Tag: Barista

Registration Opens for the UAE National Barista, Latte Art, and Roasting Championships 2026

Posted on by ali alzakary

Dubai – Qahwa World

The Specialty Coffee Association of the UAE (SCA UAE) has officially announced the opening of registration for the UAE National Barista, Latte Art, and Roasting Championships 2026, which will take place as part of World of Coffee Dubai, hosted at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from January 18 to 20, 2026.

These championships are among the most anticipated events in the UAE and regional coffee scene, bringing together top professionals and skilled enthusiasts to showcase their mastery in coffee brewing, latte art presentation, and coffee roasting according to the global standards set by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA).

The national championships serve as a gateway for UAE-based baristas and roasters to qualify for international competitions, providing a platform for cafés and roasteries to highlight their expertise and creativity before an audience of industry professionals and coffee lovers.

Participation Requirements:

  • Participants must have resided in the UAE for at least two years and hold a valid residence visa.

  • Participants must be individual members of the Specialty Coffee Association.

Registration Fee: 
AED 1,500 per competitor.

Official Sponsors:

  • Roasting Championship: Sponsored by IRM Coffee Roasters.

  • Barista and Latte Art Championships: Sponsored by Victoria Arduino Middle East.

The SCA UAE emphasized that these championships reflect its commitment to developing the specialty coffee industry in the country and nurturing local talent capable of competing on regional and global stages.

For registration details or inquiries, participants can contact:
[email protected]

Part of a Global Coffee Celebration

The championships will take place within the fifth edition of World of Coffee Dubai 2026, organized by DXB LIVE, the event management arm of the Dubai World Trade Centre, in collaboration with the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA).

Since its launch in 2022, World of Coffee Dubai has rapidly grown to become the leading coffee event in the Middle East and one of the most influential gatherings in the global coffee industry. It brings together producers, roasters, traders, suppliers, and innovators from around the world.

The 2026 edition is expected to be the largest yet, with 77% of exhibitors coming from outside the UAE, a clear reflection of Dubai’s growing status as a global hub for coffee trade, culture, and innovation.

A Booming Coffee Market

The UAE’s coffee sector continues to flourish, currently valued at over USD 3.2 billion (approximately AED 12 billion) and projected to grow by 8.4% annually, reaching USD 4.5 billion (around AED 16.5 billion) by 2029.

Across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), the coffee market is expected to exceed USD 11 billion (more than AED 40 billion) within the same period, fueled by rising demand for specialty coffee, evolving consumer tastes, and growing investments in quality, sustainability, and innovation.

According to Khalid Al Mulla, CEO of the UAE chapter of the Specialty Coffee Association, the upcoming championships underscore Dubai’s vision to be a global leader in specialty coffee culture.

“Through these competitions, we aim to empower local talent and give them the opportunity to compete on the world stage,” said Al Mulla. “We are committed to advancing coffee knowledge, craftsmanship, and appreciation across every link in the value chain — from the bean to the cup.”

He added that the collaboration between SCA UAE and DXB LIVE has created a dynamic platform that blends education, innovation, and trade, making World of Coffee Dubai a global meeting point for the entire coffee community.

Invitation to Participate

The UAE National Barista, Latte Art, and Roasting Championships 2026 will be held during World of Coffee Dubai, from January 18 to 20, 2026, at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

Coffee professionals, competitors, and enthusiasts are invited to join the celebration of craftsmanship and excellence. Exhibitors and visitors can now secure their spaces and early-bird tickets through the official website:
dubai.worldofcoffee.org/home

You Can’t Lead a Specialty Coffee Business Without Understanding Coffee

Posted on by Qahwa World

By: Estella Zuleta Carmona

Owning a specialty coffee shop without understanding coffee is like running a music studio without knowing what sound means. You can have the best equipment, the right people, and all the passion in the world but if you can’t hear when something is out of tune, you’re not leading the craft; you’re just managing noise.

In specialty coffee, leadership begins with understanding. Not just the numbers, not just the concept but the product itself. You don’t have to be the one pulling shots or roasting beans, but you need to recognize what balance in espresso feels like, what defines a clean extraction, and why variables like water, grind, and temperature are not technical details but expressions of consistency and care.

This isn’t about being a technician. It’s about responsibility understanding what your name represents in every cup that leaves your bar. A brand built on aesthetics or social media engagement can survive for a while, but a brand built on understanding lasts. Because when things go wrong and they always do knowledge is what helps you fix, adapt, and grow.

When you understand coffee, even at a foundational operational level, everything changes. Suddenly, conversations with your team become more meaningful. You can communicate in the same sensory and technical language. You can taste and identify what aligns with your concept instead of depending entirely on others to define your standard. You start making better decisions about workflow, equipment, and quality not based on trends or assumptions, but on clarity.

The owner who doesn’t understand coffee ends up chasing opinions changing direction based on whichever consultant or barista shouts the loudest. They spend money reacting to problems they don’t truly comprehend. Meanwhile, the owner who understands the craft builds direction. They don’t need to do everything themselves, but they lead with perspective. They can tell when something is off, and they know how to ask the right questions.

In specialty, knowledge isn’t about control; it’s about clarity. It creates alignment between the vision, the product, and the people behind it. It turns management into mentorship and transforms a business into a craft.

Because at the end of the day, you can’t represent a product you don’t understand. You don’t need to be the expert behind the bar but you do need to know what your bar stands for, and why every decision behind it should honor the coffee, the people, and the purpose that brought it to life.

Dreams and Ambitions: Youth Academy Middle East Launches in Dubai

Posted on by Qahwa World

Dubai – Qahwa World

The Middle East has welcomed a new chapter in coffee education with the launch of the first edition of Youth Academy Middle East 2025, held in Dubai and organized by Simonelli Group. This pioneering program provides six young coffee talents with full scholarships to attend the prestigious SCA Coffee Skills Program, giving them the opportunity to build professional careers in the global coffee industry.

The inaugural edition began at the Simonelli Group Middle East Experience Lab, where participants embarked on their training under the guidance of SCA-certified trainers. The program blends theory with practice, offering young baristas and coffee enthusiasts a chance to deepen their knowledge and discover new perspectives on coffee.

The Scholarship Winners

Among the six winners are young professionals whose passion and dreams reflect the diverse paths coffee can inspire:

  • Hnin Kha Nady (22 years old), a barista who hopes to inspire others through her craft: “Eventually I want to share my passion by creating unique coffee experiences for others.”

  • Mark Mwangi Mungai, a Kenyan barista, fascinated by both tradition and innovation: “The slowly emerging trends with AI and modern technology show how coffee, which has been here for ages, is adapting to new times.”

  • Amritha Varsha PR, an engineer-turned-coffee explorer: “For me, learning is exciting, but re-learning is like a second brew—often richer and clearer.”

  • Brenzen Labarete, Senior Barista, Brand Ambassador, and Middle East Barista of the Year 2023: “I look forward to connecting with people who share the same passion, exchange ideas, and be inspired to take my craft to the next level.”

  • Mohamed Alameeri, who describes himself as a “normal coffee guy” driven by curiosity: “The endless amount of information in the coffee world fascinates me. No matter how much you know, there is always more to learn.”

  • Donna Santianez, a passionate barista dreaming of opening her own café: “My dream is to become a professional barista and, one day, to have my own coffee shop.”

A Future Built on Passion

With their unique stories, ambitions, and dedication, these six young talents embody the essence of the Youth Academy—transforming passion into knowledge and knowledge into opportunity. Their journey marks not only a personal milestone but also a promising step for the future of coffee in the Middle East.

As the Youth Academy Middle East continues, the energy, curiosity, and commitment of its first participants highlight the growing importance of education and innovation in shaping the next generation of coffee professionals.

Kadıköy Becomes the Capital of Coffee as the 11th Istanbul Coffee Festival Kicks Off

Posted on by Qahwa World

Istanbul, September 14, 2025 (Qahwa World) – Türkiye’s largest celebration of coffee culture, the Türk Telekom Prime Istanbul Coffee Festival, has officially opened in Kadıköy for its 11th edition, transforming the outdoor grounds of Tepe Nautilus into a meeting point for thousands of coffee lovers, professionals, and music enthusiasts. The event, which runs from September 11 to 14, has already drawn crowds eager to explore a world of flavors, innovation, and tradition, making it one of the most anticipated gatherings in the global coffee calendar.

This year’s festival spans an impressive 10,000 square meters and brings together more than 200 brands from Türkiye and abroad, offering visitors free tastings of over 100 varieties of coffee beans sourced from around the world. From the earthy tones of Latin America to the floral complexity of East Africa, the diversity on display highlights both the global reach of coffee and the growing appreciation of specialty brewing among Turkish consumers. Festival founder and Dream Sales Machine Chairman Alper Sesli emphasized the cultural depth of the occasion, noting that while Türkiye is not traditionally a coffee-producing country, coffee has been part of daily life and local identity for nearly five centuries through the unique tradition of Turkish coffee. He explained that this year, discussions have also turned toward the emerging prospect of domestic coffee cultivation, with industry stakeholders, growers, and organic farmers contributing to conversations about production and sustainability.

Alongside tastings, the festival has introduced cutting-edge innovation that points to the future of coffee service. The debut of X BARISTA, an artificial intelligence–powered coffee station created by Thude Robotics, has drawn particular attention. CEO Önder Akyazıcı described the system as a “fourth-generation coffee experience”, blending the artistry of specialty coffee with the precision and consistency of robotics. Developed entirely in Türkiye in both software and hardware, X BARISTA uses sensors to replicate the movements of professional baristas, preparing intricate beverages such as lattes with remarkable accuracy. Akyazıcı underlined that the goal is not to replace human baristas but to improve efficiency, sustainability, and accessibility, and revealed that international orders have already begun.

The atmosphere in Kadıköy reflects the spirit of a growing community. Award-winning barista and Niji Coffee Co. co-founder Alireza Razzaghzadeh praised the festival for its accessibility and inclusivity, pointing out that its location and design allow more people to participate and experience the richness of specialty coffee. He stressed that the Istanbul Coffee Festival plays a central role in promoting the industry, connecting local consumers with global coffee practices, and encouraging professional growth among Turkish baristas.

While coffee remains at the heart of the festival, the event extends beyond the cup to become a celebration of culture, art, and music. The program features live concerts each evening, with performances by beloved artists such as Levent Yüksel, Ceza, Madrigal, and Haluk Levent, drawing large crowds and adding to the festive mood. Workshops and seminars give visitors opportunities to deepen their knowledge of coffee preparation and culture, while interactive tastings provide a chance to compare beans and brewing methods. The blend of education and entertainment makes the festival a dynamic experience that appeals to both seasoned professionals and newcomers to the world of coffee.

For the first time in its history, the festival has also introduced a Türk Telekom Children’s Area, offering family-friendly activities designed to make the event inclusive for all ages. Meanwhile, the Türk Telekom Prime Lounge has become a hub for relaxation and interaction, offering refreshments, competitions, and opportunities for visitors to engage with coffee culture in new and playful ways.

From the aroma of freshly ground beans rising above Kadıköy to the sight of a robotic barista preparing precise pours, the Istanbul Coffee Festival 2025 captures the tension between heritage and innovation that defines today’s coffee world. It is a space where traditional Turkish coffee brewed in hot sand meets futuristic AI-driven technology, where music and community blend with workshops and serious industry discussions, and where the joy of discovery fuels both conversation and culture. Eleven years after its founding, the festival has not only grown into a major international event but also strengthened Istanbul’s position as a regional hub for coffee appreciation and creativity.

India’s Coffee Shop Market Rises as Homegrown Brands Gain Ground

Posted on by Qahwa World

New Delhi, 11 September 2025 – Qahwa World – India’s branded coffee shop sector is undergoing remarkable growth, highlighting both the strength of global players and the rise of domestic champions. New industry data shows the market expanded by 12.7% over the past year, adding more than 600 new outlets to reach a nationwide total of 5,339 branded coffee shops. This surge underscores the growing appetite for café culture in the world’s most populous nation.

Market leaders and shifting dynamics

At the forefront is Tata Starbucks, which operates 480 outlets across India, securing its position as the market leader. It is closely followed by Barista with 465 stores, while Café Coffee Day remains in third place with 425 stores, though it continues to shrink in scale due to financial pressures.

India’s branded coffee landscape is not just defined by large chains. Among the 104 branded operators currently active, nearly four in five are homegrown, demonstrating the growing dominance of domestic brands. Boutique names such as Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters, Third Wave Coffee, and Subko have built reputations by spotlighting India’s coffee-growing heritage, while affordable brands like Nothing Before Coffee, abCoffee, and First Coffee attract younger professionals seeking value-driven options.

Fastest movers in the market

Two local chains stand out for their rapid expansion: Third Wave Coffee and Café Buddy’s Espresso. Each grew by 56 outlets in the past year, bringing their store counts to 172 and 145 respectively. Their rise reflects the strong momentum of Indian-owned businesses as they capture consumer loyalty.

Consumer preferences: social and experiential

Unlike in many Western countries, takeaway culture remains limited in India. Coffee shops are primarily social spaces where family and friends gather, with nearly one-third of visits taking place after 5 p.m. The experience comes at a premium: average spending per visit, including food, is ₹660.86 ($7.53), while beverage-only visits average ₹426.22 ($4.85).

Beyond coffee shops, coffee also plays a growing role in restaurant culture, with nearly 75% of surveyed consumers reporting that they ordered coffee in restaurants over the past year. This has encouraged international players to adapt, with UK-based Pret A Manger launching its first-ever full-service restaurant format in India earlier this year.

A market with global potential

India’s demographics provide fertile ground for future growth. With a population of 1.45 billion, more than half of whom are under 30, and a strong base of coffee-growing regions, the country is poised to become a key global hub for coffee commerce.

Projections indicate that the branded coffee shop market will exceed 6,100 outlets by 2026, and is on track to cross 10,000 outlets by 2030. Analysts forecast a 13.2% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over the next five years. Coffee-focused chains are expected to expand at 15% CAGR, surpassing 8,050 outlets, while food-led operators will grow at around 7% CAGR, reaching nearly 1,860 stores.

Coffee’s future in India

India’s shift from a tea-first nation to a thriving coffee culture is unmistakable. While global chains such as Starbucks and Costa Coffee initially brought premium café experiences to the country, domestic brands are now setting the pace. By blending modern hospitality with local roots, these operators are shaping India’s evolving identity as a coffee destination.

With rising incomes, urbanization, and a new generation of coffee drinkers seeking aspirational experiences, India is set to become one of the world’s most dynamic coffee markets. From metropolitan hubs like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru to second- and third-tier cities, coffee culture is spreading fast — and the momentum shows no signs of slowing.