Tag: Garfield Kerr

Dubai Hosts Coffee Break Vol. 2 with Conversations Shaping the City’s Future

Posted on by Qahwa World

Source: Coffee World |
Author: Events Unit |
Date: June 5, 2026

Dubai Hosts Coffee Break Vol. 2 with Conversations Shaping the City’s Future

Key Information:

  • “Coffee Break Vol. 2” takes place at Time Out Market, Souk Al Bahar, Dubai.
  • Organized in collaboration with Mokha 1450 Luxury Specialty Coffee.
  • Theme: “Dubai’s next chapter, told over coffee.”
  • Five prominent speakers from business, media, hospitality, wellness, and food culture.
  • Notable speaker: Garfield Kerr, former President of the Specialty Coffee Association.
  • Tickets start at 59 AED, including coffee and snacks.
  • Premium package at 159 AED includes a 100 AED Time Out Market card.

Dubai will soon host the second edition of “Coffee Break Vol. 2″, offering a new model for community dialogue. The event takes place on Level 3 of Souk Al Bahar, at the Time Out Market stage. It is organized in collaboration with Mokha 1450 Luxury Specialty Coffee.

The event carries a distinctive theme: “Dubai’s next chapter, told over coffee.” It aims to bring together a curated group of thought leaders and experts from multiple fields. They will discuss the ideas, businesses, and communities shaping Dubai’s next chapter.

Prominent Speakers from Five Key Sectors

“Coffee Break Vol. 2” features five speakers representing different sectors. Each brings a unique perspective on Dubai’s evolution. They are:

Name Position / Expertise
Zeena Zalamea Broadcaster, producer, entrepreneur
Garfield Kerr Lawyer, CEO of Mokha 1450, former SCA President
Alexandra Venison Journalist, Founder of Beautilist
JP Anglo Founder of Kooya, Filipino food advocate
Ziad Kamel Founder & CEO of Rosy Hospitality and multiple restaurant brands

In addition, the discussion will explore key themes including Dubai’s evolving economy, the future of hospitality and wellbeing, the role of media in shaping the city’s narrative, and the communities being built within it.

Event Location and Ticket Packages

The event takes place at the Stage Area in Time Out Market Dubai, located on Level 3 of Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai. Guests can access Souk Al Bahar parking and validate their token at Atrium Bar to receive 4 hours of complimentary parking.

Ticket options are as follows:

  • 59 AED: Includes access to the conversation, coffee, and snacks.
  • 159 AED: Includes access, coffee, snacks, and a Time Out Market Dubai Card valued at 100 AED to be redeemed across the Market’s vendors and bars on the same day.

However, please note the terms: smoking is permitted only in designated areas. No refunds will be issued for no-shows or for guests arriving more than 20 minutes after the event starts. Therefore, guests are encouraged to arrive early to avoid any delays.

Strategic Partnership with Mokha 1450

This event is organized in collaboration with Mokha 1450 Luxury Specialty Coffee. This partnership extends the brand’s vision of supporting inspiring community dialogues. Furthermore, the presence of Garfield Kerr, former President of the Specialty Coffee Association, adds deep professional insight to discussions about coffee’s role in shaping urban spaces.

Additionally, the diversity of speakers reflects Dubai’s rapid evolution as a global hub for business, media, and culture. The event confirms that coffee is no longer just a beverage, but a tool for dialogue and for building the future.

Frequently Asked Questions About Coffee Break Vol. 2

Q: When will the event take place?

A: The exact date has not been announced yet. Follow Time Out Market and Mokha 1450’s official channels for updates.

Q: Where exactly is the event located?

A: On Level 3 of Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai, at the Time Out Market Dubai stage area.

Q: How can I purchase tickets?

A: The booking link will be announced soon via official channels. Early booking is recommended due to limited capacity.

Q: Does the ticket price include parking?

A: Guests can get 4 hours of complimentary parking after validating their ticket at Atrium Bar.

Q: Will there be an opportunity to ask questions to the speakers?

A: Yes, the event is designed as an open conversation, and time will be allocated for Q&A.

Do not miss the chance to be part of the conversation shaping Dubai’s new chapter. Tickets are limited. The dialogue begins when you sit down with a cup of coffee. Follow our official channels to know when booking opens.

Prepared by: Coffee World team – in collaboration with Mokha 1450 and Time Out Market Dubai.

All rights reserved. Republishing with attribution is permitted.

Publication date: June 5, 2026

Coffee Break: A Strategic Dialogue on Sector Resilience in the Face of Global Changes

Posted on by Qahwa World

DUBAI – Qahwa World

It is no longer a secret that the global coffee sector is facing unprecedented pressures, starting from supply chain challenges and climate volatility in production regions, leading to new regulatory standards imposed by major markets, and other major challenges facing the sector that directly affect both farmers and consumers alike.

In light of these challenges, there is an emergence for the need for dialogue platforms that go beyond the language of numbers to focus on “institutional resilience.” From the heart of Dubai, which has strengthened its position as a logistical and intellectual hub for reshaping modern trade concepts, the “Coffee Break” event launches in its first edition on April 23, 2026.

The event is organized by Mokha 1450, the leading chain in the specialty coffee sector, in cooperation with Modora, to be a platform that brings together a group of creative minds and influential figures in the sector to discuss ways to turn challenges into opportunities, inspired by Dubai’s exceptional experience in crisis management.

This event is not just a social gathering, but a professional necessity in the context of “change management,” where expertise from private sector leaders meets with pioneers of specialty coffee culture to discuss the pressing question: How can Dubai’s model of resilience in the face of global crises inspire those active in the coffee industry to move beyond the “crisis response” stage to the “anticipating change” stage?

Speakers List

The session, held at Modora Home in Al Barsha, includes a distinguished list of speakers who combine deep corporate experience with specialized practical knowledge in the coffee world:

  • Abdulla Al Shaibani: Group CEO of Axeed LLC, who will present a strategic vision on leadership in times of change.

  • Garfield Kerr: CEO of Mokha 1450 and Former President of the Specialty Coffee Association, highlighting industry developments globally.

  • Khalid Al Mulla: CEO of Dubai Coffee Museum, who will connect the present with the historical and cultural roots of the profession.

  • Jennifer Pettinger-Haines: Founder and CEO of The GRIF Collective.

  • Paul Clifford: Editorial Leader and industry commentator.

The dialogue will be moderated by broadcaster and entrepreneur Zeena Zalamea, to ensure the creation of “real conversations and genuine connections” that move beyond traditional networking toward building shared visions.

Coffee as a Catalyst for Change

The organizers believe that coffee is not just a beverage, but a historical catalyst for new ideas. The forum will tackle a core question: How does Dubai’s strong record of successfully managing global crises inform our approach to overcoming current challenges?

Event Details

  • Date: April 23, 2026

  • Time: 3:00 PM

  • Location: Modora Home, Umm Suqeim St – Al Barsha Second, Dubai.

  • Tickets: AED 59 (Inclusive of coffee and snacks).

Mokha 1450 Launches Rare Cuban Coffee in Dubai for the First Time

Posted on by Qahwa World

Dubai – Qahwa World

Year after year, Mokha 1450 continues to reinforce its distinctive annual tradition of celebrating innovation and achievement, while honoring the creators behind them—its exceptional team. As a leading name in the luxury specialty coffee sector in Dubai and the UAE, the brand remains committed to showcasing excellence at every level.

This annual celebration traditionally takes place on the sidelines of the World of Coffee Dubai exhibition, bringing together an elite group of industry leaders, including farmers, producers, traders, coffee professionals, and coffee enthusiasts from around the world. Beyond recognizing the team’s efforts, the event also marks the launch of a rare and prestigious specialty coffee edition each year.

This year, Mokha 1450 unveiled its latest limited release: the rare Cuban coffee “Extra Turquino Lavado,” considered one of the finest and rarest coffees in Cuba. The coffee originates from the Nipe–Sagua–Baracoa region, a globally recognized biodiversity hotspot and a UNESCO World Heritage Site listed as the “Archaeological Landscape of the First Coffee Plantations in the Southeast of Cuba.”

  • Unprecedented Attendance

This year’s celebration stood out for its unprecedented attendance, both in scale and caliber. The event welcomed senior officials, entrepreneurs, and leading figures from the global coffee industry, alongside coffee lovers and members of the Dubai and UAE community.

In his keynote address, Mr. Garfield Kerr, CEO of Mokha 1450, welcomed guests and described the event as exceptional, marking a significant transitional phase in the brand’s journey.

Kerr began by congratulating Mr. Andrew Tully on his appointment as President of the Specialty Coffee Association and welcomed a former SCA president, thanking both for their presence and support.

He stated: “The World of Coffee exhibition has been truly outstanding. If you’ve enjoyed this exceptional organization, the credit goes to Mr. Khaled Al Mulla, Chairman of the Specialty Coffee Association UAE. Much of the hard work happens behind the scenes, and that effort is the key to this event’s success.”

He added a special note of thanks to Mr. Andres, saying: “While everything looks perfect upon arrival, there are major challenges behind the scenes. Thanks to Khaled and Andres, everything comes together seamlessly in the end.”

Kerr emphasized that Mokha 1450’s message this year was also directed at newcomers to the coffee industry:
“The greatest minds in coffee are gathered here. If you’re looking to validate investing in this sector, this is the place to be. We meet every year to showcase innovation and shape the future of coffee.”

  • Arabic Coffee and the Palace Recipe

Garfield Kerr revealed that this year’s innovation at Mokha 1450 was crafted by Ms. Sigrid Ballard, featuring a creative reinterpretation of Arabic coffee.

“Many of our guests have never tasted Arabic coffee before, so we created a coffee cocktail inspired by it—perhaps for the first time, to my knowledge. I firmly believe that understanding any new innovation begins with tasting the original.”

He explained that Mokha 1450 had previously avoided serving Arabic coffee due to its deeply personal and cultural nature. That changed after a unique experience with a coffee-loving minister, during which a special Arabic coffee recipe was prepared inside a palace in Abu Dhabi.

“After returning to Dubai, we received a call requesting that exclusive palace recipe. This is the coffee we are serving you today, alongside Sigrid’s newly developed blend for comparison.”

Kerr noted that while “Crystal Coffee” remains one of Mokha 1450’s most iconic innovations, the Arabic coffee project holds a special place within the brand.

  • A Human Gesture and Special Tribute

In a heartfelt and dignified gesture, Kerr paid tribute to Julian, one of Mokha 1450’s earliest team members, who is no longer with the company but played a foundational role in its success.

“Julian was our first manager, and everything Mokha 1450 has achieved today is thanks to him. He challenged traditional coffee rules and relied on experimentation rather than theory alone.”

Kerr added that Julian possesses one of the finest palates in the industry, having won the UAE Coffee Tasting Championship and reached the semifinals of the World Championship. He now resides in London, where he works as a senior coffee roaster.

  • The Rare Cuban Coffee

Kerr concluded his speech by presenting this year’s rare coffee release, praising the efforts of Joey, a member of the Mokha 1450 team.

“We always strive to offer exceptionally rare coffees, and Cuban coffee is a perfect example. To my knowledge, we are the only specialty coffee café in Dubai serving Cuban coffee.”

He revealed that sourcing this edition required three years of continuous effort, beginning with initial contact with the Cuban Embassy during Expo, and expressed his hope that guests would truly enjoy this extraordinary coffee.

Mokha 1450 Opens Its New Boutique in Dubai Inside Modora’s Luxury Showroom

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Dubai – Qahwa World

In an exceptional evening that brought together coffee, art, and beauty, Mokha 1450, Dubai’s pioneer of specialty coffee, inaugurated its new boutique in the city. — located within the newly opened Modora showroom in Al Barsha 2.
The showroom was launched by GMG, a global well-being company, as a distinguished brand for premium furniture and home décor, expanding its home division and reinforcing its presence in the luxury lifestyle and retail sectors across the UAE.

The opening ceremony was attended by Garfield Kerr, President of the Specialty Coffee Association and Founder of Mokha 1450; Rob Canning, General Manager of Modora; Khalid Al Mulla, President of the Specialty Coffee Association – UAE Chapter; and Federico Ortile, General Manager of the Simonelli Foundation in the Middle East, along with prominent business leaders and coffee enthusiasts from across Dubai.

During his speech, Rob Canning described the new venue as “a space that merges the serenity of nature with refined elegance,” emphasizing the goal of creating “an environment where everyone can feel at home — where calm, design, and a five-star experience coexist.”

He noted that the café within the showroom offers “a wonderful space to relax, enjoy a cup of coffee, and meet clients in comfort,” adding that Modora was designed “not as a traditional furniture store, but as a place that expresses emotion, style, and cultural diversity — reflecting the spirit of the UAE and its people.”

His words echoed the essence of Mokha 1450’s philosophy, where craftsmanship, creativity, and sensory experience come together to elevate every space it touches. With its meticulous attention to detail and devotion to innovation, Mokha 1450 continues to transform each location into a destination of refined taste — one that embodies Dubai’s timeless appreciation for excellence and the art of coffee.

From a business perspective, Mohammad A. Baker, Vice Chairman and CEO of GMG, noted that “the launch of Modora marks a major step in GMG’s growth journey, tapping into a home and furniture design market valued at around USD 3.7 million, projected to surpass USD 5.7 million by 2033.”

He added that Modora “strengthens GMG’s presence in the premium furniture segment while supporting local talent, suppliers, and innovation across the retail value chain.”

The UAE’s luxury home and furniture sector continues to expand, driven by booming residential and hospitality markets and a growing interest in sustainable design. Industry data shows that the market reached USD 2.19 billion in 2024, with strong growth expected in the coming years.

Dubai’s real estate momentum underscores this trend — property sales surged 40% in the first half of 2025, reaching AED 326.6 billion compared to AED 233 billion during the same period in 2024. This surge in upscale residential projects is fueling demand for high-end interiors and elegant living concepts.

Developed to meet this rising demand, Modora introduces a design philosophy rooted in craftsmanship and aesthetic distinction, offering collections that span bedrooms, dining rooms, living spaces, tables, rugs, glassware, and accessories — all tailored to contemporary living in the UAE.

The presence of Mokha 1450 within Modora’s refined space is more than a visual complement — it represents a synergy of design and sensory experience, where aroma meets artistry, and where the language of coffee becomes part of Dubai’s ever-evolving narrative of luxury and innovation.