From January 18–20, Dubai’s DWTC was buzzing with caffeine energy as the World of Coffee Dubai drew 20,000 visitors and more than 450 global exhibitors. Young baristas, roasters, and coffee lovers from South Asia and Southeast Asia flocked to sample brews, soak up the latest trends, and connect with industry innovators. ☕🌍
Why it matters: The UAE coffee market is sipping strong at around $3.2 billion, with forecasts pointing to 8% annual growth through 2029. That means more cool cafés, specialty beans, and tech-driven coffee gadgets rolling out soon.
Top trends spotted:
- Plant-based milks 2.0: From oat to tiger nut milk, exhibitors showcased creamer alternatives that taste as silky as dairy. 🥛✨
- Smart brewing: App-connected espresso machines and AI-powered grinders for that perfect shot every time. 🤖☕
- Sustainability focus: Eco-friendly packaging, zero-waste grounds repurposing, and transparent bean-to-cup sourcing. 🌱🌏
Cultural mashup: Attendees compared regional faves—India’s filter coffee, Malaysia’s kopi tarik, Thailand’s iced espresso—swapping tips on customizing flavours and Insta-worthy latte art. This blend of traditions shows how coffee unites us, from Mumbai’s street stalls to Jakarta’s hip cafés.
Looking ahead: If you’re dreaming of launching a café or leveling up your home brew, keep an eye on these innovations landing locally soon. With the UAE leading the charge, the global coffee scene is set to get even more exciting!
What’s your go-to brew right now? Share below! 👇
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
