World of Coffee Dubai to Host the 2026 Cezve/Ibrik Championship

Dubai – Qahwa World

The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) has officially announced that World of Coffee Dubai 2026 will host the 2026 Cezve/Ibrik Championship (CIC)—marking the first stage of the 2026 World Coffee Championships (WCC) season.
The competition will take place January 18–20, 2026 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, coinciding with what is expected to be the largest edition of World of Coffee Dubai to date.

Produced by DXB Live in collaboration with the SCA UAE Chapter, World of Coffee Dubai has rapidly become the Middle East’s leading coffee trade event since its launch in 2022. The show continues to unite producers, roasters, manufacturers, and coffee professionals from around the globe — highlighting Dubai’s growing role as a bridge between coffee cultures of the East and the West.

The Cezve/Ibrik Championship pays homage to one of the world’s oldest brewing traditions. The cezve, also known as an ibrik, is a small long-handled pot traditionally made from copper, brass, or ceramic, used for centuries across Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. Competitors in this event bring cultural expression and personal artistry to their performances, reimagining this ancient brewing method in a modern competitive setting.

Hosting this championship in Dubai is especially symbolic. The city’s deep cultural ties to traditional coffee preparation, combined with its reputation as a global hub for innovation and trade, make it a fitting venue for a competition that blends heritage with creativity.

Khalid Al Mulla, National Coordinator of the UAE Coffee Championships, stated: “We are truly honored to welcome the Cezve/Ibrik Championship to Dubai. This event represents more than competition — it’s a celebration of tradition, craftsmanship, and cultural connection. Bringing it to the UAE reinforces Dubai’s position as a bridge between the coffee cultures of the East and the West.”

The SCA has also released the 2026 CIC Rules and Regulations, including updated rules documents, summaries of changes, scoresheets, and an appeals form, all available at wcc.coffee/rules-regulations
.

The World Coffee Championships serve as a platform for global coffee professionals to showcase their craft, share knowledge, and inspire future generations of baristas, brewers, tasters, and roasters. Dubai’s inclusion as the first host city of the 2026 season further strengthens its status as a world-class coffee destination.

2026 World Coffee Championships Calendar

Dubai World Coffee Championships
January 18–20, 2026 | World of Coffee Dubai, Dubai World Trade Centre, UAE
Featuring the Cezve/Ibrik Championship

San Diego World Coffee Championships
April 10–12, 2026 | World of Coffee San Diego, USA
Featuring the World Latte Art Championship

Bangkok World Coffee Championships
May 7–9, 2026 | World of Coffee Bangkok, Thailand
Featuring the World Cup Tasters Championship

Brussels World Coffee Championships
June 25–27, 2026 | World of Coffee Brussels, Belgium
Featuring the World Brewers Cup, World Coffee Roasting Championship, and World Coffee in Good Spirits Championship

Panama City World Coffee Championships
October 22–25, 2026 | World of Coffee Panama, Panama Convention Center
Featuring the World Barista Championship

All You Need to Know About World of Coffee Dubai 2026

Dubai Qahwa World

World of Coffee Dubai 2026 will take place in its fifth edition from January 18 to 20, 2026, at the Dubai World Trade Centre, reaffirming its status as the largest and most significant event in the Middle East dedicated to specialty coffee.

The event, which began with only three thousand visitors, now attracts over 17,000 visitors and 450 global exhibitors, making it the main gateway to the rapidly growing coffee market across the Middle East and North Africa.

Dubai: A Global Coffee Hub

The choice of Dubai to host this global event reflects its position as a city that blends innovation with commercial openness. With its strategic geographic location, advanced infrastructure, and safe, business-friendly environment, Dubai has become a key global center for coffee trade.

Estimates indicate that the total coffee market revenue in the Middle East and Africa will reach USD 38 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.6%, making Dubai the ideal platform for connecting investors and professionals in this dynamic sector.

ROASTER VILLAGE WORLD OF COFFEE DUBAI

Why You Should Participate

The exhibition offers an exceptional opportunity to connect with more than 17,000 visitors and 350 exhibitors from over 130 countries, enabling participants to build strong professional relationships and explore new markets in the world of specialty coffee.

It also provides a unique platform for showcasing products to top industry experts and global brands, enhancing visibility and growth in one of the fastest-expanding markets worldwide.

Participation Categories

1. Exhibition Stands

Prime location: AED 2,200 per sqm

Standard location: AED 2,000 per sqm

Minimum area: 24 sqm

Includes:

Freedom to design the stand as preferred

Four exhibitor badges per 9 sqm

15% discount for stands built by DXB Live

Mandatory public liability insurance coverage

Excludes: carpet, furniture, lighting, signage, or electrical fittings, which can be ordered from the official contractor.

2. Roaster Village

A dedicated area for micro roasters to present their coffee directly to visitors.

Cost: AED 9,000

Includes:

One display counter

Power connection and drainage

Four exhibitor badges

BREW BAR WORLD OF COFFEE DUBAI

3. Brew Bar

A space to experience coffee prepared and served by skilled volunteer baristas.

Cost: AED 2,500 per 3-hour slot

Includes:

Coffee brewing tools (V60, scales, grinder, fridge, filters, dairy and plant-based milk)

Option to book single or multiple slots.

4. Cupping Room

A professional space for businesses to present their coffees to buyers and tasters.

Cost: AED 2,000 per hour

Includes: cupping bowls, spoons, hot water boilers, grinders, scales, and other essential tools.

CUPPING ROOM WORLD OF COFFEE DUBAI

5. Shell Scheme Stand

Additional cost: AED 400 per sqm

Minimum area: 9 sqm

Includes:

3m-high wall structure

One round table and two chairs

Lighting, power socket, carpet, daily cleaning, and a name fascia

Four exhibitor badges per 9 sqm

6. Stand Design Service

Exhibitors can contact the DXB Live team for pre-show orders, technical assistance, and design services:

Phone: +971 4 389 3901

Email: [email protected]

NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP WORLD OF COFFEE DUBAI

Key Features and Programs

World of Coffee Dubai presents a rich program of activities that attract both professionals and coffee enthusiasts, including:

World of Coffee Awards celebrating innovation in design, packaging, and branding.

Farmers’ Pavilion highlighting global coffee producers and suppliers.

Coffee Auction connecting exporters and buyers in a dynamic marketplace.

Brew Bar and Cupping Rooms for hands-on coffee experiences from around the world.

Interactive lectures and workshops on the Unfiltered Stage, showcasing new trends and techniques.

SCA Community Lounge, bringing together experts, educators, and innovators from across the globe.

Become a Speaker

The exhibition welcomes professionals and experts to join its educational program through the “Become a Speaker” initiative, allowing applicants to submit their bio, topic summary, high-resolution photo, and professional links.

Speakers are selected based on the quality and relevance of their topics, with confirmation emails sent to successful applicants.

LECTURES WORLD OF COFFEE DUBAI

World of Coffee Dubai 2025 in Numbers

17,000 visitors

1,980 brands and exhibitors

130 participating countries

32 workshops and lectures

87 million social media impressions

81% of participants expressed interest in returning for 2026

92% said the event exceeded their expectations

Over AED 3 million in total media coverage value

The Event That Brings the World Together Over a Cup of Coffee

World of Coffee Dubai 2026 is more than just a trade show it is a global platform that combines knowledge, innovation, and human connection.

It is where farmers meet roasters, distributors meet investors, and baristas meet coffee lovers all united by their shared passion for coffee, from the heart of Dubai.

For registration and inquiries:

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +971 4 389 3901