World of Coffee (WOC) Dubai 2026 was a truly memorable experience this year, for all the right reasons.
Perhaps it is because, as a relatively “new” WOC compared to the Europe, Asia and American versions, it’s still growing and finding its true self in the global market, and having been to the previous 3 editions, this year’s one really felt like the show had matured and settled into a really well oiled, community focused and coffee centric event that had such a good feeling to it.
A view of the show floor, the best brands, people and lots of opportunities to connect around coffee!
Angel Kotsifakis from Greece on the WCE Cezve/Ibrik World Championship stage.
The AUE national roasting competition.
The Dubai show had the right mix of coffee elements - all the right brands showing off their latest innovations, a really vibrant roasters village, three UAE National Coffee Competitions (Barista, Latte Art and Roasting) and the World Ibrik/Cezve, WCE’s All Stars, the incredible WOC Dubai coffee auction, interesting lectures and product reveals and more… but mostly, as it always is with the best shows, it was the coffee people that made it so awesome!
Brewing Gadget's Ajey Pathuri gives a lecture on brewing stability.
As a media partner, we’re always looking for the stories behind the coffee, because ultimately human agency is the essence of every story. The excitement, the teamwork, the struggles, the solutions…at the crux of every brand, product or coffee service are incredible humans that deserve to have their stories heard and have something incredible to share.
Over 2 100 companies exhibited at WOC Dubai 2026, not bad for only the 5th edition of the show!
Over 20 000 people visited the show, including His Highness Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, which shows the gravitas of the event from a National and International perspective.
The Dubai Coffee Auction, which forms part of a three-auction programme took place across World of Coffee Dubai 2026. The programme opened with the Dubai Coffee Equipment Auction on Day One, featuring limited-edition and bespoke equipment from exhibitors. Day Two hosted the Microlot Coffee Auction, showcasing premium specialty coffees from leading and emerging producing origins. The programme concluded on Day Three with the Exhibitors’ Coffee Auction, providing participating roasters and producers with a platform to present their signature coffees to an international audience of buyers.
David Paparrelli, Chief Executive Officer, M-Cultivo, running the auction!
13 origin countries were represented in the auction with over $70 000 spent across the lots, including a Bolivian lot going for a staggering $386 per kg!
The winning bidders, including Taiwanese celebrity, Natalie Tien, celebrate their winning bid at the auction with a selfie!
Finally, a 5 year deal was signed between SCA and WOC Dubai, extending the SCA’s commitment to a stable, internationally aligned platform for coffee trade, education and competition in the region.
They say time flies when you’re having fun, and we really had fun at WOC Dubai this year! We hardly managed to move around the show without seeing someone we knew or recognised from a previous event or show, we were constantly invited to taste coffee, cup lots, have a snack or a beverage on a stand or after hours - there were many important new connections made and old friendships renewed. Safe to say, we felt so welcome in Dubai and really well looked after by the loacal organising team and all the wonderful coffee professionals from a round the world that call Dubai home for now. Thank you!
Ben Weiner of Gold Maountain coffees, Nicaragua hosted many delicious cuppings!
On stage at the Cezve/Ibrik World Champs, with Ali Husnain.
P.S A big shoutout to South African businesses who represented on this global platform. Johann and Eugene from Beverage Seal, and Andrew Burgess from Air-Motion Roasters, putting more of our proudly South African products on the global map in Dubai!
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