Dubai, UAE — January 2026 — The fifth edition of World of Coffee Dubai officially opened at the Dubai World Trade Centre on Sunday, marking its largest and most globally diverse event to date.
Organized by DXB LIVE in collaboration with the Specialty Coffee Association, the event features over 2,100 exhibiting companies and brands from 78 countries.
According to the Emirates News Agency, a major opening day milestone was the signing of a five-year extension agreement between World of Coffee Dubai and the SCA, extending their partnership until 2031.
The memorandum, signed by Khalid Al Hammadi of DXB LIVE and Yannis Apostolopoulos of the SCA, formalizes long-term collaboration on competitions, education, and professional standards, solidifying the event’s position in the global specialty coffee calendar.
Activity spread across more than 20,000 square metres of exhibition space, with the full specialty coffee value chain on display. Key features included the Roasters Village and Producers’ Village for direct business engagement, alongside active Brew Bar and Cupping Rooms sessions.
Notable innovations included a culinary collaboration between Oatly and Iraqi restaurant Yaba, and the first global showcase of Fellow’s upgraded Espresso Series 1 by Coffee Desk.
Commercial activity commenced with the inaugural Dubai Coffee Equipment Auction, connecting manufacturers with serious buyers.
In a further expansion of its portfolio, DXB LIVE signed an MoU to organize the Bahrain Coffee Festival and announced plans to launch dedicated coffee festivals in Qatar, Oman, and Saudi Arabia.
Reflecting on the strong opening, Khalid Al Hammadi stated the event’s growth “reflects the event’s maturity and its importance as a global platform for trade, education, and professional exchange.”
Exhibitors echoed this sentiment, with Denkayehu Dessalegn from Roasters highlighting the event as “an important platform for regional specialty coffee brands looking to scale internationally.”
World of Coffee Dubai 2026 continues through 20 January, featuring upcoming highlights such as the Microlot Coffee Auction, championship finals, and industry workshops.
