Surge in Coffee Demand in the Middle East

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia are experiencing a notable increase in coffee consumption, solidifying the region's status as a prominent player in the global specialty coffee market. This growth coincides with the upcoming fifth edition of World of Coffee Dubai, scheduled to take place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from January 18 to 20, 2026. The rising demand for coffee is attributed to an expanding café culture and increased investments throughout the supply chain, which are transforming the production, trade, and consumption of coffee in the region, particularly in the Gulf markets. The UAE has emerged as a key driver of this growth, with its coffee market surpassing AED12 billion (approximately $3.2 billion). Dubai, in particular, has become one of the most café-dense cities globally, fueled by a significant rise in out-of-home coffee consumption. Notably, spending in cafés and restaurants constitutes around 93 percent of total coffee expenditure in the UAE, highlighting the country's café-centric consumption model. Saudi Arabia is also experiencing a surge in coffee consumption, with daily coffee intake exceeding 36 million cups. The Kingdom boasts over 5,100 branded cafés, accounting for nearly half of all such establishments in the Middle East. The total number of registered cafés in Saudi Arabia has surpassed 61,000, encompassing both specialty coffee shops and traditional coffee majlis, reflecting a blend of modernity and cultural heritage in coffee consumption. In this context, World of Coffee Dubai is set to expand significantly, growing from 5,000 square meters in 2022 to over 20,000 square meters in 2026. This expansion is indicative of the increasing regional demand for specialty coffee, driven by consumer interest in coffee origins, roasting quality, and premium experiences. Beyond the Gulf, coffee markets in North Africa and the Levant are also witnessing growth. For instance, coffee consumption in Egypt has doubled over the past five years, while Morocco has seen a 23 percent increase in coffee imports in 2024. The branded café sector across the region has grown by more than 11 percent, largely supported by a youthful demographic, with over 60 percent of the population under the age of 35, who increasingly view coffee as a lifestyle choice and social experience. As café culture flourishes, the infrastructure supporting the coffee sector is also evolving. Green coffee imports in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have risen significantly, with Dubai emerging as a regional hub for re-export. In 2024, re-export values exceeded AED3.5 billion ($953 million), bolstered by investments in warehousing, quality control centers, and specialized trading platforms. Industry leaders have noted that the region's growth is reflected not only in the number of cafés and consumption statistics but also in the development of infrastructure across the entire coffee value chain. The World of Coffee Dubai serves as a vital meeting point for emerging entrepreneurs and innovators in the sector, underscoring the Middle East's growing influence in the global coffee trade.

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