Salam Aleikum from Dubai dear coffee lovers,
The Middle East & Africa (MEA) region is one of the most vibrant coffee regions in the world and it’s just getting started.
After my keynote at World of Coffee Dubai 2026 and my observations over the past three days, one thing is crystal clear:
The MEA coffee market is no longer “emerging” – it is accelerating.
📈 Key takeaways from the Middle East & Africa (MEA) region:
- Estimated coffee market value of USD 38+ billion by 2030
- ~10% annual growth, clearly outperforming the global coffee market
- Growth driven by young consumers, rising incomes, and rapid urbanisation
- A booming specialty café culture across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar & beyond
- Cold coffee and RTD becoming everyday lifestyle formats – not niche trends
What makes this region truly special is the powerful combination of:
☕ deep coffee culture & hospitality
🚀 openness to innovation and new formats
🌍 global inspiration with a strong local identity
Dubai has once again shown why it is a global coffee hub – a place where tradition, premiumisation, technology, and lifestyle meet.
One honest observation:
Europe will need to rediscover its pace of innovation. The old continent risks falling behind in automation, artificial intelligence, and speed of innovation in coffee, while other regions are moving faster and bolder.
What the Middle East can truly be proud of:
Coffee trends born here are now exported globally – from coffee mixology to infused drinks and next-generation cold brews, shaping menus and mindsets far beyond the region.
For anyone looking at the future of coffee consumption, the Middle East & Africa is not a side story. It is one of the main chapters.
Thanks to everyone I met, to World of Coffee Dubai, and to all those shaping what’s next in our industry.
More conversations, more insights – and more love for coffee worldwide.
