World of Coffee Dubai 2026 to auction rare microlots as UAE coffee market nears $4.5bn

World of Coffee Dubai 2026 will host an expanded programme of three live auctions under the “Dubai Coffee Auction by DMCC” banner, building on last year’s record-breaking demand in which bids for select micro-lots exceeded $10,000 per kilogramme.

The fifth edition of the event will run from January 18–20, 2026, at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

The enhanced line-up will feature some of the world’s finest coffees sourced from leading farms and emerging producers, alongside limited-edition coffee equipment, further cementing Dubai’s role as a global gateway linking origin markets with international buyers and consumers.

World of Coffee Dubai 2026

Organised in partnership with DMCC and DXB LIVE and coordinated with M-Cultivo, the global platform for premium coffee auctions, the expanded programme aims to provide greater transparency, innovation and market access for producers and buyers.

Ahmed bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and CEO of DMCC, said: “As the UAE’s coffee market, currently valued at over $3.5bn and projected to reach $4.5bn by 2029, continues its rapid expansion, we are building on that momentum with an expanded programme for 2026 that will showcase more producers, varieties and limited-edition equipment to a truly international audience.”

Khalid Al Hammadi, Senior Vice President of DXB LIVE, said: “Expanding the auction programme underscores the event’s success in attracting leading brands and international platforms to the emirate. At DXB LIVE, we remain committed to delivering exceptional experiences that fuel this vital sector and contribute to the growth of the global coffee ecosystem from Dubai.”

Specialised auctions

• Day 2: Spotlight on the Microlot Coffee Auction, dedicated to top-graded specialty microlots from Panama, Colombia, Ethiopia, Yemen and Taiwan. Buyers will be able to participate in cupping sessions to evaluate rare lots ahead of live bidding
• Day 3: The Exhibitors’ Coffee Auction allows producers and roasters exhibiting at World of Coffee Dubai to present their signature selections to a global audience of industry experts and buyers

The expanded auction programme comes at a time of sustained strength in the regional coffee industry. The UAE coffee market is valued at over $3.2bn (AED12bn) and is projected to reach $4.5bn (AED16.5bn) by 2029.

Regionally, the coffee sector is expected to surpass $22bn over the next decade, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4 per cent to 5 per cent.

The event will continue to bring together stakeholders from across the value chain — including farmers, producers, roasters, importers, traders, retailers, equipment manufacturers and industry experts.

Applications are now open for exhibitors to submit premium coffee lots or coffee equipment for the 2026 auctions. Approved entries will be showcased live during the event and promoted globally by DMCC and M-Cultivo.