From traditional Qahwa to artisanal brews: Emiratis and their ever-growing love for specialty coffee

Khaleej Times

18-02-2025

The UAE's coffee culture is as rich and layered as the brews that fill the cups of its people. Traditionally, Emiratis have long valued Qahwa, the spiced Arabic coffee poured in small cups and served with dates, as a symbol of hospitality and connection. Today, this deep-rooted love for coffee has evolved, embracing the world of specialty coffee while still honouring its heritage. Perhaps that is why we're seeing a rise in homegrown specialty coffee houses and brands across Dubai—you're likely to find one in most neighbourhoods where Emiratis reside.
We spoke to Emirati entrepreneurs and coffee lovers to gauge the locals' love for specialty coffee.
Abdalla Ibrahim Almulla, an Emirati entrepreneur and co-founder of Hoof, a specialty coffee brand that has seamlessly blended tradition with innovation, highlights how coffee has always been an essential part of the Emirati culture. "I wanted to create a space like Hoof where we could celebrate that heritage while also pushing boundaries in specialty coffee,' Abdalla shares. His equestrian background played a significant role in shaping the brand, with horses symbolising grace, power, and tradition—values that define Hoof's coffee philosophy. 'Our goal was to create a space where coffee is not just consumed but truly appreciated.'
Another Emirati, Maha S., who resides in Al Ain, says coffee is an essential part of her daily life. "For me, and for my friends and family, it's often the first thing I smell when I come home," she says. "We always start our hangouts with a coffee, regardless of the main plan. In the UAE, coffee has taken on a deeper cultural significance, becoming a shared ritual that brings us together."
Specialty brews
The evolution of coffee culture in the UAE has seen Emiratis move beyond their love for traditional Arabic coffee and embrace specialty brews with equal enthusiasm. 'While Qahwa remains a staple, there's a growing interest in single-origin beans, high-quality espresso-based drinks, hand-brewed filter coffee, and experimental brews,' Abdalla explains.
Lighter roasts, which allow the natural flavours of the beans to shine, have become increasingly popular.
Maha's favourite brewing method is the Iced Americano, she says, "though I was previously obsessed with Cortado. I find that coffee tastes better when shared with others."
Emiratis also appreciate smooth, balanced, and naturally sweet flavour profiles, often with nutty or chocolatey undertones. In addition, alternative milk options and innovative processing methods have piqued the curiosity of coffee connoisseurs across the country.
In the UAE, cafés are more than just places to grab a cup of coffee—they are social and creative hubs that foster meaningful connections. 'Cafés in the UAE are gathering places, creative spaces, and meeting hubs,' says Abdalla. 'Emiratis love socialising over coffee, but they also seek environments that support work and productivity.'
Maha is of the same opinion; she says, "I enjoy coffee in various settings, but I prefer it as an outdoor activity, often with friends or family."
Our neighbours, the Saudi Arabian nationals, are also united on the love for coffee. "That's another thing which is common between Emiratis and Saudi Arabians," said a lady visiting Dubai from Saudi Arabia.
Another Saudi local, Waad al Ali, who was visiting specialty coffee houses during her visit to Dubai, said, "Any coffee, without milk, is my go-to."
For Waad, coffee is the first thing she drinks after waking up. "Just black coffee to start the day is the best thing," says Waad, who is a regular at several coffee houses with friends and family back in her hometown in Riyadh. Her favourite? "The V60 coffee and Americanos," she says.
Maha, on the other hand, said one of her favourites is La Pre in Al Ain. "It has become a go-to spot for many because of its excellent quality coffee and inviting atmosphere."
Rapid growth in the UAE
The specialty coffee industry in the UAE has witnessed rapid growth in recent years. 'A few years ago, specialty coffee was a niche market, but today, it's a major part of the café culture,' Abdalla says. Consumers are more informed, keen on understanding the origins of their coffee, and increasingly invested in sustainability and ethical sourcing.
This shift has brought both challenges and opportunities. 'Emiratis know their coffee and have high expectations for quality,' Abdalla explains. However, this deep appreciation also creates room for innovation. The key, he says, is finding a balance between honouring tradition and introducing new experiences.
Beyond just serving great coffee, Abdalla is committed to fostering meaningful conversations and collaborations that uplift local talent. 'Collaboration is at the heart of Hoof,' Abdalla says. Over the years, the café has worked with Emirati artisans, industry pioneers, and creatives to enrich the coffee experience.
For Emirati Women's Day, Hoof hosted an open discussion with Dr Suaad Al Shamsi, the first female Emirati aircraft engineer, creating a platform to celebrate and inspire. The café has also collaborated with Nooran, a pioneering Emirati barista, to highlight the role of women in shaping the coffee industry. Another noteworthy partnership was with Chef Aysha, the UAE's youngest Emirati chef, who merged culinary artistry with specialty coffee in an innovative way.
In a country as diverse as the UAE, coffee serves as a universal language. Whether it's an Emirati sharing Qahwa with a visitor or an international customer discovering Arabic coffee for the first time, Abdalla says, "coffee has a unique way of bringing people together.'
Maha concurs, "It's a wonderful way to connect with people through a shared love for quality coffee."