World of Coffee Dubai 2026 Set to Host Largest, Most Diverse Edition Yet
World of Coffee Dubai 2026 is preparing to welcome a record gathering of coffee industry leaders and professionals from 18 to 20 January 2026 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Marking its fifth edition, this year’s event promises to be the most expansive and diverse, uniting over 2,100 exhibiting companies and brands from the global specialty coffee community. Professionals will be participating from every link of the value chain, including producers, roasters, traders, coffee equipment and machinery manufacturers, distributors, café operators, hospitality leaders, and industry organisations hailing from 78 countries.
Serving as a unified platform for trade, knowledge exchange, and innovation discovery, the exhibition will also host professional competitions which spotlight the highest standards of quality and skill in specialty coffee.
Organised by DXB LIVE—the event management and experiential services arm of Dubai World Trade Centre—in partnership with the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), World of Coffee Dubai 2026 is set to cover 20,000 square metres of exhibition space. The event further cements Dubai’s status as a pivotal hub for the global coffee trade, with the participation of 76 leading green coffee producers. This solidifies the emirate’s place as a strategic gateway linking producing origins with high-growth consumer markets and major international trade hubs.
Visitors to World of Coffee Dubai 2026 can expect a fully integrated experience across all stages of the specialty coffee journey. Major features include the Roasters Village, Producers’ Village, Cupping Rooms, and the Brew & Espresso Bar, offering direct interaction with global brands and origin producers through tastings and hands-on professional sessions. Dedicated technology zones will showcase cutting-edge roasting and brewing systems, automation, and sustainability-led solutions, offering a glimpse into the future of the specialty coffee sector.
Competitions remain a centerpiece, with the UAE National Championships returning to highlight the talent of baristas and latte art professionals. The Roasting Championship will demonstrate technical precision and consistency at its best. This year, the event is proud to host the Cezve/Ibrik World Championship, a celebration of one of the oldest coffee preparation traditions deeply intertwined with Middle Eastern and Turkish coffee culture. Here, technique, flavour balance, and storytelling will be judged against the highest standards of modern specialty coffee.
Throughout the three days, commercial activity will be in full swing, anchored by the Dubai Coffee Auction programme. The schedule includes the Dubai Coffee Equipment Auction on 18 January, the Microlot Auction (featuring select high-scoring specialty coffee lots) on 19 January, and the Exhibitors’ Coffee Auction on 20 January. These auctions offer a transparent platform for price discovery and international buyer engagement, enhancing global market access and visibility for brands and producers alike.
According to Khalid Al Hammadi, Executive Vice President of DXB LIVE, World of Coffee Dubai has evolved beyond a trade exhibition, becoming the “central platform supporting the global coffee economy.” He noted the event’s “scale and momentum of its championship and auction programmes, designed to generate tangible commercial and cultural value.”
Shouq Bin Redha, Exhibition Director, emphasized, “World of Coffee Dubai plays an important role in advancing the specialty coffee sector in the region. By bringing together global standards, education, and trade in direct dialogue with a fast-growing market, the event supports professional development and strengthens the UAE’s position within the international specialty coffee community.”
Registration for visitors, media, and industry professionals remains open, with full programme details and accreditation now available. World of Coffee Dubai 2026 will take place across Za’abeel Halls 1, 4, 5, and 6 daily from 10:00am to 6:00pm.
Team V.4-EM-UAE
