World of Coffee Dubai 2026 will feature record participation from 76 producers and eight national pavilions, marking a new level of international engagement with the Middle East’s specialty coffee scene.
Dubai: The fifth edition of World of Coffee Dubai, set for January 18–20, 2026 at Dubai World Trade Centre, will be its most globally representative yet, with 76 producers and expanded participation from coffee-origin countries across Africa, Latin America, and Asia.
Organised by DXB LIVE and the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), the event will host national pavilions from Ethiopia, India, Saudi Arabia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Panama, Brazil, and newcomers Kenya and Peru. Colombia, Guatemala, Indonesia, Mexico, and Rwanda return with larger delegations.
The Producers Village will feature 14 curated spaces for direct sourcing, while three daily auctions will offer rare micro-lots and region-first coffees. Export boards like PROMPERÚ and Kenya Coffee Directorate will also join.
With rising Gulf demand, Africa saw an 8% rise in late 2024 exports. Kenya’s coffee exports rose 12%, while Ethiopia earned $2.65 billion in 2024/25, driven by UAE and Saudi demand. Dubai is now viewed by producers as a gateway to the Middle East.
Exhibition Manager Shouq Bin Redha noted, “Dubai has become a true crossroads for global coffee trade.” SCA UAE CEO Khalid Al Mulla said regional roasters are now quality-focused and deeply engaged with origin.
