World of Coffee Dubai 2023 kicks off amid high anticipation, wide turnout

Inayat-ur-Rahman, Business Editor

Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Education in the UAE, inaugurated, the ‘World of Coffee Dubai 2023’ exhibition on Wednesday,  which is being organised by ‘DXB Live’, the integrated event management and experiential agency of Dubai World Trade Centre, in cooperation with the Specialty Coffee Association.

Al Falasi toured the exhibition and was briefed on the most notable products that participating local, regional, and global companies had on display. He met several exhibitors and commended the immense turnout at second edition of the exhibition.

The first day of the exhibition hosted a wide range of visitors and featured various activities and events, which will last until Friday,  expecting over 1,500 international and regional companies and brands to participate in the event. Furthermore, the pioneering event serves as an ideal platform to congregate the leaders of the coffee industry, coffee connoisseurs and professionals from across the globe to explore newer avenues for development and various activities pertaining to the sector.

Khalid Al-Hammadi, Senior Vice President of DXB Live, said: “The second edition of World of Coffee Dubai 2023 is of high significance to the coffee sector given the increased level of global interest for participating in its numerous activities. This year, the exhibition has been successful in bringing together numerous industry leaders and professionals from global, regional, and local levels under one roof, further offering significant opportunities to strengthen networks, forge alliances, and discuss future prospects. We look forward to showcasing the pioneering position of the coffee sector in the UAE and creating a significant impact on visitors from across the globe regarding the coffee culture in Dubai and the customs and traditions associated with it..”

Khalid Al Mulla, Chief Executive Officer of the SCA UAE Chapter said: “This global exhibition plays a vital role in providing an ideal platform to congregate prominent specialists and pioneers of the global and regional coffee sector, and reflects Dubai’s commitment to strengthen commercial, economic and tourism sectors in the nation.”

Yannis Apostolopoulos, Chief Executive Officer of the Specialty Coffee Association, said: “We are pleased to work with DXB Live to host this international event, which focuses on the global coffee industry. The

Kava & Chai Rooted in Arabian Heritage:  Arabica coffee is as rich and strong as the heritage and culture it is based upon. With roots in the Sufi lodges of 15th-century Yemen, coffee cultivation and trade have been at the epicentre of Arabian life, inspiring generations of philosophers, artists, traders and thinkers.  

Following its introduction to the Arab region by Yemeni merchants, the growing popularity of coffee meant it was responsible for the wave of Middle Eastern coffee houses that began springing up in the 16th century in places like Mecca, Istanbul, and Aleppo.   

 Gahveh khanehs (public coffee houses), were places for people of all social classes to come together, experience coffee and connect. Patrons assembled to digest news and current affairs and socialise over coffee, becoming such an important centre for the exchange of information that they were often referred to as “schools of the wise”. These first coffeehouses became popular places to learn and play board games – but more importantly, they became synonymous with traditional Arab hospitality.

The Arab early adoption and love for coffee spread far and wide, rippling across Europe, with coffeehouses responsible for spawning literature, newspapers and inspiring art and philosophy. Directly stemming from Arab coffeehouses, European coffeehouses became the home of iconic classical works by composers such as Beethoven and Bach. It was suggested both consumed up to 30 cups of coffee daily, with Bach evidencing his love for coffee in the celebrated Coffee Cantata (BWV 211).

With a history rich in Arabic culture, it is no surprise that today, coffee continues to be a top beverage for consumers across the UAE. According to a recent survey by homegrown specialty coffee and tea house Kava & Chai, adults across the UAE consume an average of two cups of coffee each day. “ Coffee is deeply rooted in Arab culture, and throughout history, it has brought people together to share ideas, seek comfort and be inspired personally, socially and professionally”, said Mike Butler, CEO of Kava & Chai.

“In Dubai, we are noticing a trend where people are once again taking time to sit down and appreciate their favourite coffee. They are savouring the experience with friends and reconnecting on a social level which was the traditional way to enjoy coffee in the Arab world,” said Mike Butler.