World Of Coffee Dubai 2026: 2,100 Exhibitors And Global Trade Highlights

World of Coffee Dubai 2026 will gather the global specialty coffee community at Dubai World Trade Centre from 18 to 20 January 2026. Organisers expect more than 2,100 exhibiting companies and brands from 78 countries. The fifth edition will be the largest so far, covering 20,000 square metres across Za’abeel Halls 1, 4, 5, and 6.

Across the three days, the exhibition is designed as a single meeting point for trade, education, and technical dialogue. Producers, roasters, traders, café operators, hospitality groups, equipment manufacturers, distributors, and industry bodies will connect in one venue. Activity will run daily from 10:00am to 6:00pm, with continuous demonstrations, tastings, and business meetings.

Commercial activity is structured around the Dubai Coffee Auction programme, which runs throughout the event. The series includes separate auctions for equipment and coffee, aimed at different buyer segments. Organisers position these sales as tools for transparent price discovery and international participation, especially for producers and brands seeking wider access to global markets.

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The Dubai Coffee Equipment Auction on 18 January focuses on machinery and related technology. On 19 January, the Microlot Auction offers high-scoring specialty coffee lots to buyers seeking specific profiles. The Exhibitors’ Coffee Auction on 20 January then highlights coffees presented by participating companies, enabling direct commercial outcomes linked to the exhibition floor.

World of Coffee Dubai 2026 offers a fully integrated experience that spans the complete specialty coffee chain. Roasters Village and Producers’ Village will give visitors direct access to roasting companies and origin producers. Cupping Rooms and the Brew & Espresso Bar will host sensory evaluations, brewing demonstrations, and guided tastings led by international professionals.

Dedicated technology zones will spotlight new roasting and brewing systems, automation tools, and sustainability-focused solutions. Exhibitors will present equipment for cafés, hotels, and roasteries, alongside services for sourcing, logistics, and quality control. These areas are intended to reflect current shifts in the global specialty coffee industry, including efficiency, data use, and environmental responsibility.

World of Coffee Dubai 2026 competitions and traditional coffee formats

Competitive events remain a central component of the programme. The UAE National Championships will return, bringing baristas and latte art specialists together to compete for national titles. The Roasting Championship will focus on precision and consistency, evaluating how participants manage profile development, repeatability, and sensory outcomes under controlled conditions.

The 2026 edition will also stage the Cezve/Ibrik World Championship. This competition highlights one of the oldest coffee preparation methods, closely linked with Middle Eastern and Turkish coffee traditions. Judges will assess technique, flavour balance, and the clarity of each competitor’s narrative, aligning cultural heritage with modern specialty coffee standards.

World of Coffee Dubai 2026 organisers, strategic role, and industry impact

World of Coffee Dubai is organised by DXB LIVE, the event management and experiential services arm of Dubai World Trade Centre, in partnership with the Specialty Coffee Association. The event underscores Dubai’s role as a global hub for coffee trade and services, connecting origin countries with fast-growing consumer markets and established distribution centres.

The presence of 76 leading green coffee producers will further emphasise that positioning. These participants represent producing regions worldwide and will engage with traders, roasters, and supply chain companies. Their involvement strengthens Dubai’s function as a strategic gateway that links coffee-producing origins with importers, retailers, and hospitality operators across many geographies.

Khalid Al Hammadi, Executive Vice President of DXB LIVE, said, "World of Coffee Dubai has evolved from a trade exhibition into a central platform supporting the global coffee economy. The 2026 edition reflects the maturity of the event hosted in Dubai, where producers, technology leaders, traders, brand owners, and café operators come together to exchange expertise, engage in dialogue, and conclude partnerships. What truly distinguishes the fifth edition is the scale and momentum of its championship and auction programmes, designed to generate tangible commercial and cultural value."

Shouq Bin Redha, Exhibition Director, added, "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 remains open for visitors, media, and industry professionals, with full programme details and media accreditation already available. World of Coffee Dubai 2026 will run from 18 to 20 January 2026 at Dubai World Trade Centre, operating daily from 10:00am to 6:00pm, and is set to occupy Za’abeel Halls 1, 4, 5, and 6.

With inputs from WAM