Abu Dhabi – Qahwa World
Peter Akingbade, representing Barista Seed To Cup, has been crowned the Champion of the UAE National Cup Tasters Championship 2025, after an exceptional performance that demonstrated outstanding precision in distinguishing coffee flavors and identifying subtle differences among various cups.
Pratama Rakhmatullah from the Specialty Coffee Association of Indonesia claimed second place, while Sherryl Inocencio Napit, founder of The Ore Coffee Roastery, secured third place.
The award ceremony was held at the conclusion of the championship in the presence of Khalid Al Mulla, President of the Specialty Coffee Association of the UAE, who honored the winners and presented the trophies, alongside Saeed Al Baloushi, a board member of the association, and several representatives of local and international coffee roasters and cafés.
The competition took place over three consecutive days as part of the Global Food Week at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), with the participation of 84 competitors representing the country’s most skilled coffee professionals, baristas, and tasters — in what was one of the most intense and technically demanding editions to date.
In a statement to Qahwa World, Saeed Al Baloushi said, “This year’s competition showcased an exceptional level of professionalism and focus. Participants demonstrated remarkable sensory skills in evaluating coffee based on flavor, consistency, and aroma. Winning the title requires not only experience but also precise sensory control and mental focus — qualities that the champion mastered perfectly.”
Al Baloushi added that the winner will represent the United Arab Emirates at the World Cup Tasters Championship 2026, scheduled to take place in Thailand in May, noting that this achievement reflects the UAE’s growing prominence in the global specialty coffee community.
