The Evolution of Specialty Coffee in the UAE

Over the past decade, the UAE has brewed up a coffee revolution, transforming from a land of traditional gahwa to a playground for specialty coffee enthusiasts with a sophisticated and ever-growing consumer base. What was once a region rooted in classic coffee rituals has become a community of innovative brews and top-tier coffees.

And to learn more, I had an actual insight from some of the people and businesses who’ve been experiencing and seeing this growth.

What drives the growth of Specialty Coffee in UAE

No doubt, terms like “specialty café” or “specialty coffee” are popping up everywhere in the UAE as coffee spots try to stand out from the big chains. With local passion mixed with global vibes, the UAE’s coffee scene has seriously leveled up, and local roasteries are making top-notch beans easy to find.

Ryan Godinho , the founder of Specialty Batch and Stomping Grounds, which he established back in 2011, has witnessed firsthand the evolution of the UAE’s specialty coffee scene.

He shares that: “We saw the initial development of specialty coffee in the UAE driven by a foundational focus on barista and coffee education, coupled with entrepreneurial foresight. In the early stages, between 2009 and 2012, it was about pioneering change by introducing a concept that the market hadn’t yet demanded-offering an superior coffee experience that set the stage for a new niche in the local café industry.”

“Between 2012 and 2014 as educational groundwork took hold, it paved the way for a growing consumer demand for better tasting coffee” According to him, this led to the growth of a passionate community of coffee professionals and educators—who have been crucial in advancing the regional coffee culture over the past decade.

And interestingly he shared that many former coffee shop patrons are entering the market, fueled by passion or business strategy or both. He also added that the UAE’s diverse and well-traveled population with it’s exposure to global standards,  has been one of factors in the growth of the coffee scene.

UAE Market a Decade back and Today

“The most notable difference is accessibility. 10 years ago, specialty coffee was a niche market with limited access to locally roasted options and specialty cafés. Today, consumers enjoy a wide array of choices, with new roasters and coffee shops emerging weekly all across the country. ” says Ryan.

And on the service persepective and work-environment, I had an invaluable insights from Frederick Bejo, one of the Co-founders of Archers Roastery and Benchmark  Coffee.

“What I Noticed in UAE is that our coffee scene is really one of a kind in the world, many people might not notice this, but UAE coffee scene is becoming one of the best and craziest based on what I have seen visiting cafes all over the world.” And this includes the presence of ultra premium coffee quality, rare coffees down to High-end architectural Design.

He also added that he is not a fan of the formal service style robotic type of customer service which is common in ma UAE F&B cafes. He believes that best café service is casual, honest, and friendly. A relaxed approach creates a welcoming environment, and encourages genuine connections with customers that fosters a sense of community, and creates a positive work atmosphere.

On his perspective and holistic approach: Happy employees, connected to their customers, create a welcoming atmosphere and take pride in their work. This service style should also strengthen relationships between employees and business owners.

Coffee Makers follow New style of Service  

The café scene today in the UAE is booming, with new spots opening every month, each striving to offer something unique. “Benchmark” in Sharjah is one of them—a newly opened café and micro-roastery that’s raising the bar with its innovative service. Their Omakase Room offers a one-of-a-kind coffee experience that aims to set them apart.

When I visited Benchmark, I had the pleasure of meeting two of its co-founders, Kemal Risyad and Dave Peralta, who gave me a quick overview of the unique coffee experience they offer. They explained that “Omakase” comes from the Japanese verb “makaseru,” meaning “to entrust” or “to leave to someone’s discretion.” Originally popularized in sushi bars, this concept has expanded into various Japanese cuisines and even global fine dining. It embodies a profound respect for the chef’s expertise, allowing them to craft a highly personalized dining experience.

Frederick, shared his insights from living in the UAE for 14 years. He noted that proper Coffee Omakase experiences are rare in the region, which is understandable given the level of coffee knowledge, experience, and global championship standards required for such a service. However, Fredrick sees great potential for Coffee Omakase in the UAE, especially considering the success of Chef’s Table experiences and the growing consumer demand for curated, exclusive offerings. With the increasing coffee knowledge and appreciation for authenticity in the UAE, Fredrick is optimistic that an Omakase café could deliver similar personalization and expertise, offering a platform to share and showcase coffee knowledge while deeply engaging with customers.

It’s not just about the coffee—it’s about elevating the entire experience and pushing barista skills to the next level

Coffee Events and Coffee Competition

From local latte art competitions and brewing throw-downs to national-level stage, coffee events have become the heartbeat of the UAE’s vibrant coffee culture. They bring together enthusiasts, professionals, and newcomers alike, creating a dynamic environment where everyone can experience the thrill. Competitors are not just highlighting their skills—they are highlighting the nuances of high-quality coffee and setting the bar for what is possible.

Growth of Home Brewers : Coffee geeks Consumer 

The pandemic may have been the catalyst for homebrewing to bloom , but the growth of homebrewing are here to stay. In a post-pandemic world, the coffee approach at home of many has forever changed. To brew, the demand for high-end coffee equipment and high quality coffee reflects a broader shift towards a more informed and passionate coffee culture in the UAE.

Social media also became a platform not only to build a coffee community online but also to brew, share tips, recipe, and experiences. This growing UAE coffee community switch their morning rituals into new found passion and form of Art. From learning about the origins of beans to mastering the intricacies of extraction. This alone calls for baristas and café owners to invest in knowledge and training to keep up with the growing expertise of consumers and coffee enthusiasts

Capsule coffee machines and drip bags have already raised the bar for convenience and quality. Whether it’s through enhanced technology or new brewing methods, the evolution of coffee gear is sure to bring even more delightful surprises for home coffee enthusiasts.

The specialty coffee industry in the UAE is thriving, driven by innovation, coffee trends and more engaged consumers. As the market matures, and consumers being more informed, local businesses will find more opportunities to expand, innovate, and set new standards in quality and coffee drinking experience. With that growth it’s safe to say that The UAE is poised not only to follow global coffee trends but also to lead in defining the future of coffee culture worldwide.