Applications Open for Youth Academy Middle East 2026

Dubai – Qahwa World

Applications have officially opened for Youth Academy Middle East 2026, a regional initiative aimed at developing the next generation of coffee professionals across the UAE. The program, launching today (April 29), offers young individuals an opportunity to access structured training, mentorship, and industry connections through a fully funded scholarship. Youth Academy Middle East 2026 provides a unique opportunity for aspiring coffee professionals.

  • Program Overview

The Youth Academy, powered by Simonelli Group, is designed as a “glocal” platform that combines local engagement with global industry exposure. It targets individuals aged 18 to 30, including both entry-level enthusiasts and those already working in coffee-related roles. Notably, regional youth are the focus of Middle East Youth Academy 2026, aiming to foster career growth for them.

Participants will gain access to professional development resources intended to support long-term careers in the coffee sector. For those looking ahead, the Middle East Youth Academy scholarship in 2026 is focused on connecting applicants with industry leaders and educators.

  • Scholarship Details

Six applicants will be selected to receive a full scholarship covering the entire training program. The curriculum includes:

  • Certification through the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA)
  • Practical, hands-on training focused on industry skills
  • Access to the international “Voices” professional network
  • Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • Be between 18 and 30 years old
  • Currently reside in the UAE
  • No prior professional experience is required

Application Timeline

  • Applications Open: April 29, 2026
  • Applications Close: June 21, 2026
  • Online Interviews: June 29 – July 10, 2026
  • Winners Announcement: July 27, 2026 (via Coffee Knowledge Hub)

Application Process

Candidates must complete their application through the Coffee Knowledge Hub platform by creating a profile, accessing the Youth Academy Global section, and submitting the designated form under “Open application.” Shortlisted applicants will be invited to participate in online interviews. Furthermore, Youth Academy Middle East 2026 supports young professionals through each stage of the application.

Industry Opportunity

The initiative reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen the regional coffee industry by investing in young talent. Selected participants will gain exposure to international standards, industry networks, and hands-on training designed to support professional growth. Ultimately, 2026 Middle East Youth Academy is a crucial step for professional advancement in the region.

Applications are now open and will remain available until June 21, 2026, for the Youth Academy Middle East 2026 program.

Simonelli Group at World of Coffee Dubai with Victoria Arduino and 3TEMP

Dubai – Qahwa World

From January 18 to 20, Simonelli Group will be a key player at World of Coffee Dubai (Stand ZN5-4). During the event, the Group will present a comprehensive vision of coffee evolution — from espresso to brewing — through its brands Victoria Arduino and 3TEMP.

  • Victoria Arduino: Where Aesthetics Meets Taste

The Victoria Arduino space at WOC Dubai is designed as an immersive experience, where aesthetics and cutting-edge technology come together to redefine the contemporary espresso ritual.

  • Not to be missed:

Eagle One – Official Espresso Machine of the UAE Barista Competition
Eagle One will stand alongside the best baristas in the region during one of the world’s most prestigious competitions. Iconic, sustainable, and performance-driven, Eagle One represents a new generation of espresso machines, designed to ensure precision, energy efficiency, and excellence in the cup — even at the highest competitive levels.

Victoria Arduino Exclusive Party: L’Atelier Arrives in Dubai
On January 18 at 7:00 PM, Victoria Arduino invites guests to its Experience Lab in Dubai to discover L’Atelier, a new narrative space dedicated to creativity, craftsmanship, and timeless design.
Inspired by the world of luxury ateliers, this project redefines customization, transforming each coffee machine into not only a professional tool, but a unique design piece.
Subscribe here to reserve your spot at the Exclusive Party in Dubai – Victoria Arduino.

Tasting Experiences with Leading Roasters
At Stand ZN5-4, Victoria Arduino will host a series of tasting sessions featuring some of the most important partners in the coffee world. The program includes roasters such as Peet’s, Dukamo, Goldbox, Base Coffee, and Caffeine Lab.
Partners will rotate in a relay of sensory experiences, supported by the Black Eagle Maverick and E1 Prima PRO espresso machines.

Beyond delivering excellence in the cup, Victoria Arduino coffee machines are true design and communication elements, expressing values of aesthetics, precision, and innovation.

  • 3TEMP: Brewing Culture

Simonelli Group’s journey at WOC Dubai continues with 3TEMP, the brand redefining professional brewing. Born from filter coffee culture and designed to offer extraction freedom — hot, cold, or concentrated — 3TEMP introduces boilerless, cloud-connected brewers defined by a sustainable design approach.

At Stand ZN5-4, 3TEMP will host a series of tasting sessions with leading coffee partners, featuring roasters such as Source Coffee, Julith, Benchmark, Joud, Roots by Earth, and Subko.

This year at World of Coffee Dubai, 3TEMP accompanies the journey of the WOC Runners, offering unique tastings and cutting-edge coffee experiences. From hot filter coffee to cold or concentrated brews, every extraction becomes a healthy and functional ingredient — ideal for athletes looking to enhance performance.

The first WOC Runners 2026 event will take place on Monday, January 19 at 6:30 AM (Dubai time) at Salt Kite Beach. The 5-kilometer run, open to coffee lovers from around the world, will follow a scenic out-and-back course along Kite Beach.
To participate, sign up here.

3TEMP empowers a new generation of baristas and consumers, promoting a conscious and contemporary approach to coffee.
It’s not just brewing. It’s Brewing Culture.

 

Nuova Simonelli Unveils a New Logo Marking a New Chapter in Its Timeless Identity

Dubai – Qahwa World

Nuova Simonelli has officially revealed its new logo — an evolution that respects the brand’s deep heritage while embracing a modern vision for the future. The refreshed design preserves the company’s distinctive monogram that unites the initials “N” and “S,” symbolizing the harmony between innovation and tradition that has defined the Italian espresso machine manufacturer for nearly a century.

“For more than 90 years, the Nuova Simonelli logo has reflected craftsmanship, reliability, and progress,” the company stated. “Each transformation has mirrored the times, while remaining true to the essence of who we are.” The new emblem carries forward this legacy in a refined, contemporary form — one that positions the brand for its next era.

A Legacy Rooted in Design and Innovation

Founded in 1936 under the name Simonelli and renamed Nuova Simonelli in 1972, the brand has long stood for easy-to-use, technologically advanced espresso machines. Today, its products are found in cafés, restaurants, and hotels in over 125 countries. “When we acquired the trademark, we chose to keep the name Simonelli as a sign of respect for that pioneering phase,” recalled Nando Ottavi, Chairman of Simonelli Group. “Nuova Simonelli represents both continuity with our origins and a look to the future.”

The original monogram was designed in 1975 by industrial designer Carlo Viglino during the launch of the company’s first truly modern espresso machine, the ISX. “I started with the initials N and S, placing them inside a grid to build the frame and proportions,” Viglino explained. “I superimposed the two letters, softened the corners, and created a single monogram that symbolizes unity between innovation and tradition.”

The symbol, he added, can also be seen as two arrows expanding outward — a “prophetic sign” of a brand destined for global recognition. Viglino paired this with a clean, legible logotype to reflect the simplicity and precision of Nuova Simonelli machines.

Evolution Through the Decades

Since its creation, the monogram has been featured on every Nuova Simonelli espresso machine. The company made slight updates over time — introducing the red color and tagline in the 1990s, refining the design during the launch of the Aurelia series in 2003, and later returning the monogram to its original upright position with a renewed payoff.

Now, in 2025, Nuova Simonelli’s new logo represents a seamless bridge between past and future — a modern refinement of a design born from Italian ingenuity and a passion for espresso excellence. It reflects not only a visual evolution but also the brand’s enduring commitment to innovation, craftsmanship, and global leadership in the world of coffee.

Dreams and Ambitions: Youth Academy Middle East Launches in Dubai

Dubai – Qahwa World

The Middle East has welcomed a new chapter in coffee education with the launch of the first edition of Youth Academy Middle East 2025, held in Dubai and organized by Simonelli Group. This pioneering program provides six young coffee talents with full scholarships to attend the prestigious SCA Coffee Skills Program, giving them the opportunity to build professional careers in the global coffee industry.

The inaugural edition began at the Simonelli Group Middle East Experience Lab, where participants embarked on their training under the guidance of SCA-certified trainers. The program blends theory with practice, offering young baristas and coffee enthusiasts a chance to deepen their knowledge and discover new perspectives on coffee.

The Scholarship Winners

Among the six winners are young professionals whose passion and dreams reflect the diverse paths coffee can inspire:

  • Hnin Kha Nady (22 years old), a barista who hopes to inspire others through her craft: “Eventually I want to share my passion by creating unique coffee experiences for others.”

  • Mark Mwangi Mungai, a Kenyan barista, fascinated by both tradition and innovation: “The slowly emerging trends with AI and modern technology show how coffee, which has been here for ages, is adapting to new times.”

  • Amritha Varsha PR, an engineer-turned-coffee explorer: “For me, learning is exciting, but re-learning is like a second brew—often richer and clearer.”

  • Brenzen Labarete, Senior Barista, Brand Ambassador, and Middle East Barista of the Year 2023: “I look forward to connecting with people who share the same passion, exchange ideas, and be inspired to take my craft to the next level.”

  • Mohamed Alameeri, who describes himself as a “normal coffee guy” driven by curiosity: “The endless amount of information in the coffee world fascinates me. No matter how much you know, there is always more to learn.”

  • Donna Santianez, a passionate barista dreaming of opening her own café: “My dream is to become a professional barista and, one day, to have my own coffee shop.”

A Future Built on Passion

With their unique stories, ambitions, and dedication, these six young talents embody the essence of the Youth Academy—transforming passion into knowledge and knowledge into opportunity. Their journey marks not only a personal milestone but also a promising step for the future of coffee in the Middle East.

As the Youth Academy Middle East continues, the energy, curiosity, and commitment of its first participants highlight the growing importance of education and innovation in shaping the next generation of coffee professionals.

Simonelli Group Showcases Innovation at Fine Food Australia 2025

Dubai, 20 August 2025 (Qahwa World) – Simonelli Group has announced its participation at Fine Food Australia 2025, the country’s leading trade event for the foodservice and hospitality industry, taking place from September 8 to 11 at ICC Sydney. Visitors will find the group at Booth A40, where it will present a range of cutting-edge technologies from its two leading brands, Nuova Simonelli and Victoria Arduino.

Nuova Simonelli will present the NUOVA Aurelia, an advanced professional espresso machine featuring E-Milk and C-Automation technologies. E-Milk technology enables automatic frothing with up to nine customizable recipes at the push of a button, ensuring consistency in milk-based beverages. C-Automation, powered by artificial intelligence, connects the Aurelia machine with the GX grinder, analyzing coffee flow and automatically adjusting grind settings. This integration improves workflow speed by up to 20%, reduces training costs, minimizes human error, and cuts waste during recipe setup.

Victoria Arduino will highlight its Black Eagle Maverick espresso machine, designed for both high performance and sustainability. Equipped with T3 Genius, PBtech, Gravitech, and Advanced Steam-by-Wire technologies, the Maverick allows precise control over temperature, infusion, and steam. Alongside it, the Mythos grinder, engineered specifically for the specialty coffee sector, will be featured with its Clima Pro, Gravitech, and HighSpeed technologies, ensuring efficient grinding and consistent quality.

Also on display will be the Eagle One, a contemporary espresso machine combining sleek design with NEO (New Engine Optimization) technology for energy efficiency and exceptional performance. The Eagle Tempo, designed for cafés, restaurants, roasters, pastry shops, and chains, will also be introduced. With high production capacity, NEO technology, and a unique design, Eagle Tempo aims to deliver excellent results while reducing energy use and waste.

At Fine Food Australia 2025, Simonelli Group will not only present its latest professional equipment but also offer visitors the opportunity to experience the future of coffee preparation through tastings, demonstrations, and live interactions with baristas and experts. With its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and workflow efficiency, the company aims to set new standards for the global coffee and hospitality industry.

Antonio Orria Joins Simonelli Group Middle East as Coffee & Beverages Community Expert

Dubai, January 15, 2024(QW) – Simonelli Group Middle East is thrilled to announce the latest addition to its team, as Antonio Orria assumes the role of Coffee & Beverages Community Expert.
This strategic move underscores Simonelli Group’s commitment to enhancing customer engagement and expanding its influence within the local Coffee & Beverages community.

Antonio Orria brings a wealth of experience as a coffee consultant and accredited Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) trainer.
With an international mindset, he has successfully navigated various aspects of the coffee industry, from hands-on barista roles to managerial positions and business development.

Antonio commenced his coffee journey in 2013 as a Barista in London, swiftly progressing to the role of Head Barista at Taylor St Baristas. Subsequently, he assumed the position of General Manager at the British Library site for Origin Coffee Roasters in 2017, honing his organizational and interpersonal skills.

In 2019, Antonio took on the role of Head of Coffee at The Gentlemen Baristas, overseeing responsibilities such as coffee quality control, media development, customer tastings, new drink development, staff training, and home barista classes. His career further advanced as he transitioned to the position of Project Manager, overseeing the opening of new sites in Mayfair, Covent Garden, and Piccadilly.

Becoming an Authorized Specialty Coffee Association Trainer in 2021 marked a significant milestone for Antonio, enabling him to freelance across the UK and Europe. Leveraging his extensive hospitality industry background and profound coffee knowledge, Antonio Orria is poised to be a central figure for the Middle Eastern coffee community.

Based in Dubai, Antonio will play a pivotal role in enhancing Simonelli Group’s presence in the Middle East market. His expertise will contribute significantly to trade fairs, events, training programs, and sales activities, fostering stronger connections with customers.

“We are excited to welcome Antonio Orria to the Simonelli Group family. His diverse experience and passion for coffee will undoubtedly elevate our engagement with the Middle Eastern coffee community,” said Marco Feliziani , CEO Simonelli Group.

 

Simonelli Group Opens Branch in Dubai, ushering in a New Era in the Middle East

Dubai, January 15, 2024(QW) – Simonelli Group, a global leader in coffee equipment and technology, takes a significant step towards international expansion with the inauguration of its new branch office in Dubai. The Middle East branch, strategically positioned as a hub for sales, technical, and educational services, is poised to play a pivotal role in catering to the dynamic coffee market in the region.

The unveiling of the Simonelli Group Middle East office, located at Warehouse #1 Building, SMARK 3 Umm Suqeim Rd.East-near Mall of Emirates-Al Goze IndustrialThird–Dubai, comes with the added feature of an experience lab. This state-of-the-art experiential space is designed to allow visitors to engage hands-on with the latest innovations from the brands Nuova Simonelli and Victoria Arduino.

The Middle East team is set to make its debut at the World of Coffee Dubai (WOC Dubai), taking place from January 21st to 23rd at stand Z6-F40. This platform will serve as the stage for showcasing the cutting-edge products and technologies that Simonelli Group has to offer.

Marco Feliziani, CEO of Simonelli Group, expressed his enthusiasm for the company’s latest strategic move, stating, “New scenarios need new strategies that allow us to be dynamic and reactive towards our clients’ requests, especially when distributing to more than 100 countries worldwide. The decision to open in Dubai, after the openings in Melbourne, London, Lyon, Singapore, and Seattle, is based on our human-oriented relationship with the market.”

Feliziani continued, “Branch offices allow the company to respond rapidly to the constant and fast-paced changes the market throws in our direction. I wish Federico Ortile, General Manager of Simonelli Group Middle East, and his entire team, a great start to continue contributing to the growth of the coffee industry with our innovations, educational approaches, and sustainable ways.”

Simonelli Group’s expansion into Dubai reflects its commitment to providing localized support and services to its clientele in the Middle East while fostering innovation and growth in the coffee industry. The newly established Middle East branch is poised to play a key role in shaping the future of coffee experiences in the region.