World of Coffee Dubai 2026 Expands Elite Global Auctions

United Arab Emirates, November 2025:

World of Coffee Dubai 2026 is set to elevate its reputation as one of the world’s most influential platforms for coffee professionals and enthusiasts. Returning for its fifth edition from 18–20 January at the Dubai World Trade Centre, the event will present an expanded lineup of three high-profile auctions under the Dubai Coffee Auction by DMCC banner.

This enhanced programme follows the exceptional success of the 2025 edition, during which bids for select rare microlots exceeded USD 10,000 per kilogram—a landmark price in the global specialty coffee industry.

Expanded Auction Programme

The 2026 auctions will bring together premium coffees sourced from renowned estates, emerging producers, and boutique farms, as well as exclusive limited-edition coffee equipment. This year’s expansion reinforces Dubai’s growing role as a vital hub that connects coffee-producing countries with international buyers and specialty markets.

Organised in collaboration with DMCC, DXB LIVE (Dubai World Trade Centre’s experiential arm), and M-Cultivo, the global platform for premium coffee auctions, the three auctions will deliver stronger transparency, improved market access, and cutting-edge digital integration for both producers and buyers.

A New Digital Auction Model

The trio of partners continues to modernise global auction practices through a fully digital ecosystem. Buyers can participate from anywhere in the world with access to authenticated, comprehensive datasets for each lot. This technology-driven approach ensures maximum traceability, efficiency, and trust, showcasing Dubai’s commitment to innovation and excellence.

Leadership Insights

Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and CEO of DMCC, highlighted the remarkable momentum generated by last year’s record-setting auction. He noted that with the UAE’s coffee market exceeding USD 3.5 billion and expected to grow to USD 4.5 billion by 2029, the 2026 programme strengthens Dubai’s role as a global coffee capital. Through DMCC’s integrated platform, producers, traders, and investors gain enhanced access to global markets, real-time price discovery, and increased confidence across the value chain.

Khalid Al Hammadi, Senior Vice President at DXB LIVE, added that the auctions reinforce Dubai’s rising influence as a central node for the regional and global coffee community. The expanded programme reflects the emirate’s success in attracting world-leading brands and industry innovators, all contributing to the growth of the global coffee ecosystem.

Three Signature Auctions

Day 1 – Dubai Coffee Equipment Auction

The event opens with a rare showcase of limited-edition coffee equipment unavailable through traditional retail channels. Collectors, roasters, café operators, and enthusiasts will have the chance to acquire exclusive tools that represent the pinnacle of global coffee engineering and craftsmanship.

Day 2 – Microlot Coffee Auction

This auction spotlights meticulously graded, high-scoring specialty microlots from world-renowned origins such as Panama, Colombia, Ethiopia, Yemen, and Taiwan. Buyers can participate in professional cupping sessions prior to bidding, enabling them to assess the sensory attributes and uniqueness of each lot.

Day 3 – Exhibitors’ Coffee Auction

Roasters and producers exhibiting at World of Coffee Dubai will present their signature coffees to a global audience. Tasting sessions held ahead of the auction allow international buyers to explore new profiles, forge long-term partnerships, and discover innovation in roasting and post-harvest processes.

Coffee Market Outlook

The auctions arrive during a period of robust regional and international coffee growth. The UAE’s coffee market—valued at USD 3.2 billion (AED 12 billion)—is on track to reach USD 4.5 billion (AED 16.5 billion) by 2029.

Across the wider region, the coffee sector is projected to surpass USD 22 billion within the next decade, driven by rising interest in specialty coffee, sophisticated café culture, and a young consumer demographic focused on quality.

Dubai has strengthened its position as a global re-export hub, supported by more than AED 3.5 billion in annual coffee re-exports and a thriving community of over 11,000 café brands.

Strengthening Dubai’s Global Coffee Leadership

The expanded auction portfolio underscores World of Coffee Dubai’s pivotal contribution to cementing the emirate’s status as a global powerhouse for specialty coffee and innovation. The event unites stakeholders from across the coffee value chain—farmers, producers, traders, roasters, retailers, technology companies, and industry experts—under one collaborative platform.

Applications are now open for exhibitors wishing to submit rare coffee lots or exclusive equipment for the 2026 auctions. Each submission will undergo stringent evaluation based on innovation, traceability, and cupping performance. Approved lots will be showcased live at the event and promoted internationally through DMCC and M-Cultivo’s networks, offering unmatched market exposure.