World of Coffee Dubai 2026 is set to make waves in the UAE’s thriving coffee scene, featuring an exceptional program highlighted by rare microlot auctions. As the UAE coffee market approaches a staggering valuation of $4.5 billion, this event promises to connect producers and enthusiasts alike, creating a vibrant platform for premium coffee experiences and transactions. Scheduled for January 18–20, 2026, at the Dubai World Trade Centre, this fifth edition aims to build on last year’s unprecedented success, where selected microlots were auctioned for impressive sums exceeding $10,000 per kilogram.
World of Coffee Dubai 2026 will feature three live auctions under the banner of the “Dubai Coffee Auction by DMCC.” This expanded lineup will showcase some of the finest coffees sourced from renowned farms and emerging producers worldwide, in addition to limited-edition coffee equipment. This strategic positioning reinforces Dubai’s role as a key global hub connecting coffee origin markets with international buyers and consumers.
Strengthening Global Connections
Organized in collaboration with DMCC and DXB LIVE, and coordinated with M-Cultivo—an esteemed global platform for premium coffee auctions—the program is designed to enhance transparency, foster innovation, and offer greater market access for both producers and buyers. Ahmed bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and CEO of DMCC, remarked, “As the UAE’s coffee market, currently valued at over $3.5 billion and projected to reach $4.5 billion by 2029, continues its rapid expansion, we are building on that momentum with an expanded program for 2026 that will showcase more producers, varieties, and limited-edition equipment to a truly international audience.”
Khalid Al Hammadi, Senior Vice President of DXB LIVE, emphasized the significance of expanding the auction program, stating, “The event’s success in attracting leading brands and international platforms to the emirate remains a focal point for us. At DXB LIVE, we are dedicated to delivering exceptional experiences that fuel this vital sector and contribute to the growth of the global coffee ecosystem from Dubai.”
Highlighting Specialty Microlots
Day two of the event will focus on the highly anticipated Microlot Coffee Auction, featuring top-tier specialty microlots from regions such as Panama, Colombia, Ethiopia, Yemen, and Taiwan. Buyers will have the opportunity to participate in cupping sessions, allowing them to evaluate these exceptional lots ahead of the live auction. On day three, the Exhibitors’ Coffee Auction will highlight producers and roasters who are exhibiting at World of Coffee Dubai, presenting their signature selections to an international audience of industry experts and buyers.
The expanded auction program is timely, coinciding with sustained growth in the regional coffee market. Valued at more than $3.2 billion (AED 12 billion), the UAE coffee market is projected to reach $4.5 billion (AED 16.5 billion) by 2029. Regionally, the coffee sector is anticipated to exceed $22 billion over the next decade, boasting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4% to 5%.
Participate in the Excitement
The event serves as a valuable networking opportunity, uniting stakeholders from various points of the coffee supply chain, including farmers, producers, roasters, importers, traders, retailers, equipment manufacturers, and industry experts. Applications are currently being accepted for exhibitors looking to submit premium coffee lots or coffee equipment for the 2026 auctions. Approved entries will be showcased live during the event and promoted globally by DMCC and M-Cultivo, ensuring exhibitors gain significant exposure.