Coffee has taken center stage as an integral part of the social and cultural landscape in the UAE, with over 8,800 operating cafés across the country. The UAE is experiencing a dynamic coffee revolution that reflects both its rich heritage and modern aspirations, with cosmopolitan cities, such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi, having witnessed a surge in specialty cafés, boutique roasters, and innovative concepts.
Coffee Market Overview
Bridge Between the Past and the Present
Arabic coffee or gahwa, holds deep cultural significance in the UAE and is a cornerstone of Emirati traditions. Serving gahwa is a key symbol of hospitality, representing respect, generosity, and friendship. Even when a lavish meal is offered, presenting gahwa completes the welcoming ritual. The preparation follows specific traditions, where the gahwa is brewed in a dallah and served in small, handleless cups, with refills offered until guests decline.
Historically, gahwa has also fostered community and social connections. a cultural sitting place or majlis, has long served as important gathering spaces for men to discuss news, politics, and social matters. In these settings, gahwa plays a central role in strengthening community ties and maintaining social cohesion.
In the past decade, the UAE has experienced a coffee revolution, evolving from a place of traditional gahwa to a hub for specialty beverage lovers with a discerning and expanding consumer base. What was once a region steeped in classic gahwa traditions has transformed into a vibrant community of innovative brews and premium brew.
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Key Industry Trends
1. Rise of Specialty Coffee: There has been a growing demand for high-quality, specialty coffee, with consumers becoming more knowledgeable and discerning about the origins and preparation methods of their coffee. Popular Specialty cafes in Dubai include: Mokha 1450, Qahwaty, and RAW Coffee Company.
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2. Non-Dairy Options: Health-conscious consumers are raising the bar, with Almond, oat, and soy milk have moved beyond being just options – they’re now expected to be made available across most if not all cafés in the UAE.
3. Sustainability: With a growing awareness of environmental issues, many brands in the UAE are embracing sustainability, from sourcing ethically produced beans to offering eco-friendly packaging.
La Nena Specialty Café in Dubai, photo credits to: The HUNTR
World of Coffee Comes to Dubai 2025
Brew enthusiasts and industry leaders will gather in Dubai this February for World of Coffee (WOC) Dubai 2025, featuring its inaugural DMCC Specialty Coffee Auction. This event will showcase some of the world’s rarest and most exquisite beans, available for bidding.
In partnership with the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), WOC Dubai offers buyers from around the globe, including top producers, the opportunity to bid on 20 exclusive lots of specialty-grade beans. The auction will be conducted both in-person and remotely via a state-of-the-art digital platform.
The beans being auctioned are exclusive in nature, scoring 92 points or higher on the Specialty Coffee Association’s 100-point scale. As prices for high-rated beans continue to rise, a new record was set earlier this year when the Elida Geisha Natural Torre from the Lamastus Family Estate sold for US $10,013 per kilogram. Other rare black gold items, such as Black Ivory from Thailand and Kopi Luwak from Indonesia, can fetch prices up to $1,500 and $1,200 per kilogram, respectively.
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The Outlook
The black gold culture in the UAE is a unique blend of past and present. From the rich traditions of Arabic gahwa to the sleek sophistication of specialty cafés, the country has embraced caffeine as both an art form and a social cornerstone. As the industry continues to grow, the UAE solidifies its position not just as a global coffee hotspot but as a cultural melting pot where tradition and innovation brew side by side.
