In the region, the branded café sector grew by over 11%, driven by a young generation making up over 60% of the population under 35, who treat coffee as a lifestyle, a cultural experience, and a contemporary identity. Additionally, green coffee imports through the Gulf Cooperation Council countries have risen, and Dubai has become a regional hub for re-exports, with the value of re-exports exceeding 3.5 billion dirhams in 2024, supported by investments in storage warehouses, tasting labs, quality control centers, and specialized trading platforms. Khaled Al Mulla, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the UAE Speciality Coffee Association, stated that the region's growth pace is not only reflected in the spread of cafés or consumption data but also extends to the infrastructure being developed across the entire value chain. Meanwhile, Shawq bin Riza, Director of Coffee World, said we are witnessing the emergence of a new generation of entrepreneurs, producers, and importers who are driving innovation, sustainability, and long-term growth in this sector. The UAE continues to lead the coffee market transformation, with the market value in the country exceeding 12 billion dirhams (around 3.2 billion dollars). Concurrently, Dubai is reinforcing its position as one of the world's most café-dense and diverse cities. In parallel, preparations are intensifying at the Dubai World Trade Centre to host the fifth edition of Coffee World Dubai from January 18 to 20, 2026. Markets in North Africa and the Levant, particularly Egypt and Morocco, are also showing significant growth, with coffee consumption in Egypt doubling over the past five years and Morocco recording a 23% increase in coffee imports in 2024.
