Accompanied by the aroma of freshly ground coffee, the constant hum of conversation hangs in the air. The 2026 World of Coffee is here, and Dubai is about to be a bustling hub of UAE speciality coffee lovers. So, whether you are in the business of coffee as a café manager, a roaster, a barista or simply just a coffee enthusiast, this is a cannot miss kind of event. There is a lot of activities during the three days of the biggest coffee event in the GCC, expect plenty of excitement. There is so much in store, from educational workshops to informative lectures, networking opportunities, thrilling competitions, and new coffee launches.
World of Coffee & SCA
Earlier known as the Speciality Coffee Expo, World of Coffee was organised by the Speciality Coffee Association back in 2006. After its rebranding, it became the name of all coffee tradeshows organised by SCA chapters worldwide. The first World of Coffee in Dubai was held in 2022, organised by the UAE’s SCA chapter in collaboration with DXB Live, a partnership that has lasted even now.
The first edition had around 3000+ visitors, establishing the event as a significant gateway to enter the growing speciality coffee industry. According to the WOC website, 2026 is said to bring around 17000+ visitors and around 450+ exhibitors, including international coffee brands and those from around the GCC region. Reports expect an increased area, giving exhibitors more space to promote and display their products while also interacting with potential clients.
What to do at WOC Dubai
As we mentioned, there are many activities to look forward to. Some of the most anticipated events during this WOC are
Roaster Village
Meet roasters from all over the region and experience some amazing coffees that will knock your socks off. Roaster Village is the perfect place to see how UAE roasters source their coffees and handle their distribution strategies. If you are someone looking into sourcing high-quality coffee or learning about bespoke roasting services in Dubai – this is the place to go.
Brew Bar
Get to know about the latest coffee trends in Dubai at the Brew Bar. Here, you get an opportunity to taste innovative coffee drinks and brewing methods. Learn how mastery in coffee brewing makes for a premium coffee experience. Interact with baristas from across coffee brands and discover more about the industry along with what coffee means to them.
Cupping Rooms
Described by World of Coffee as a means to ‘cup your way around the world’, the Cupping Rooms lets participants to discover roasteries and green bean suppliers as they present their coffee line-up to the world. Learn about new launches or experience their exclusive coffee offerings from various origins. If you are looking into wholesale coffee supply, this is the perfect place to start.
World & National Championships
These competitions attract baristas, roasters and coffee enthusiasts to showcase their skills and mastery of coffee to the world. This is also the first step to advance to the World Championships for their craft.
The WCC will be conducting the 2026 World Cezve/Ibrik Championship during the three days of the exhibition. This competition pays tribute to Turkish and Arabic coffee-brewing cultures, fitting into the coffee culture of the UAE.
The UAE National Championships will be conducted as well. These include the Latte Art Championship, the Barista Championship and the Roasting Championship.
Gain contacts in the coffee industry and cheer on competitors.
Design/Best New Product Awards
Great coffee is an art; the packaging should reflect this too. See how different coffee brands perceive the artistic side of their coffee packaging at the Coffee Design Awards. Flava is participating in this competition as well. We will be entering our Colombia Satinberry design to be judged during the exhibition.
At the Best New Product Awards, brands display new products to be judged based on their quality and the value they add to the industry. The awards are not limited to just coffee beans though but include other products as well, such as accessories and brewing equipment.
Lectures & Workshops
Listen to inspiring lectures by thought leaders in the industry. Ranging from topics pertaining to coffee harvesting to the integration of technology and AI in coffee, this in-depth lecture series will provide you with new insights and consumer trends.
Join workshops led by coffee experts and get to know about the latest techniques and coffee brewing innovations.
World of Coffee Dubai 2026 will be conducted at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 18th to 20th January 2026. Discover your new favourite coffees, network with other coffee enthusiasts and engage with the thriving coffee community of the MENA region.
Visit our booth no. ZD4 at Za’abeel Hall 4 to be the first to see our new launches and win limited-edition Flava Coffee merch in competitions.
