Dubai has once again proven itself as a global capital for the coffee industry by hosting the World of Coffee Dubai 2026. The event attracted 20,000 visitors from 80 countries, reflecting the growing interest in this sector. As a testament to its leading position, the event also saw significant success in the second edition of the “Dubai Coffee Auction,” which helped strengthen business relationships and explore new opportunities in the specialty coffee world.
Success of the Exhibition and Its International Importance
Dubai concluded the World of Coffee Dubai 2026 with its fifth edition, an event that demonstrated its ability to attract 20,000 visitors from 80 countries. Held at the Dubai World Trade Centre, the exhibition featured participation from over 2,100 companies and brands across 78 countries, highlighting the rapid growth of international attendance and the expansion of business relationships in the specialty coffee sector. The events culminated in the announcement of the winners in the competitions and the results of the auctions that took place during the exhibition days.
Growth Indicators for the Next Edition
DXB Live, the organizer of the exhibition, confirmed strong and early demand for the upcoming World of Coffee Dubai 2027, with 50% of the exhibition space already booked. This underscores the growing confidence in the event and shows that the exhibition has become an indispensable platform in the coffee sector. Khaled Al Hamadi, Executive Vice President at DXB Live, stated: “The World of Coffee Dubai has established itself as a platform where the specialty coffee sector comes together to celebrate excellence, exchange knowledge, and conduct business.”
Professionalism and Innovation in the Auction
In a related context, the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre concluded the second edition of the “Dubai Coffee Auction,” achieving a total value of $70,000 for specialty coffee auctions. Participation came from 13 countries, allowing for a broader geographical range of coffee auctions in a single event. The auction witnessed 1,364 international bids, including an international sale of coffee from the United States, setting a new benchmark for American coffee prices. Prices for certain varieties, such as Bolivian coffee, reached $386 per kilogram, demonstrating the ongoing strong global demand for high-quality coffee.
Market Challenges and Future Prospects
Ahmed Hamza, Executive Director of the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre Free Zone, noted that “the global coffee market exceeds $130 billion.” He emphasized that continued development requires reliable means for price discovery. This is not an option but a necessity to ensure the sustainability of this important sector in the future.