World of Coffee Dubai 2026

Every year, the global coffee industry hosts countless exhibitions, festivals, and trade shows, but only a few truly set the tone for the year ahead. Among them, “World of Coffee Dubai 2026” stands out as an annual event that continues to shape the direction of the specialty coffee industry in the Middle East and beyond.

Lovers.coffee is excited to announce and share our anticipation for this event, which is set to take place from January 18 to January 20, 2026, at the Dubai World Trade Centre. This three-day event will bring together the most influential voices, brands, and professionals in specialty coffee. World of Coffee Dubai has become a cornerstone event in the Middle East, connecting global coffee producers, roasters, manufacturers, and industry leaders under one roof.

Why Participate in World of Coffee Dubai 2026?

World of Coffee Dubai 2026 is designed as a dedicated platform for the global specialty coffee community to connect, learn, and grow. The event connects coffee producers, manufacturers, retailers, and traders in one dynamic environment, creating meaningful opportunities for collaboration and business development. For brands and professionals looking to expand into the Middle East, World of Coffee Dubai offers direct access to one of the fastest-growing coffee markets in the world.

Participants gain exposure to the latest coffee trends, innovative products, and evolving industry practices through a vibrant trade show floor, curated experiences, and educational programming. From discovering new suppliers to exploring emerging market opportunities, the event serves as a catalyst for growth across every level of the specialty coffee industry.

What to Expect at World of Coffee Dubai 2026

Exhibition Opportunities

One of the core highlights of World of Coffee Dubai 2026 is its wide range of exhibition opportunities, designed to accommodate businesses of all sizes, from emerging roasters to established global brands. The exhibition formats are flexible, professional, and tailored to different goals, whether brand visibility, product showcasing, or direct customer engagement.

Space Only

The Space Only option is ideal for exhibitors who want complete creative control over their stand design. Located in prime and standard exhibition areas, this option allows brands to build a custom stand that reflects their identity, layout preferences, and product presentation needs.

X-Wall Shell Scheme

For exhibitors seeking a ready-to-use solution, the X-Wall Shell Scheme provides a structured booth setup with branding support. This option includes a standard booth layout with essential fittings, making it suitable for brands that want a professional presence without managing full stand construction.

Brew Bar

The Brew Bar is a high-visibility area where beverages are freshly prepared and served by skilled baristas. This space allows brands to showcase espresso, brewed coffee, and cold brew offerings while engaging directly with attendees through live tasting experiences.

Cupping Room

The Cupping Room offers a focused environment for presenting coffees to a selected audience. Designed for quality evaluation and sensory exploration, this space is ideal for roasters and producers who want to highlight flavor profiles, origins, and processing methods.

Roaster Village

The Roaster Village is dedicated to micro and specialty roasters. It provides a platform to roast, brew, and serve coffee on-site, while also sharing insights into sourcing, roasting, and brewing techniques. This area encourages direct interaction between roasters and coffee professionals.

Design My Stand

For exhibitors who prefer a turnkey solution, the Design My Stand service supports brands with stand design, construction, and exhibitor services. This option simplifies participation while ensuring a polished and consistent brand presence on the exhibition floor.

Coffee Design Awards

The Coffee Design Awards at World of Coffee Dubai 2026 highlight the importance of design in the specialty coffee industry, from how coffee is served to how brands and spaces are experienced. This program celebrates creativity, innovation, and visual excellence that elevate coffee beyond the cup.
Designs selected for the awards are showcased through the SCA’s official design platform, giving participants global exposure within the coffee community.

Award Categories

• Vessels – Anything used to drink or serve coffee
• Spaces – Coffee shops, roasteries, and educational environments
• Packaging – Bags, boxes, tins, and packaging concepts
• Branding – Logos, visual identity, and brand applications beyond packaging

Submission & Judging Overview

• Entries must be new to the market within one year of the event
• High-quality images are required for all submissions
• Physical samples may be requested for packaging entries
• Judging takes place onsite during the event
• All approved entries are displayed at the awards exhibition
• Submission deadline: 31 December 2025

The Coffee Design Awards add a strong creative dimension to World of Coffee Dubai, celebrating the visual and experiential side of specialty coffee.

Best New Product Competition & Display

The Best New Product Competition & Display at World of Coffee Dubai 2026 recognizes innovative products that bring real value to the specialty coffee and tea industry. This competition highlights new ideas, technologies, and accessories shaping the future of coffee.

Winning products are awarded during the event, and all approved entries are showcased onsite, giving exhibitors high visibility among industry professionals.

Competition Categories

• Coffee Accessories – Mugs, cups, lids, tampers, cleaning tools, and measuring items
• Commercial Coffee Preparation & Serving Equipment – Grinders, brewers, espresso machines, roasters, thermal pots, and servers
• Consumer Coffee Preparation & Serving Equipment – Equipment designed for non-commercial use
• Open Class – Products that do not fit other categories but align with current industry trends

Submission & Judging Overview

• Applicants must be exhibitors at the event
• Products must be new to the company and introduced within one year of the show
• Products may debut at the event but must be commercially available within six months
• Prototypes are not accepted
• Entries must be displayed at the exhibitor’s booth with supporting information
• Judging takes place on-site during the event
• All approved entries are displayed in the Best New Product showcase
• Submission deadline: 31 December 2025

The Best New Product Competition reinforces World of Coffee Dubai’s focus on innovation, quality, and industry advancement.

Conclusion

World of Coffee Dubai 2026 is set to open the year with three days dedicated to innovation, craftsmanship, and global coffee culture. Taking place from January 18 to 20, 2026, at the Dubai World Trade Centre, the event brings together the people, ideas, and experiences shaping the future of specialty coffee. At lovers.coffee, we are excited to follow and share the highlights of this annual gathering as it continues to define the coffee industry in the Middle East and beyond.

If you want to stay updated on upcoming coffee events, industry gatherings, and specialty coffee highlights from around the world, make sure to read our blog regularly.