Did You Spot Sheikh Mohammed at World of Coffee Dubai Last Week?
Here’s what went down…
If you wandered through World of Coffee Dubai recently, you might have noticed a little extra buzz between the espresso machines and latte art stations. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, visited the fifth edition of World of Coffee Dubai, which took place at Dubai World Trade Centre from 18 to 20 January 2026.
This year marks the 5th anniversary of the event.
Accompanied by Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Sheikh Mohammed toured several international pavilions, stopping to explore exhibits showcasing the breadth of the global coffee industry – from cultivation and green beans to cutting-edge roasting, brewing and café technology.
Sheikh Mohammed toured several stands and interacted with vendors.
During the visit, Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of Dubai World Trade Centre Authority, briefed Sheikh Mohammed on the scale and impact of this year’s event. Organised by DXB LIVE in collaboration with the Specialty Coffee Association, the 2026 edition was the largest and most internationally diverse to date, welcoming more than 2,100 companies and brands from 78 countries.
The exhibition highlighted just how serious coffee has become as a global business. According to estimates from Statista, the worldwide coffee sector is projected to generate close to USD 495.7 billion in revenue in 2026. World of Coffee Dubai reflected that economic weight, acting as a central meeting point for producers, roasters, traders, equipment manufacturers and buyers from across the globe.
Sheikh Mohammed was also updated by Khalid Al Hammadi, Senior Vice President of DXB LIVE, on the event’s rapid growth since its launch. What began as a regional showcase has evolved into a globally recognised hub for the specialty coffee industry. This year’s edition spanned more than 20,000 square metres, underlining strong and sustained demand across the Middle East and North Africa.
Beyond the exhibition floor, World of Coffee Dubai 2026 featured live coffee auctions, international championships, workshops and educational programmes, alongside extensive trade and networking opportunities. Together, they reinforced Dubai’s position as a key connector between coffee-producing nations and international markets.
In short, if you missed it, you missed one of the biggest caffeine-fuelled moments on Dubai’s business calendar, and a clear signal that the city’s love affair with specialty coffee is only getting stronger.
