Tag: coffee careers

Authority.Coffee launches GCC’s first dedicated coffee industry careers platform

Posted on by Qahwa World

Dubai — Qahwa World

Authority.Coffee has introduced a new careers platform focused on the coffee sector in the Gulf region, aiming to connect employers with candidates experienced in the industry.

The platform, accessible at authority.coffee/careers, is designed to link operators such as specialty cafés, roasteries, multi-location groups, and equipment suppliers with job seekers who have relevant experience in coffee operations. Available roles include baristas, roasters, store managers, training staff, and senior operational positions.

The launch comes as the GCC specialty coffee market continues to expand. Industry estimates cited by the company project the sector could grow from approximately USD 6.84 billion to more than USD 11 billion by 2030, representing a compound annual growth rate of around 9%. At the same time, operators in the region have reported ongoing challenges in recruiting experienced talent.

Robert Jones, founder of Authority.Coffee, said the platform was developed in response to what he described as a mismatch between available talent and existing recruitment channels. He noted that general job platforms do not always differentiate between levels of specialty coffee experience.

The platform is positioned alongside Authority.Coffee’s broader market intelligence tools, which track coffee businesses and suppliers across the UAE. According to the company, early users of the careers platform will have access to verified candidate profiles, while job seekers will be visible to participating operators during an initial rollout phase. Registration is currently free for both employers and candidates.

Authority.Coffee stated that the service is intended to provide a more specialized recruitment channel for the regional coffee industry as competition for skilled staff increases alongside market growth.

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.