Tag: SCA UAE

SCA UAE Completes All Seven National Coffee Championships

Posted on by Qahwa World

DUBAI – QAHWA WORLD

The Specialty Coffee Association UAE has officially concluded all seven of its National Coffee Championships, marking a significant milestone for the country’s rapidly growing specialty coffee sector.

The successful completion of the championship season reflects months of preparation, collaboration, and commitment from partners, sponsors, judges, volunteers, competitors, and the wider coffee community. Their collective effort has strengthened the UAE’s position as a serious contender on the global specialty coffee stage.

SCA UAE emphasized that the championships are more than competitions—they are platforms designed to nurture talent, encourage innovation, and raise professional standards across the industry. With each edition, the national stage continues to produce competitors capable of standing shoulder to shoulder with the world’s best.

  • UAE National Champions Set for the World Stage

Following the conclusion of the national events, SCA UAE proudly announced the champions who will represent the country at upcoming World Coffee Championships across multiple continents in 2026.

  • Cezve/Ibrik Champion

Jane Espante – Behind the Cup
Espante represented the UAE at World of Coffee Dubai (January 18–20, 2026) and secured victory at the World Cezve/Ibrik Championship, delivering a landmark achievement for the nation.

  • Latte Art Champion

Jhomar Morales – Benchmark
Morales will represent the UAE at World of Coffee USA in San Diego (April 10–12, 2026).

  • Cup Tasters Champion

Adeola Peter Akingbade – Laura Coffee
Akingbade is set to compete at World of Coffee Asia in Bangkok (May 7–9, 2026).

  • Brewers Cup Champion

Ibrahim Al Mallouhi – The Espresso Lab
Al Mallouhi will take the UAE’s brewing expertise to World of Coffee Europe in Brussels (June 25–27, 2026).

  • Coffee in Good Spirits Champion

Mariam Erin – Brewing Gadgets
Erin will also compete in Brussels at World of Coffee Europe (June 25–27, 2026).

  • Roasting Champion (2026)

Raha Shahsavar – Crack Coffee Roastery
Shahsavar will represent the UAE at World of Coffee Europe in Brussels (June 25–27, 2026).

  • Barista Champion

Frederick Adam Ruben – Benchmark
Ruben will compete at World of Coffee Panama in Panama City (October 22–25, 2026).

  • Roasting Champion (2026)

Nizam Pasha Lolowang – Espressi
Lolowang holds the 2027 national roasting title, further demonstrating the depth of roasting talent emerging in the UAE.

  • Elevating the UAE’s Specialty Coffee Reputation

The breadth of categories—from Cezve/Ibrik and Latte Art to Roasting and Coffee in Good Spirits—highlights the maturity of the UAE’s specialty coffee ecosystem. Over the past decade, the country has evolved from a fast-growing market into a competitive force within the international coffee community.

SCA UAE extended its appreciation to everyone who contributed time, expertise, and trust throughout the championship season, underscoring that the strength of the industry lies in collective effort.

As these national champions prepare to step onto the global stage, they carry not only personal ambition but also the pride of an entire coffee community. With international audiences watching, the UAE’s representatives are poised to showcase the country’s craftsmanship, creativity, and commitment to excellence.

The world stage awaits—and the UAE coffee community stands firmly behind its champions.

12 Baristas Compete in the UAE National Coffee Championship 2026

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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.

Dubai to Host the 2026 UAE National Brewers Cup Championship

Posted on by Qahwa World

Dubai – Qahwa World

Dubai will host the 2026 UAE National Brewers Cup Championship from 13 to 15 February 2026 at Karam Coffee in the Al Quoz area, bringing together some of the country’s top competitors in specialty coffee.

The Specialty Coffee Association–UAE Chapter, the event organizer, has set participation requirements for residents: competitors must have lived in the UAE for at least two years, hold a valid UAE residence visa, be a member of the association, and pay a registration fee of AED 1,000.

The association also invited the UAE coffee community to get involved through volunteering or sponsorship. Three sponsorship tiers are available:

Gold: AED 15,000

Silver: AED 10,000

Bronze: AED 5,000

Through this championship, the association aims to strengthen the specialty coffee sector in the UAE and support related educational and research initiatives.

Registration Opens for the UAE National Barista, Latte Art, and Roasting Championships 2026

Posted on by ali alzakary

Dubai – Qahwa World

The Specialty Coffee Association of the UAE (SCA UAE) has officially announced the opening of registration for the UAE National Barista, Latte Art, and Roasting Championships 2026, which will take place as part of World of Coffee Dubai, hosted at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from January 18 to 20, 2026.

These championships are among the most anticipated events in the UAE and regional coffee scene, bringing together top professionals and skilled enthusiasts to showcase their mastery in coffee brewing, latte art presentation, and coffee roasting according to the global standards set by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA).

The national championships serve as a gateway for UAE-based baristas and roasters to qualify for international competitions, providing a platform for cafés and roasteries to highlight their expertise and creativity before an audience of industry professionals and coffee lovers.

Participation Requirements:

  • Participants must have resided in the UAE for at least two years and hold a valid residence visa.

  • Participants must be individual members of the Specialty Coffee Association.

Registration Fee: 
AED 1,500 per competitor.

Official Sponsors:

  • Roasting Championship: Sponsored by IRM Coffee Roasters.

  • Barista and Latte Art Championships: Sponsored by Victoria Arduino Middle East.

The SCA UAE emphasized that these championships reflect its commitment to developing the specialty coffee industry in the country and nurturing local talent capable of competing on regional and global stages.

For registration details or inquiries, participants can contact:
[email protected]

Part of a Global Coffee Celebration

The championships will take place within the fifth edition of World of Coffee Dubai 2026, organized by DXB LIVE, the event management arm of the Dubai World Trade Centre, in collaboration with the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA).

Since its launch in 2022, World of Coffee Dubai has rapidly grown to become the leading coffee event in the Middle East and one of the most influential gatherings in the global coffee industry. It brings together producers, roasters, traders, suppliers, and innovators from around the world.

The 2026 edition is expected to be the largest yet, with 77% of exhibitors coming from outside the UAE, a clear reflection of Dubai’s growing status as a global hub for coffee trade, culture, and innovation.

A Booming Coffee Market

The UAE’s coffee sector continues to flourish, currently valued at over USD 3.2 billion (approximately AED 12 billion) and projected to grow by 8.4% annually, reaching USD 4.5 billion (around AED 16.5 billion) by 2029.

Across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), the coffee market is expected to exceed USD 11 billion (more than AED 40 billion) within the same period, fueled by rising demand for specialty coffee, evolving consumer tastes, and growing investments in quality, sustainability, and innovation.

According to Khalid Al Mulla, CEO of the UAE chapter of the Specialty Coffee Association, the upcoming championships underscore Dubai’s vision to be a global leader in specialty coffee culture.

“Through these competitions, we aim to empower local talent and give them the opportunity to compete on the world stage,” said Al Mulla. “We are committed to advancing coffee knowledge, craftsmanship, and appreciation across every link in the value chain — from the bean to the cup.”

He added that the collaboration between SCA UAE and DXB LIVE has created a dynamic platform that blends education, innovation, and trade, making World of Coffee Dubai a global meeting point for the entire coffee community.

Invitation to Participate

The UAE National Barista, Latte Art, and Roasting Championships 2026 will be held during World of Coffee Dubai, from January 18 to 20, 2026, at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

Coffee professionals, competitors, and enthusiasts are invited to join the celebration of craftsmanship and excellence. Exhibitors and visitors can now secure their spaces and early-bird tickets through the official website:
dubai.worldofcoffee.org/home

Intense Competition at the 2025 UAE National Cup Tasters Championship

Posted on by Qahwa World

Abu Dhabi – Qahwa World

The 2025 UAE National Cup Tasters Championship continued for the second consecutive day as part of Global Food Week, held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). The event brought together 84 experts, including some of the country’s finest baristas, tasters, and coffee professionals representing leading cafés and roasteries across the UAE. The competition witnessed fierce rivalry and sharp fluctuations in contestant rankings based on performance.

Organized by the Specialty Coffee Association of the UAE (SCA UAE), the championship is one of the country’s most prominent coffee competitions, bringing together top professionals and coffee enthusiasts to test their ability to identify flavors and subtle distinctions among different coffee profiles, in line with international standards set by World Coffee Events.

Saeed Al Balushi, Board Member of the Specialty Coffee Association of the UAE, said that the competition is far from easy, noting that participants undergo rigorous sensory tests to evaluate coffee based on flavor, aroma, and consistency, with the goal of determining the most accurate and professional taster.

He added that winning the title is no simple task; even highly skilled participants must demonstrate exceptional professionalism and deep expertise in coffee tasting and sensory analysis. The challenge lies in identifying the best cup among 16 coffees sourced from different countries, with varying roast levels and processing methods — a task that demands extraordinary precision and focus.

Al Balushi emphasized that victory requires not only knowledge and experience but also strong emotional control, heightened sensory awareness, and total concentration, without distractions that could affect performance.

He concluded by confirming that the championship winner, to be announced tomorrow at the closing ceremony, will represent the UAE at the World Cup Tasters Championship, scheduled to take place in Thailand in May 2026.

DXB LIVE Announces Fifth Edition of World of Coffee Dubai 2026

Posted on by Qahwa World

Dubai – Qahwa World

DXB LIVE, the integrated event management and experiential agency of Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), has announced the return of World of Coffee Dubai for its fifth edition, taking place from 18 to 20 January 2026 at Za’abeel Halls 1, 4, 5, and 6 at the DWTC.

Organised by DXB LIVE in collaboration with the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), World of Coffee Dubai has rapidly grown to become the leading coffee industry event in the Middle East, bringing together producers, roasters, traders, and experts from across the globe. The 2026 edition builds on this success, reinforcing Dubai’s reputation as a global hub for coffee trade, culture, and innovation.

Since its inception, the exhibition has quadrupled in size, reflecting the region’s expanding coffee landscape. International exhibitors now account for around 77% of total participants, underscoring the global coffee community’s confidence in Dubai as a meeting point for business and innovation.

The event coincides with the strong growth of the UAE’s coffee market, currently valued at over USD 3.2 billion (AED 12 billion) and projected to grow 8.4% annually, reaching USD 4.5 billion (AED 16.5 billion) by 2029. Across the MENA region, the market is expected to exceed USD 11 billion (AED 40 billion) within the same period. This expansion is fueled by rising demand for specialty coffee, shifting consumer preferences, and sustained investment in quality, sustainability, and technology—all of which are reflected in this year’s enhanced edition.

Commenting on the announcement, Khalid Al Hammadi, Executive Vice President of DXB LIVE, said: “This exhibition embodies the UAE’s vision to be a global hub for specialty coffee, bridging producing regions and fast-growing markets. With participation expanding each year, World of Coffee Dubai has become an international platform uniting leading experts, brands, and innovators—reflecting Dubai’s spirit of innovation and reaffirming its pivotal role in shaping the future of the coffee industry both regionally and globally.”

Yannis Apostolopoulos, CEO of the Specialty Coffee Association, added: “World of Coffee Dubai has become one of the key events where the global coffee community comes together under one roof. Each new edition strengthens its position as an exceptional international showcase, thanks to the outstanding calibre of participants who help define the future of specialty coffee.”

Khalid Al Mulla, CEO of the SCA UAE Chapter, emphasized the event’s educational impact: “What distinguishes World of Coffee Dubai is its commitment to learning and knowledge exchange. It’s more than a marketplace—it’s a place where ideas are shared, skills are refined, and partnerships are built, creating a sustainable and thriving ecosystem for the coffee industry.”

The 2026 edition will feature the most diverse and inclusive program to date, including three national coffee championships—the UAE National Barista Championship, UAE National Cup Tasters Championship, and UAE National Roasting Championship—alongside the Best Coffee Design Awards, the Best New Product Competition, and two exclusive coffee auctions featuring some of the world’s rarest beans.

World of Coffee Dubai continues to serve as a global platform celebrating coffee culture, fostering innovation, and connecting tradition with progress. Exhibitors can now secure their spaces, and early-bird tickets for visitors are available through the official website: dubai.worldofcoffee.org

48 Competitors Announced for the 2025 UAE National Cup Tasters Championship

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Abu Dhabi – Qahwa World

The Specialty Coffee Association – UAE Chapter (SCA UAE) has officially announced the 48 competitors who will take part in the 2025 UAE National Cup Tasters Championship, to be held during Global Food Week in Abu Dhabi from 21 to 23 October 2025.

This highly anticipated national competition brings together some of the UAE’s most skilled coffee professionals and sensory experts, offering them a platform to demonstrate their ability to identify coffee flavors and profiles with exceptional accuracy under globally recognized standards sanctioned by World Coffee Events (WCE).

According to SCA UAE, this year’s competition has attracted remarkable talent representing leading roasteries, cafés, and coffee institutions across the country. Among the confirmed participants are:

1. Sulaiman Alalawi – The QC Roastery

2. Pratama Rakhmatullah – Encounter Coffee Roasters

3. Amritha Varsha – Cartel Coffee Roasters

4. Neil Golez – Form Roastery

5. Edwar Andres Salinas – Wala Coffee Roasting and Packaging LLC

6. Brian Cunanan – AST Coffee

7. Christian John Ileto – Alico Fine Coffee Roasters

8. Earven Air Marabiles – Emirati Coffee Co

9. Ricky Mendoza Arquero – Emirati Coffee Company

10. Mohammad Yousefi – Taste Up Coffee Trading

11. Mark Uy – Ubec Coffee Roasters

12. Bilawal Khan Bilal – Nowbl Speciality Coffee Boutique

13. Salman Kadar Khan – Retro7

14. Daudi Kubona – ROR Coffee Solution

15. Rasam M. Adabi – Coffee Market Innovations L.L.C.

16. Amna Almansoori – Independent

17. Saeed Al Mannaee – S3Cafe

18. Rhyan Velarde – Llama Cafe

19. Sherryl Inocencio Napit – The Ore Coffee

20. Karlo Fulgueras – Doppio Roasters

21. Ahmed Elsayed – Koob Al Qahwah

22. Harmon Nataya – Archers Coffee

23. Alex Bernardo – Toga Cafe

24. Vinay Poonacha – Bevarabia

25. Sagar Ghale – Coterra Coffee Roasters

26. Mira Yunita – Heaf Coffee

27. Amer M. Ayman Mohammad – The Espresso Lab

28. Sunny Kumar – Crack Coffee Roastery

29. Jonathan Wamala – Bevarabia

30. Muhammad Rosyid Ubaidillah – Refill Roastery

31. Audie Sales Jr – The QC Roastery and Academy

32. Husnain Ghulam Nabi – Refill Reserve

33. Julfikly Raymond Ampuan – Coffee Architecture

34. Jimuel Merjilla – Syteo International

35. Mbonisi Mpilenhle Bamala – Rosewood Abu Dhabi

36. Basil Musthafaz – White Mantis

The competition will test participants’ ability to distinguish between different coffee cups based on taste and aroma alone, emphasizing sensory acuity and consistency. Over the course of three days, competitors will undergo multiple rounds of tasting, with the top-performing cup tasters advancing to the national finals. The winner will earn the honor of representing the UAE at the World Cup Tasters Championship on the global stage.

Organized under the banner of the Specialty Coffee Association – UAE Chapter and sanctioned by World Coffee Events, the championship will form part of the Global Food Week program — an event that continues to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as a regional hub for coffee excellence and innovation.

The SCA UAE extended its best wishes to all competitors, encouraging the community to attend, volunteer, and celebrate the spirit of the specialty coffee industry as it continues to grow in the UAE and across the wider region.

Registration Opens for the 2025 UAE National Cup Tasters Championship

Posted on by Qahwa World

Abu Dhabi – Qahwa World

The Specialty Coffee Association – UAE Chapter has announced the opening of competitor registration for the 2025 UAE National Cup Tasters Championship, which will take place during Global Food Week in Abu Dhabi from 21 to 23 October 2025.

This championship is one of the most important coffee competitions in the country, giving professionals and enthusiasts the opportunity to showcase their sensory skills in distinguishing coffee flavors and profiles under globally recognized standards.

Registration Requirements for Competitors

Residency in the UAE for at least two years with a valid residence visa.

Individual membership with the Specialty Coffee Association.

Registration fee: AED 1000.

For UAE Nationals:

Copy of passport.

Proof of SCA membership.

For Expats:

Copy of passport.

Copy of residence visa (both old and new, as proof of two years residency).

Proof of SCA membership.

Registration fee for expats: AED 1250.

Community Participation

The association is also inviting the UAE coffee community to take part by:

Volunteering to support the event.

Offering sponsorships.

Registration and Inquiries

Interested competitors must complete the registration form and upload the required documents via the link shared on the official account of the association.

For inquiries: [email protected]