Dubai Expo

World of Coffee Dubai 2026 is set to return from 18 to 20 January 2026 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, marking its largest and most diverse edition to date. The fifth edition of the event will bring together more than 2,100 exhibiting companies and brands from across the global specialty coffee ecosystem, with participants representing 78 countries.

Recognised as the Middle East’s leading coffee trade exhibition, World of Coffee Dubai will serve as a global platform for trade, innovation, education and competition, connecting stakeholders from every stage of the coffee value chain. These include green coffee producers, roasters, traders, café operators, hospitality professionals, equipment manufacturers, technology providers and industry organisations.

Organised by DXB LIVE, the experiential and event management arm of Dubai World Trade Centre, in partnership with the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), the exhibition will span 20,000 square metres. The strong international presence, including 76 of the world’s leading green coffee producers, underlines Dubai’s growing role as a strategic hub linking producing origins with global consumer and trading markets.

A fully integrated specialty coffee experience

World of Coffee Dubai 2026 will feature a comprehensive programme designed to showcase the entire specialty coffee landscape. Key exhibition zones include Roasters Village, Producers’ Village, Cupping Rooms, and the Brew & Espresso Bar, offering visitors opportunities to engage directly with producers and brands, experience curated tastings, and participate in hands-on professional sessions.

Dedicated technology zones will highlight the latest advancements in coffee roasting and brewing equipment, automation, and sustainability-focused solutions, reflecting innovation trends shaping the future of the global coffee industry.

Championships celebrating skill and heritage

Competitions remain a central pillar of the event. The 2026 programme will see the return of the UAE National Championships, where baristas and latte art specialists compete for national titles, as well as the Roasting Championship, which focuses on technical precision and consistency.

The event will also host the Cezve/Ibrik World Championship, celebrating one of the world’s oldest coffee preparation methods rooted in Middle Eastern and Turkish traditions. The competition evaluates technique, flavour balance and storytelling, blending heritage with modern specialty coffee standards.

Three live auctions over three days

Commercial activity will be reinforced through three live auctions held across the exhibition. The Dubai Coffee Equipment Auction will take place on 18 January, followed by the Microlot Auction featuring high-scoring specialty coffees on 19 January, and the Exhibitors’ Coffee Auction on 20 January.

These auctions provide a transparent platform for international buyer participation, price discovery and market access, supporting both equipment suppliers and specialty coffee producers.

Supporting the global coffee economy

Commenting on the event, Khalid Al Hammadi, Executive Vice President of DXB LIVE, said World of Coffee Dubai has evolved into a central platform for the global coffee economy. He noted that the 2026 edition reflects the event’s maturity, bringing together producers, technology leaders, traders and café operators to exchange expertise, build partnerships and create tangible commercial and cultural value.

Shouq Bin Redha, Exhibition Director, added that the event plays a key role in advancing the specialty coffee sector in the region by aligning global standards, education and trade with a fast-growing market, further strengthening the UAE’s position within the international specialty coffee community.

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