UAE Coffee Market Reaches $3.2 Billion as Saudi Arabia Brews Over 36 Million Cups Daily
Rising Coffee Consumption in the Middle East
The UAE and Saudi Arabia are at the epicenter of a significant increase in coffee consumption throughout the Middle East. This trend establishes the region as one of the world’s most vibrant specialty coffee markets. As momentum builds, industry professionals anticipate that developments in the coffee sector will continue to evolve rapidly.
The upcoming World of Coffee Dubai, set to take place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from January 18 to January 20, 2026, is a pivotal event, showcasing the region’s expanding interest in coffee production and culture.
The Coffee Industry Landscape
The UAE’s coffee market has surpassed AED 12 billion, approximately $3.2 billion, positioning it as a robust anchor for regional growth. Dubai, in particular, has solidified its reputation as one of the world’s most café-dense cities, driven by a notable rise in out-of-home coffee consumption.
Café and restaurant spending represents around 93 percent of total coffee expenditure in the UAE, one of the highest ratios worldwide. This statistic highlights the country’s café-centric consumption model, characterized by an ongoing trend of premiumization.
Saudi Arabia mirrors this momentum, significantly impacting the region’s coffee dynamics. The Kingdom boasts over 5,100 branded cafés, which constitute nearly half of all such establishments in the Middle East. Daily coffee consumption now exceeds 36 million cups, indicating a thriving café culture.
With a total of more than 61,000 registered cafés, including both specialty outlets and traditional coffee houses, Saudi Arabia reflects a blend of modern practices and cultural heritage in its coffee consumption patterns.
World of Coffee Dubai: A Major Event
In this context, the World of Coffee Dubai is poised for substantial growth. Organized by DXB LIVE in conjunction with the Specialty Coffee Association, the exhibition’s space will expand from 5,000 square meters in 2022 to over 20,000 square meters by 2026.
This expansion is indicative of the increasing regional demand for specialty coffee. An evolving interest in coffee origins, quality of roasting, and premium experiences is fueling this growth across the Middle East and North Africa.
Further, regions beyond the Gulf are also witnessing significant advancements. For instance, coffee consumption in Egypt has doubled in the last five years, while Morocco saw a 23 percent increase in coffee imports in 2024, reflecting a broader trend of rising coffee appreciation.
Youth Influence on the Coffee Market
The branded café sector in the Middle East has experienced growth exceeding 11 percent, driven in part by a youthful demographic. More than 60 percent of the population in these countries is under 35, and younger consumers increasingly view coffee as an essential component of lifestyle and social experiences.
This shift illustrates how coffee culture is being redefined, with younger generations emphasizing coffee not only for its taste but also for its role as a social connector and cultural statement.
Trade and Infrastructure Developments
While café culture garners significant attention, the infrastructure underpinning the coffee industry is rapidly adapting to meet increased demand. Green coffee imports in the GCC have surged, positioning Dubai as a premier re-export hub for the region.
Re-export values reached AED 3.5 billion, equivalent to approximately $953 million in 2024. This increase is supported by investments in warehousing, cupping laboratories, quality control centers, and specialized trading platforms.
Khalid Al Mulla, a prominent figure in the local coffee industry, remarked, “The pace of growth we are witnessing in the region is not reflected solely in the proliferation of cafés or consumption figures, but also in the infrastructure being developed across the entire value chain. World of Coffee Dubai embodies this accelerated trajectory, advancing with greater depth and global connectivity than ever before.”
In parallel, Shouq bin Redha emphasized the emergence of a new wave of entrepreneurs within the industry. She stated, “We are observing a new generation of producers, importers, and innovators who are driving sustainability and long-term growth across the sector. World of Coffee serves as a key meeting point for this ecosystem, and the expansion reflects the region’s growing influence within the global coffee trade.”
Conclusion
As the UAE and Saudi Arabia continue to elevate their coffee markets, the growth in consumption, infrastructure, and café culture presents new opportunities and challenges. The upcoming World of Coffee Dubai is expected to serve as a significant platform for industry stakeholders to engage, innovate, and collaborate, ultimately shaping the future trajectory of coffee in the Middle East.
Published on 1766687508 • Category: Events,Coffee,Coffee industry,coffee market,World of Coffee Dubai,World of Coffee Exhibition