For centuries, Arabic coffee (qahwa) has symbolised hospitality, heritage, and tradition in the Middle East. Serving in majlis gatherings, family homes, and cultural ceremonies, it carries with it a deep-rooted history that dates back over 500 years.
But something is changing. Arabic coffee is no longer just a tradition—it’s becoming a trend.
In Dubai, boutique coffee roasters are reviving qahwa, blending heritage with modern coffee culture. Specialty cafés are elevating its status, introducing it to younger audiences who appreciate its history and bold, spiced flavors. Across the region, and even internationally, there’s a growing appreciation for slow, intentional coffee experiences—and Arabic coffee fits right in.
What’s fueling this comeback? Is it nostalgia, a shift toward cultural authenticity, or something bigger? Let’s take a closer look at how Arabic coffee is stepping beyond tradition and finding its place in the modern world.
The History of Arabic Coffee
Before coffee became a global obsession, before trendy cafés and artisanal brews, there was qahwa. Its origins trace back to 15th-century Arabia, where legend says that coffee was first discovered in Yemen and Ethiopia. What started as a simple brew soon became a cultural institution, deeply woven into the traditions of the Arabian Peninsula.
In the Middle East, coffee was never just about caffeine—it was about connection. The act of brewing and serving qahwa carried meaning. It was prepared with care, served to honor guests, and always poured in a precise manner; right hand extended, small cup filled halfway, never overflowing. The first cup symbolized welcome, the second respect, and the third a farewell with gratitude.
Over time, Arabic coffee became a marker of hospitality, its presence essential in majlis gatherings, weddings, and family visits. The golden dallah (coffee pot), often intricately designed, became an emblem of Arabian generosity. Even today, Arabic coffee is an integral part of cultural events, from Bedouin traditions to royal receptions.
But while tradition has kept Arabic coffee alive for centuries, its future lies in how it adapts. In recent years, it has started evolving, finding new audiences, new settings, and a new identity in modern coffee culture.
The Modern-Day Revival
For decades, Arabic coffee sat comfortably in tradition, poured from golden dallahs, served in majlis gatherings, passed around in small cups with dates on the side. It was a ritual, unchanged and sacred. But coffee culture has shifted, and somehow, qahwa has found itself in the middle of it.
Today, it’s no longer just a drink for family homes and heritage hotels. Walk into a trendy café in Dubai, and you’ll find specialty-grade Arabic coffee, crafted with precision, served in sleek glassware, or bottled like an artisanal cold brew. Restaurants pair it with gourmet desserts, while boutique roasters experiment with single-origin Arabic beans, lighter roast profiles, and modern brewing techniques.
But why now? Why is Arabic coffee stepping into the spotlight after centuries of staying in the background? The world of coffee has changed. Consumers today want stories behind their drinks, a sense of ritual, and authenticity. Arabic coffee delivers on all three. It’s slow-brewed, fragrant, tied to heritage, and completely distinct from the flat whites and cappuccinos that dominate modern coffee culture.
This revival isn’t happening in a vacuum. It’s being shaped by brands in Dubai that are giving Arabic coffee a fresh identity—one that respects its roots while pushing it into new spaces.
Dubai’s Role in the Arabic Coffee Trend
If there’s one city that knows how to blend heritage with modernity, it’s Dubai. A place where tradition is never lost—just reimagined. And nowhere is this more evident than in the city’s growing Arabic coffee movement.
Boutique roasters, luxury hotels, and high-end cafés are no longer treating qahwa as just a cultural staple. They’re transforming it into an artisanal experience, refining everything from bean selection to brewing techniques. Some cafés now serve Arabic coffee with specialty-grade beans sourced from Yemen, roasted with a lighter touch to highlight floral and fruity notes. Others present cold brew variations of qahwa, packaging it in stylish bottles for a new generation of coffee enthusiasts.
But the biggest shift? Homegrown brands leading the charge.
Brands Bringing Arabic Coffee into the Spotlight
Emirati Coffee Co.
Founded with a mission to elevate the local coffee scene, Emirati Coffee Co. sources premium Arabica beans from renowned coffee-producing regions. Their offerings include traditional Arabic coffee blends infused with spices like cardamom, as well as single-origin coffees roasted to highlight distinct flavor profiles. By blending authentic preparation methods with modern roasting techniques, they cater to both traditional tastes and contemporary palates.
Bateel
Globally recognized for its gourmet dates, Bateel extends its expertise to Arabic coffee. They offer a meticulously crafted Qahwa made from the finest beans grown in Yemen, reflecting a commitment to authenticity. This traditional Arabic coffee is available for purchase, allowing customers to experience the rich heritage of qahwa at home.
RAW Coffee Company
As pioneers in Dubai's specialty coffee movement, RAW Coffee Company is dedicated to organic, fair-trade beans roasted in-house. While they focus on a variety of single-origin and blended coffees, their commitment to quality and sustainability resonates with the principles of traditional Arabic coffee culture. Their offerings include blends that appeal to those seeking high-quality coffee experiences rooted in ethical practices.
Seven Fortunes stands out for its innovative approach to coffee roasting. They source exceptional Arabica beans and offers a range of blends that go beyond traditional offerings. The selection caters to coffee enthusiasts looking for unique flavors, reflecting a fusion of modern coffee culture with traditional roots.
Nightjar Coffee Roasters
Known for their craft roasting and unique blends, Nightjar Coffee Roasters brings an adventurous spirit to Dubai's coffee scene. Their offerings include small-batch roasts with distinctive flavor profiles, appealing to those seeking new and diverse coffee experiences. This innovative approach aligns with the evolving appreciation for high-quality coffee in the region.
Why Arabic Coffee Stands Out
Arabic coffee doesn’t compete with modern coffee trends, it exists in its own space. While cafés around the world focus on speed, customization, and innovation, Arabic coffee remains unchanged, yet irreplaceable. It isn’t brewed for convenience or consumed in a rush. It’s made with patience, served with purpose, and shared as a symbol of hospitality.
1. A Brewing Method Steeped in Tradition
Unlike modern espresso machines and quick-serve coffee pods, Arabic coffee is slow-brewed over a low flame, often in a traditional dallah (coffee pot). The process isn’t rushed—it’s intentional. The coffee is boiled multiple times, extracting deep, earthy flavors before being poured into small, delicate cups without handles.
2. Spices That Redefine the Coffee Experience
Most coffee drinks rely on syrups, milk, or sugar to add complexity. Arabic coffee? It leans on spices. The addition of cardamom, saffron, cloves, and even rose water creates a completely different drinking experience—one that’s fragrant, slightly bitter, and refreshingly light.
3. No Sugar, No Milk
Arabic coffee is served without sugar or milk, allowing its natural flavors and spices to take center stage. This sets it apart from many global coffee trends, where sweetness often plays a major role. Instead, Arabic coffee is typically enjoyed with dates, which offer a natural contrast to its bold, spiced notes.
4. A Symbol of Hospitality and Connection
Arabic coffee is a social experience. It’s served at gatherings, celebrations, and even business meetings as a gesture of respect and generosity. The way it’s poured, the order in which guests are served, and even how many refills are offered all carry cultural significance.
5. Light Roast, Strong Character
Most modern coffee trends lean toward darker roasts, which bring out bold, chocolatey flavors. Arabic coffee, however, is roasted much lighter, often with a golden hue rather than deep brown. This results in a milder, more aromatic coffee with a distinct, almost tea-like mouthfeel, completely different from the strong, acidic flavors of Western-style coffees.
Arabic coffee has never needed reinvention, it has always been timeless. But in today’s world, where coffee culture is evolving faster than ever, qahwa is proving that tradition doesn’t have to be left behind to stay relevant.
Dubai’s cafés and coffee roasters are leading this resurgence, ensuring that Arabic coffee isn’t just something to be remembered; it’s something to be experienced. Whether served in a majlis, brewed in a specialty café, or bottled for a new generation, its essence remains unchanged: a drink meant to be shared, respected, and enjoyed with intention.
As trends come and go, Arabic coffee stands as a reminder that the best things in life don’t need to be rushed or reinvented. They just need to be appreciated.
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