Dubai – Ali Al Zakary

Dubai marked a new milestone in its speciality coffee journey on September 25, 2025, when RAW Coffee Company, in collaboration with MILKLAB, inaugurated the RAW × MILKLAB Barista Training Centre at its roastery and café in Al Quoz. Described as the first of its kind in the UAE, the initiative brought together RAW’s deep-rooted expertise in specialty coffee with MILKLAB’s innovative portfolio of barista-grade plant-based milks.

The centre aims to raise barista skills, respond to the growing demand for plant-based alternatives, and strengthen ties within the local and regional coffee community. Yet beyond the launch itself lies a wider story—one of vision, change, and the future of coffee education.

In an exclusive conversation with Qahwa World, Kim Thompson, Co-Founder and Director of Culture & Brand at RAW Coffee Company, explained the motivations behind the project. “There’s nothing more certain than change and our industry is experiencing plenty of it. The way people consume coffee is evolving, with new trends in flavor preference, preparation, and lifestyle. We felt it was the right time to re-examine how customers enjoy their coffee and to help the next generation of baristas adapt and excel. At RAW, we’re passionate about supporting this evolution through education. We were impressed by MilkLab’s commitment to quality and sustainability, particularly in how their range of plant-based milks is developed in collaboration with baristas and produced using responsible farming practices. Their products align perfectly with our values and the standards we uphold in specialty coffee.”

For Thompson, the collaboration with MILKLAB was not a coincidence but the result of shared values. “We love meaningful collaborations especially those rooted in shared values of quality and authenticity. Murad Janakat from JAR Premium Foods introduced us to the MilkLab range, and we were immediately impressed by both the taste and texture of their milks and their versatility across our coffee menu. What makes this partnership unique is that it brings together two brands that genuinely care about improving the barista and customer experience—MilkLab through innovation in product, and RAW through education, quality, and community. Together, we’re bridging the gap between product and practice.”

The new training centre, she emphasized, was created with one core goal: to raise quality standards across the industry by empowering baristas. “We believe that every coffee served should represent the care, knowledge, and passion behind it. By equipping baristas with a deeper understanding of the ingredients they use daily, we’re supporting both consistency and creativity in cafés throughout the region.”

Importantly, the programs are not reserved solely for industry professionals. Thompson stressed that the centre was designed to cater to a wide audience. “The training programs will cater to a broad audience, from professionals working in busy cafés to individuals passionate about improving their home coffee skills. Sessions will be practical, hands-on, and tailored to real-life scenarios in the café environment. Each course explores the science and art behind milk texturing, highlighting how different fat and protein levels influence performance and flavor. It’s about creating confidence, whether you’re a barista steaming milk for 200 coffees a day or a coffee lover perfecting your morning ritual.”

As Dubai’s coffee scene grows increasingly vibrant and competitive, Thompson sees consistency and education as the biggest challenges. “Dubai’s coffee scene is vibrant, diverse, and increasingly sophisticated. But as the market expands, consistency and education remain key challenges. RAW has always believed that real progress comes from collaboration and knowledge-sharing rather than competition. This new centre extends our long-standing training program, which already includes SCA-certified courses in barista skills, brewing, and sensory development. By adding a dedicated plant-based milk training series, we’re providing operators and baristas with an additional layer of expertise that will translate directly to better customer experiences.”

Choosing plant-based milk as a central theme, she explained, was not just a trend but a reflection of consumer behavior. “Consumer behavior has shifted dramatically. We’ve seen a growing movement toward plant-based choices and a preference for cold, convenient, and on-the-go beverages. Our aim is to help baristas stay ahead of these trends and serve these drinks with the same care and consistency as dairy-based beverages. Each MilkLab milk has its own characteristics, from almond to oat to coconut, and learning how to bring out the best in each creates a more balanced, enjoyable cup. It’s about understanding the ingredient, respecting it, and ensuring the final experience in the cup is exceptional.”

In closing, Thompson highlighted that empowering baristas is the most effective way to elevate consumer awareness and appreciation of specialty coffee. “Empowering baristas is one of the most powerful ways to elevate consumer understanding. When baristas are confident, knowledgeable, and passionate, that energy translates to the customer, through every interaction and every cup. Education creates connection. And connection builds loyalty. By investing in the skills of the people behind the bar, we’re not only improving quality standards but also deepening the relationship between consumers and specialty coffee itself.”

With this vision, the RAW × MILKLAB Barista Training Centre emerges not just as an educational facility but as a shared space for practice, dialogue, and community. And as Kim Thompson underscored in her conversation with Qahwa World, it is also a sign of Dubai’s growing role as a global hub where innovation, sustainability, and specialty coffee culture intersect.