World of Coffee Dubai 2026 Opens with Global Specialty Surge

United Arab Emirates, January 2026: The fifth edition of World of Coffee Dubai officially opened today at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), marking a pivotal moment for the Middle East’s specialty coffee industry. Organized by DXB LIVE, the event management and experiential agency of DWTC, in partnership with the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), this year’s edition features over 2,100 exhibitors from 78 countries, making it the largest and most internationally diverse showcase in the event’s history.

A landmark achievement on the opening day was the signing of a five-year extension agreement between World of Coffee Dubai and the SCA, formalizing the collaboration until 2031. The partnership ensures continued support for specialty coffee competitions, professional education programs, and industry standards. The agreement was signed by Khalid Al Hammadi, Executive Vice President of DXB LIVE, and Yannis Apostolopoulos, CEO of the SCA, cementing World of Coffee Dubai’s status as a leading global platform for the specialty coffee calendar.

Spanning over 20,000 square meters across Za’abeel Halls 1, 4, 5, and 6, the exhibition showcased the full spectrum of the coffee industry. Visitors experienced green coffee, roasting and brewing technologies, advanced equipment, packaging solutions, and innovative café concepts, representing every stage of the specialty coffee value chain.

The first day featured key attractions such as the Roasters Village and Producers’ Village, where coffee roasters and origin producers engaged directly with buyers, importers, and industry professionals. The Brew Bar and Cupping Rooms offered immersive tastings and sensory sessions, while the SCA Community Lounge became a hub for networking and knowledge exchange. Live competitions also drew strong attention from attendees, highlighting the dynamic nature of the specialty coffee sector.

Innovations in coffee and culinary collaborations were showcased prominently. A World of Coffee exclusive collaboration between Oatly and Al Wasl-based modern Iraqi restaurant Yaba introduced unique coffee creations using culinary steeping techniques, enriched with elements like nut crème and saffron-infused bubbles. On the equipment front, Coffee Desk, Middle East distributor for renowned brands including Fellow, unveiled the global first showcase of Fellow’s upgraded Espresso Series 1, reflecting increasing demand for high-performance, user-friendly coffee equipment.

Commercial activity was a highlight, with the Dubai Coffee Equipment Auction, organized by DXB LIVE and DMCC, providing a dedicated platform for buyers and exhibitors. Curated with M-Cultivo, the auction featured live demonstrations of pre-qualified specialized equipment, culminating in a lot-by-lot live auction, connecting manufacturers with serious buyers and emphasizing innovation and craftsmanship.

Reflecting on the opening day, Khalid Al Hammadi said:
"World of Coffee Dubai continues to expand in scale, diversity, and global relevance. The strong first-day participation and the extended partnership with the SCA demonstrate the event’s maturity and importance as a platform for trade, education, and professional exchange."

In addition, Khalid Al Hammadi signed a three-year MoU for the Bahrain Coffee Festival, a curated B2C and B2B event featuring workshops, live brews, competitions, and immersive experiences. DXB LIVE also announced plans to expand its coffee portfolio across the GCC, launching dedicated festivals in Qatar, Oman, and Saudi Arabia, further strengthening the region’s specialty coffee ecosystem.

Exhibitors emphasized the event’s international reach and professional audience. Denkayehu Dessalegn, Head Roaster and Quality Control at Roasters, commented:
"World of Coffee Dubai provides an essential platform for regional specialty coffee brands to scale internationally. Our first participation allows us to showcase four years of development to a global audience."

The World of Coffee Dubai 2026 continues through 20 January, featuring the Microlot Coffee Auction, Exhibitors’ Coffee Auction, championship finals, workshops, and further announcements shaping the future of specialty coffee in the region and beyond.