Tag: Coffee Championship

12 Baristas Compete in the UAE National Coffee Championship 2026

Posted on by Qahwa World

Dubai – Qahwa World

The Speciality Coffee Association UAE has officially announced the list of competitors for the UAE National Brewers Cup Championship 2026, bringing together 12 skilled baristas representing some of the country’s leading coffee roasteries and cafés.

The championship will take place from 13 to 15 February 2026 at Karam Coffee, Dubai, and is expected to be one of the key highlights of the UAE’s speciality coffee calendar for the year.

  • Official Competitors and Affiliations

Ibrahim Al Mallouhi – The Espresso Lab

Gypsy Queen Ale – Blacksmith Coffee Company

Bagus Heru Setiawan – Biru Roast

Naser Mohammed Naser – The QC

Isaac Isabirye – Coffee Architecture

Ian Matthew Salabao Cases – Refill Reserve Cafe LLC

M Khadafi Anggara – Cypher Urban Roastery

Adeola Peter Akingbade – Laura Coffee Roastery

Muhammad Windu Alifart – Archers Coffee

Mary Ann Manlangit – Caffeinection

Hartono Kasih – Flava Coffee Co

Jason Rey Enrile Galinea – Ubec Coffee Roasters

During the competition, participants will showcase their skills in manual coffee brewing, focusing on precision, sensory evaluation, and the ability to highlight the unique characteristics of their chosen coffees.

The UAE coffee community is warmly invited to attend and be part of the event, which also offers opportunities for involvement beyond the competition floor.

  • Opportunities to Get Involved

The organizers are welcoming:

Volunteers

Sponsors, with the following packages available:

Gold Sponsor: AED 10,000

Silver Sponsor: AED 7,500

Bronze Sponsor: AED 5,000

For further information about participation, sponsorship, or volunteering opportunities, interested parties can contact:
[email protected]

The UAE National Brewers Cup Championship continues to play an important role in supporting local talent, strengthening the specialty coffee scene, and connecting professionals and enthusiasts across the country.

Peter Akingbade Crowned Champion of the UAE National Cup Tasters Championship 2025

Posted on by Qahwa World

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.