single auction, reinforcing World of Coffee Dubai’s role as a transparent, trade driven marketplace for global buyers and producers.

Commenting on the fifth edition, Khalid Al Hammadi, Executive Vice President of DXB LIVE, said: “World of Coffee Dubai has firmly established itself as a platform where the specialty coffee industry comes together to celebrate excellence, exchange knowledge, and conduct meaningful business. The remarkable growth in visitor numbers, along with the strong early demand for exhibition space for the 2027 edition, reflects the role of both Dubai and the event as a hub connecting markets, talent, and opportunities.”

Over the course of three days, World of Coffee Dubai 2026 brought together more than 2,100 exhibiting companies and brands from 78 countries, serving as a key meeting point for producers, roasters, manufacturers, buyers, and decision-makers across all stages of the specialty coffee value chain. The final day shifted the focus from engagement to recognition, with a formal celebration of professional excellence, innovation, and achievements within the sector.

As World of Coffee Dubai 2026 concludes, the fifth edition stands as its largest and most internationally diverse to date, underscoring Dubai’s growing influence as a global hub for specialty coffee trade, professional excellence, and innovation.

About World of Coffee Dubai

World of Coffee Dubai (WOC Dubai) is the premier coffee trade show for exhibitors and visitors looking to break into the Middle East’s burgeoning coffee industry. The event showcases popular features like the Roaster Village, engaging lectures, the Cupping Room, the SCA UAE National Championships, the Coffee Design Awards, the Best New Display Product Competition, Brew Bar, and the SCA Community Lounge, where buyers and sellers come together to reconnect and establish new business relationships. The exhibition welcomes local, regional, and global professionals in the coffee industry including producers, manufacturers, traders, farmers, international experts, distributors, small and medium companies, coffee shops, roasters, hotels, and coffee enthusiasts from around the world.

About SCA

The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) is the world’s largest nonprofit, membership-based trade association in the coffee industry. Representing thousands of coffee professionals globally from producers to baristas, the organization is built on foundations of openness, inclusivity, and the power of shared knowledge, fostering an international coffee community to make specialty coffee a thriving, equitable, and sustainable activity for the entire value chain. From coffee farmers to baristas and roasters, our membership spans the globe, encompassing every element of the coffee value chain. The SCA acts as a unifying force within the specialty coffee industry and works to make coffee better by raising standards worldwide through a collaborative and progressive approach.

About DXB LIVE

DXB LIVE, the premier event management and experiential agency of Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) offers a comprehensive range of services, providing innovative solutions for all types of events and experiences both within the UAE and internationally. Over the years, DXB LIVE has successfully created a fully integrated and globally recognized experiential environment, driven by its state-of-the-art in-house production facilities and advanced technical expertise. The team covers strategic concept

Jhomar Morales Crowned Champion of the UAE National Latte Art Championship 2026

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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.

Nizam Pasha Lolowang Crowned UAE Roaster of the Year 2026

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Dubai – Qahwa World

Nizam Pasha Lolowang of Espressi has been crowned Roaster of the Year after winning first place in the UAE National Roasting Championship, held as part of World of Coffee Dubai 2026 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

The title was awarded in recognition of Luwang’s outstanding performance in roast development, flavour profiling, and consistency, assessed under internationally recognised Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) standards. The championship highlighted technical excellence, precision, and quality across all stages of the roasting process.

Luwang secured first place ahead of Ajeyudu Pathuri of Brewing Gadgets, who finished second, while Raha Shahsavar of Crack Coffee Roastery claimed third place.

The UAE National Roasting Championship was one of four major local and international competitions concluded during the fifth edition of World of Coffee Dubai, which welcomed more than 20,000 visits from specialty coffee professionals representing over 80 countries, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a leading global hub for specialty coffee.

The championship forms part of World of Coffee Dubai’s commitment to advancing professional standards and celebrating excellence within the specialty coffee industry, providing a competitive platform for emerging and established roasting talent in the region.

World of Coffee Dubai 2026 concluded its most internationally diverse edition to date and will return to the Dubai World Trade Centre from 26–28 January 2027.

Frederick Adam Rubin Crowned Best Barista in the UAE 2026

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Dubai – Qahwa World

Frederick Adam Rubin from Benchmark Coffee has been named the Best Barista in the United Arab Emirates, following a highly competitive national championship held as part of World of Coffee Dubai 2026. The fifth edition of the exhibition concluded yesterday at the Dubai World Trade Centre, attracting more than 20,000 visitors from over 80 countries.

Rubin’s victory came after a rigorous evaluation process assessing espresso preparation, milk-based beverages, and signature drinks. Nooran Albannay of Coffee Architecture secured second place, while Serkan Sagsoz of Julith Coffee claimed third place.

The UAE National Barista Championship is part of a series of competitions held during the exhibition, which also included the UAE Latte Art Championship, the UAE Roasting Championship, and the international Cezve/Ibrik World Championship. These competitions recognize technical excellence, creativity, and consistency in specialty coffee preparation.

World of Coffee Dubai 2026 also celebrated innovation and design through awards such as Best New Product, won by Sage, and the Coffee Design Award, won by Coffee Market Innovations. In addition, the event hosted three live coffee auctions, setting new price benchmarks and showcasing the diversity of coffee origins available on the global market.

Adam Rubin’s achievement highlights the growing talent within the UAE’s specialty coffee sector and underscores Dubai’s position as a hub for professional excellence, innovation, and trade in the global coffee industry.

Grand Mercure Business Bay Opens in Dubai Under Gulf Hotels Group

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Dubai – Qahwa World

Grand Mercure Business Bay has officially opened its doors in Dubai, marking a new identity for the former Gulf Court Business Bay Hotel, owned and managed by the Gulf Hotels Group (GHG) under the Grand Mercure brand, through a franchise agreement with Accor Group. This launch represents a significant milestone in the hotel’s journey, shaped by Grand Mercure’s unique approach to hospitality, celebrating the beauty of the location while offering the highest standards of luxury and rich cultural experiences that reflect authentic hospitality.

The hotel adheres to world-class hospitality standards and aligns with the character of its vibrant location, showcasing the brand’s philosophy of highlighting local charm through thoughtful details, genuine hospitality, and premium services. The new identity combines modern Dubai vibes with the essence and authenticity of the Business Bay district. Gulf Hotels Group continues to operate the property, leveraging its extensive operational experience, Accor’s strong global presence, loyalty programs, and booking and communication platforms.

Strategically located on Sheikh Zayed Road next to Marasi Drive, in the heart of Business Bay, the hotel is just eight minutes away from Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and the city’s key exhibition and business hubs.

The hotel features 270 renovated rooms and suites designed for maximum comfort while preserving the property’s unique character. It also offers four versatile meeting rooms accommodating up to 90 guests, a business lounge, five restaurants, and recreational facilities. Among its highlights is Mediterranean Muse, inspired by the cuisines of the Mediterranean region, set to open in the first quarter of 2026. Guests can also enjoy an outdoor pool terrace overlooking the Business Bay skyline, offering a peaceful retreat for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Ahmed Janahi, CEO of Gulf Hotels Group, said: “This partnership with Accor represents a strategic step reflecting our shared vision to elevate hospitality experiences. Joining the Grand Mercure brand, alongside our continued management of the hotel, strengthens its position in Dubai’s competitive market. It allows us to benefit from Accor’s prestigious brand and global reach through booking and loyalty platforms, meeting guest expectations, enhancing loyalty, and reflecting Gulf Hotels Group’s ongoing commitment to excellence and innovation in hospitality.”

Raki Phillips, Regional President of Accor’s Midscale, Premium, and Economy Hotels in the Middle East, Africa, and Turkey, added:

“Grand Mercure Business Bay is a notable addition to Accor’s portfolio of premium hotels in the UAE. The brand’s philosophy centers on the stories and essence of its destinations, perfectly embodied by this hotel. Our partnership with Gulf Hotels Group merges local heritage, elegant design, and trusted standards sought by Accor guests. We look forward to welcoming guests to a hotel that reflects Dubai’s identity while providing a fresh and inspiring experience.”

The launch aligns with Gulf Hotels Group’s broader strategy to expand its international portfolio through franchise agreements with leading global brands. It also strengthens the hotel’s position in Business Bay, adding value to the hospitality sector by offering visitors, leisure, and business travelers experiences that reflect refined hospitality, cultural richness, and genuine engagement, particularly as Business Bay continues to grow as one of Dubai’s most dynamic districts. This approach is in line with Accor’s regional vision of delivering culturally distinctive hotels and unique experiences across key destinations in the Middle East.

To celebrate the opening, members of the Accor ALL program will earn four times the reward points on bookings made between February 16 and April 12, 2026, for stays between February 16 and August 9, 2026. Members also enjoy exclusive benefits, including discounts, complimentary upgrades, late check-out, and points redeemable at Accor hotels worldwide.

Jane Espante: Cezve Is a Trust and Winning a Responsibility

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Dubai – Ali Al zakary

Fresh from being crowned 2026 World Cezve/Ibrik Champion, Jane Espante spoke to Qahwa World in her first interview following the historic win. The championship, the first World Coffee Championship of the year, was held as part of World of Coffee Dubai.

Representing the United Arab Emirates, Espante claimed the title after a strong final-round performance in a competition hosted in Dubai for the first time in its history. Her victory reaffirmed that one of coffee’s oldest brewing methods remains fully capable of expressing the present and shaping the future—when approached with respect and authenticity.

Asked what winning the 2026 World Cezve/Ibrik Championship meant to her, Espante’s answer was clear and direct.
“It means trust,” she said, explaining that cezve is the oldest coffee brewing method and one that shaped the coffee culture we know today—from brewing techniques to the idea of gathering around a shared cup. “Holding this title is a great honor because it allows me to respect this heritage and continue carrying it forward. This win confirmed to me that patience and sincere intention still matter in today’s coffee world.”

Reflecting on the moment her name was announced, Espante described the feeling as surreal. “I thought about the hours of training, the mistakes, and everyone who believed in me and supported me. My team gave their time, effort, and dedication to reach this moment. This win is for them.”

Jane Espante to Qahwa World: Cezve Is a Trust and Winning a Responsibility

On balancing tradition with her own creative identity, Espante said she viewed tradition as a foundation rather than a limitation. “I stayed true to the core techniques, then expressed my story through flavor, pacing, and presentation—without compromising the soul of cezve coffee.”

Speaking about representing the UAE and winning on home ground in Dubai, she said the moment was deeply meaningful. “The UAE gave me the space to grow, learn, and dream bigger. Winning here feels like giving something back to the place that shaped my professional journey.”

As for the impact of the title on her future, Espante emphasized the responsibility that comes with it. “I want to teach more, share knowledge, and show that traditional coffee is not just part of the past—it has a real place in the future of the industry.”

She concluded with a message to future competitors: “Respect the craft, but don’t erase yourself. Learn the rules deeply, then let your story guide how you present them. Honesty is always felt in the cup.”

World of Coffee Dubai 2026 Concludes with Record Engagement

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Dubai – Qahwa World

The fifth edition of World of Coffee Dubai 2026 concluded today at the Dubai World Trade Centre, closing a dynamic three-day programme focused on trade, professional learning, and origin engagement. Organised by DXB LIVE in partnership with the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), the event reinforced its role as a global hub for the specialty coffee industry.

Following a record-breaking opening day, Day Two sustained high engagement across Za’abeel Halls 1, 4, 5, and 6. Producers, roasters, buyers, and suppliers participated in business meetings, live cuppings, technical demonstrations, and networking sessions throughout the exhibition floor.

A key highlight was the World Class Auction, part of the Dubai Coffee Auction programme curated with M-Cultivo. Buyers sampled and bid on high-quality, traceable coffees in real-time, with the top lot—a Natural Geisha—selling for $3,075 per kilogram, reflecting the premium placed on exceptional origin coffees.

The Producer Panel showcased dialogues between origin representatives and industry stakeholders, exploring market access, value creation, and evolving producer–buyer relationships. Discussions emphasized sustainability, transparency, and long-term partnerships as central to the specialty coffee value chain.

Competitive programmes also drew attention. The Roasting Championship advanced into its technical evaluation phase, while the Cezve/Ibrik Championships 2026 celebrated traditional brewing methods through a modern specialty coffee lens.

Exhibitors praised the commercial impact of the event. Sanjeev Dinesh Fernando from Alpro said participation generated strong business leads, while Mohamed Alhammadi, Co-Owner of Tajer Coffee, described their first-time presence and sponsorship as exceeding expectations.

Reflecting on the event, Shouq Bin Redha, Exhibition Manager of World of Coffee Dubai, said:
“World of Coffee Dubai functions as a working marketplace for the specialty coffee sector. From live auctions and producer dialogues to championship progression and educational sessions, the programme delivers practical exchange and quality-driven trade outcomes.”

World of Coffee Dubai 2026 concluded with the final Exhibitors’ Coffee Auction, championship awards, and ongoing educational sessions, leaving participants inspired and connected as the region’s premier specialty coffee event.

For more information, registration, and the full programme, visit: www.worldofcoffeedubai.com.

France Brings 110 Brands to “Gulfood 2026” Across Two Dubai

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Dubai – Qahwa World

Business France, the French national agency for international economic development, announced its largest-ever participation at Gulfood 2026, featuring 110 French brands across four pavilions under the “Taste France” banner.

This year, the exhibition is held at two main venues: Dubai World Trade Centre and Expo Dubai, with French participants showcasing a wide range of food and beverage products, including dairy, meat, poultry, seafood, beverages, and international food specialties.

  • French Participation by Venue:

Expo Dubai – Global Foods Platform 8-80: 67 companies

Dubai World Trade Centre: 43 companies, organized by sector:

Dairy: Sheikh Rashid Hall, Stand R-H47

Meat, poultry, seafood: Sheikh Saeed Halls, Hall 3

Beverages: Za’abeel 5 Hall, Stand Z5-J21

The French pavilions focus on four key sectors and feature new launches and exclusive innovations, including packaging and portion sizes suited to fast-paced lifestyles, health-oriented products, and premium items combining taste and functional benefits.

Commenting on the participation, Axel Barrau, General Manager of Business France in the Middle East, said:
“Gulfood 2026 provides a strategic opportunity to showcase France’s strengths in agri-food, highlighting products that meet the evolving needs of the regional market, with a focus on quality, sustainability, and innovation.”

  • UAE Market Context:

The UAE imports approximately 85% of its food needs, valued at over €21.4 billion in 2024, with rising demand for ready-to-eat meals, premium and functional foods, certified organic and plant-based products, and e-commerce-friendly items.

  • Visitor Experience at the French Pavilion:

Visitors can access live cooking demonstrations, interactive tastings, and artisanal coffee and tea sessions, alongside products tailored to practical consumer needs in the region.

  • Business France Digital Marketplace:

The platform connects global buyers with over 2,800 certified French suppliers and more than 28,000 products. Around 350 regional buyers have already joined, supporting long-term business partnerships.

  • About Business France:

Business France is a French government agency promoting exports and foreign investment in France. It manages the international internship program V.I.E and operates a global network in 55 countries. In 2024, it contributed to €1.8 billion in additional exports for French SMEs and mid-sized companies and supported the creation or maintenance of over 31,010 jobs.

Jane Espante Crowned 2026 World Cezve/Ibrik Champion in Dubai

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Dubai – Qahwa World

Jane Espante of the United Arab Emirates has been named the 2026 Cezve/Ibrik Champion following the conclusion of competition in Dubai. The title was officially revealed on January 20, 2026, during a live ceremony on the World of Coffee Dubai stage, launching the 2026 World Coffee Championships season.

The championship took place from January 18 to 20, 2026, as part of the Dubai World Coffee Championships, where finalists demonstrated mastery of one of coffee’s most historic brewing methods. Espante secured first place after a strong final-round performance, earning top honors in the opening championship event of the year.

Held during the largest-ever edition of World of Coffee Dubai, the Cezve/Ibrik Championship highlights a brewing tradition that spans centuries. Using the traditional cezve—also called an ibrik—competitors draw from techniques rooted in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa, blending precision, sensory quality, and cultural storytelling in their routines.

World of Coffee Dubai is produced by DXB Live in collaboration with the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA). The event continues to grow as a major international gathering for specialty coffee professionals, reflecting the Middle East’s expanding influence within the global coffee sector. Hosting the championship in Dubai underscores the city’s connection to coffee heritage while reinforcing its role as a center for innovation, trade, and cultural exchange.

Khalid Al Mulla, National Coordinator of the UAE Coffee Championships, praised the competitors, noting that the event showcases the craftsmanship and cultural depth behind cezve coffee. He highlighted the dedication and respect for tradition demonstrated throughout the competition and congratulated the winners for preserving this historic brewing style.

Final Results – 2026 Cezve/Ibrik Championship

1st Place: Jane Espante (United Arab Emirates)

2nd Place: Angel Kotsifakis (Greece)

3rd Place: Wael Hachem (France)

The Dubai World Coffee Championships continue to support the broader mission of the World Coffee Championships by fostering collaboration, education, and innovation, while offering coffee professionals a global platform to share their skills and inspire future leaders in the industry.

Complete rankings and full performance replays are available through official World Coffee Championships media channels.

Mokha 1450 Launches Rare Cuban Coffee in Dubai for the First Time

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Dubai – Qahwa World

Year after year, Mokha 1450 continues to reinforce its distinctive annual tradition of celebrating innovation and achievement, while honoring the creators behind them—its exceptional team. As a leading name in the luxury specialty coffee sector in Dubai and the UAE, the brand remains committed to showcasing excellence at every level.

This annual celebration traditionally takes place on the sidelines of the World of Coffee Dubai exhibition, bringing together an elite group of industry leaders, including farmers, producers, traders, coffee professionals, and coffee enthusiasts from around the world. Beyond recognizing the team’s efforts, the event also marks the launch of a rare and prestigious specialty coffee edition each year.

This year, Mokha 1450 unveiled its latest limited release: the rare Cuban coffee “Extra Turquino Lavado,” considered one of the finest and rarest coffees in Cuba. The coffee originates from the Nipe–Sagua–Baracoa region, a globally recognized biodiversity hotspot and a UNESCO World Heritage Site listed as the “Archaeological Landscape of the First Coffee Plantations in the Southeast of Cuba.”

  • Unprecedented Attendance

This year’s celebration stood out for its unprecedented attendance, both in scale and caliber. The event welcomed senior officials, entrepreneurs, and leading figures from the global coffee industry, alongside coffee lovers and members of the Dubai and UAE community.

In his keynote address, Mr. Garfield Kerr, CEO of Mokha 1450, welcomed guests and described the event as exceptional, marking a significant transitional phase in the brand’s journey.

Kerr began by congratulating Mr. Andrew Tully on his appointment as President of the Specialty Coffee Association and welcomed a former SCA president, thanking both for their presence and support.

He stated: “The World of Coffee exhibition has been truly outstanding. If you’ve enjoyed this exceptional organization, the credit goes to Mr. Khaled Al Mulla, Chairman of the Specialty Coffee Association UAE. Much of the hard work happens behind the scenes, and that effort is the key to this event’s success.”

He added a special note of thanks to Mr. Andres, saying: “While everything looks perfect upon arrival, there are major challenges behind the scenes. Thanks to Khaled and Andres, everything comes together seamlessly in the end.”

Kerr emphasized that Mokha 1450’s message this year was also directed at newcomers to the coffee industry:
“The greatest minds in coffee are gathered here. If you’re looking to validate investing in this sector, this is the place to be. We meet every year to showcase innovation and shape the future of coffee.”

  • Arabic Coffee and the Palace Recipe

Garfield Kerr revealed that this year’s innovation at Mokha 1450 was crafted by Ms. Sigrid Ballard, featuring a creative reinterpretation of Arabic coffee.

“Many of our guests have never tasted Arabic coffee before, so we created a coffee cocktail inspired by it—perhaps for the first time, to my knowledge. I firmly believe that understanding any new innovation begins with tasting the original.”

He explained that Mokha 1450 had previously avoided serving Arabic coffee due to its deeply personal and cultural nature. That changed after a unique experience with a coffee-loving minister, during which a special Arabic coffee recipe was prepared inside a palace in Abu Dhabi.

“After returning to Dubai, we received a call requesting that exclusive palace recipe. This is the coffee we are serving you today, alongside Sigrid’s newly developed blend for comparison.”

Kerr noted that while “Crystal Coffee” remains one of Mokha 1450’s most iconic innovations, the Arabic coffee project holds a special place within the brand.

  • A Human Gesture and Special Tribute

In a heartfelt and dignified gesture, Kerr paid tribute to Julian, one of Mokha 1450’s earliest team members, who is no longer with the company but played a foundational role in its success.

“Julian was our first manager, and everything Mokha 1450 has achieved today is thanks to him. He challenged traditional coffee rules and relied on experimentation rather than theory alone.”

Kerr added that Julian possesses one of the finest palates in the industry, having won the UAE Coffee Tasting Championship and reached the semifinals of the World Championship. He now resides in London, where he works as a senior coffee roaster.

  • The Rare Cuban Coffee

Kerr concluded his speech by presenting this year’s rare coffee release, praising the efforts of Joey, a member of the Mokha 1450 team.

“We always strive to offer exceptionally rare coffees, and Cuban coffee is a perfect example. To my knowledge, we are the only specialty coffee café in Dubai serving Cuban coffee.”

He revealed that sourcing this edition required three years of continuous effort, beginning with initial contact with the Cuban Embassy during Expo, and expressed his hope that guests would truly enjoy this extraordinary coffee.

Mohammed bin Rashid visits World of Coffee Dubai 2026

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Dubai – Qahwa World

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, today visited the fifth edition of World of Coffee Dubai, which opened at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) on 18th January and runs until 20th January 2026.

During the visit, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed, accompanied by H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai, and H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE National Olympic Committee, toured several pavilions displaying a wide range of exhibits.

H.H. Sheikh Mohammed was apprised by Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of the Dubai World Trade Centre Authority, about the scale and impact of the exhibition. Organised by DXB LIVE, the integrated event management and experiential agency of Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), in collaboration with the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), World of Coffee Dubai 2026 brings together more than 2,100 exhibiting companies and brands from 78 countries, marking the largest and most internationally diverse edition of the exhibition since its launch.

Providing tremendous opportunities for the sustained growth of an economic sector focused on one of the world’s most widely traded products, the coffee industry creates significant economic value and the exhibition is a key platform bringing diverse industry stakeholders together under a common umbrella. An estimate provided by statista.com puts the global coffee sector’s projected revenue for 2026 in the vicinity of $495.70 billion. Spanning various stages of the value chain, from cultivation and production to distribution and consumer markets, the exhibition showcases a wide variety of equipment used in coffee processing, roasting, and brewing.

Significant demand

H.H. Sheikh Mohammed was briefed by Khalid Al Hammadi, Senior Vice President of DXB LIVE, on the continued growth of World of Coffee Dubai over five editions. Since its launch, the exhibition has expanded significantly in scale and international participation, growing from a regional platform into a globally recognised meeting point for the specialty coffee industry. The 2026 edition spans more than 20,000 square metres, reflecting sustained growth driven by rising demand across the Middle East and North Africa.

World of Coffee Dubai 2026 reflects growing global interest in specialty coffee and Dubai’s role as a hub connecting producing countries with international buyers and manufacturers, bringing together leading producers, equipment manufacturers, roasters, and traders from both established brands and emerging markets. The exhibition features three live coffee auctions, international championships, workshops, and educational programmes, alongside extensive trade and networking opportunities for industry professionals.