Princi Brings Milanese Spirit to Dubai with New Flagship at Dubai Mall

Artisanal quality, authentic Milanese culture, and an all-day café experience

DUBAI – QAHWA WORLD

Princi, the Milan-based bakery and café, has officially opened its Dubai Mall flagship in partnership with Alshaya Group. The new location offers visitors an opportunity to experience Milanese coffee and baked goods within one of the region’s premier dining destinations. Following its first regional branch in Kuwait, this opening marks a significant step in the brand’s international expansion.

Rocco Princi, founder of Princi, said: “Princi embodies the spirit of Milan—its rhythm, discipline, and warmth. It begins with three simple elements: water, flour, and fire. Over time, these become something tangible that reflects Milanese craftsmanship. With our Dubai location, we aim to bring this daily ritual to a new audience.”

An All-Day Experience

From morning espresso to evening meals, Princi offers a full all-day menu celebrating Italian tradition and contemporary Milanese culture. The selection includes artisan breads, pastries, pizzas, salads, and desserts, all crafted with high-quality ingredients and meticulous attention to detail.

John Hadden, CEO of Alshaya Group, added, “The launch of Princi in the UAE reinforces our commitment to providing authentic, world-class culinary experiences. This new destination reflects the vibrant essence of Milanese culture and offers guests a unique opportunity to enjoy it firsthand.”

  • More Than a Café

Princi’s Dubai Mall location is designed as an immersive destination, reflecting the Milanese “La Piazza” style—a social hub where community, craftsmanship, and culture converge. The space combines contemporary design with traditional Milanese energy, creating a café experience suited for repeat visits and everyday enjoyment.

  • About Princi

Founded in Milan in 1986 by Rocco Princi, the brand focuses on artisanal baking with premium ingredients and traditional Italian techniques. Princi has grown internationally over three decades, offering refined, minimalistic bakery spaces and menus suitable for all times of day—from morning breads and pastries to lunch and dinner options including pizza, pasta, sandwiches, salads, and handmade desserts.

  • About Alshaya Group

Founded in Kuwait in 1890, Alshaya Group manages over 50 international brands across retail, food, health, beauty, and hospitality sectors. Operating more than 3,500 stores, cafés, and restaurants in the MENA region, Türkiye, and Europe, the group provides both physical and digital experiences, including the loyalty program Aura. Brands include Starbucks, American Eagle, Footlocker, Victoria’s Secret, H&M, Bath & Body Works, Charlotte Tilbury, Raising Cane’s, Shake Shack, Chipotle, Primark, and Ulta Beauty.

Jack Simpson Wins 2025 World Barista Championship in Milan

Milan – Qahwa World

The global coffee community witnessed a new milestone in excellence as Jack Simpson of Australia was crowned the 2025 World Barista Champion at HostMilano in Italy, marking the culmination of five days of intense performances, creativity, and mastery in coffee craftsmanship.

Organized under the World Coffee Championships umbrella, the event celebrated its 25th year by bringing together 51 national champions from across the world, each representing their country’s unique coffee identity and innovation.

After four rigorous rounds — including preliminary, semi-final, and final stages — the judges announced the top six baristas whose artistry and precision stood out on the world stage.

🏆 Final Rankings – World Barista Championship 2025:

Jack Simpson (Australia) – Axil Coffee – 643.0 points

Simon SunLei (China) – Marus Coffee – 628.0 points

Ben Put (Canada) – Monogram Coffee – 592.5 points

Jason Loo (Malaysia) – Contour – 588.5 points

Hiroki Ito (Japan) – Sarutahiko Coffee – 566.0 points

Christopher Sahyoun Hoff (Denmark) – April – 412.0 points

Jack Simpson Crowned 2025 World Barista Champion in Milan

Throughout the competition, baristas showcased not only their technical skills but also their ability to tell stories through coffee — emphasizing sustainability, producer relationships, and sensory innovation. Each espresso served represented years of dedication to quality, community, and the evolving culture of specialty coffee.

Jack Simpson’s victory, representing Axil Coffee Roasters, cements Australia’s legacy as one of the world’s leading specialty coffee nations. His routine impressed judges with a balanced combination of flavor clarity, storytelling, and technical precision.

The 2025 World Barista Championship was powered by the Qualified Sponsors: Espresso Machine Sponsor; Grinder Sponsor Victoria Arduino; and Water Filtration Sponsor BWT water+more — who continue to support excellence and innovation within the barista profession.

As the curtains closed at HostMilano, the WBC reaffirmed its role as the world’s premier stage for barista talent, shaping how coffee is experienced across cultures and continents.