World of Coffee Dubai 2026 is set to raise the bar for premium coffee trading as it introduces an expanded Dubai Coffee Auction programme featuring three live auctions during the event’s fifth edition from 18 to 20 January at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
The programme builds on last year’s record-breaking results, where select micro-lots sold for more than US$10,000 per kilogramme, positioning Dubai as a key hub for high-value specialty coffee. The 2026 edition will showcase rare coffees from leading farms, emerging producers, and limited-edition equipment, reinforcing the emirate’s growing influence in connecting origin markets with global buyers.
Organised by DMCC in partnership with DXB LIVE and coordinated with M-Cultivo, the auctions aim to enhance transparency, innovation, and access for producers and traders worldwide. Ahmed bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and CEO of DMCC, said the UAE’s coffee market, currently exceeding US$3.5 billion and projected to reach US$4.5 billion by 2029, provides strong momentum for expanding the programme.
Khalid Al Hammadi, Senior Vice President of DXB LIVE, noted that the auction’s growth reflects Dubai’s ability to attract major global brands and elevate the wider coffee ecosystem.
Day 2 of the event will spotlight the Microlot Coffee Auction featuring top-graded specialty lots from Panama, Colombia, Ethiopia, Yemen, and Taiwan. Buyers will take part in cupping sessions before bidding. Day 3 will host the Exhibitors’ Coffee Auction, where participating roasters and producers will present their signature selections.
The auctions come as the regional coffee market continues its rapid rise, expected to surpass US$22 billion in the next decade. Applications are open for exhibitors wishing to submit premium lots or equipment for the 2026 showcase.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
