DUBAI (HornPost) — Ethiopia showcased its specialty coffee at World of Coffee Dubai 2026, using the international exhibition to promote its coffee varieties and expand trade opportunities with buyers from around the world.
The fifth edition of the exhibition took place from January 18 to 20, 2026, at the Dubai World Trade Centre. It brought together coffee producers, exporters, roasters, traders and industry professionals from across the global coffee market.
Ethiopia participated with a delegation of coffee exporters. The Ethiopian News Agency reported that 26 exporters represented the country, presenting a range of premium and specialty coffee products.
Their participation aimed to attract international buyers, strengthen commercial partnerships and increase the visibility of Ethiopian coffee in regional and international markets.
Ethiopian Pavilion Promotes the Country’s Coffee Heritage
The Ethiopian Pavilion was inaugurated by senior Ethiopian officials, including Ambassador Jemal Beker, Ethiopia’s ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, and Adugna Debela, director general of the Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority.
Zerihun Megersa, Ethiopia’s consul general in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, also attended the ceremony, according to the information provided for the report.
The pavilion highlighted Ethiopia’s long history of coffee production and its reputation as the birthplace of Arabica coffee. It also presented the country’s diverse coffee varieties and growing role in the specialty coffee market.
Ethiopian officials used the exhibition to promote the country’s coffee industry and encourage stronger links with international buyers and investors.
Dubai Exhibition Attracts Global Coffee Industry
World of Coffee Dubai 2026 attracted more than 2,100 exhibiting companies and brands from 78 countries, according to the event organizers.
The exhibition also recorded more than 20,000 trade visits from industry professionals representing over 80 countries. These figures made the fifth edition the largest in the event’s history at the time.
The event provided a meeting place for coffee-producing countries, international traders, manufacturers, roasters and retailers.
It also featured national pavilions, professional activities and opportunities for businesses to explore new products, technologies and commercial partnerships.
Dubai has increasingly developed its role as a regional center for specialty coffee trade. Its location provides access to buyers and markets across the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Europe.
Ethiopia Seeks to Expand Coffee Exports
Ethiopia’s participation reflected its efforts to strengthen the international position of its coffee industry.
Coffee remains one of Ethiopia’s important agricultural export products. The country is widely known for its distinctive coffee varieties, including those associated with regions such as Sidama, Yirgacheffe, Guji and Harrar.
These coffee-growing areas are known for differences in flavor, aroma and processing methods. Such qualities have helped Ethiopian coffee attract attention from specialty roasters and international buyers.
However, expanding exports also requires improvements in production quality, processing, logistics and access to international markets.
By attending major trade exhibitions, Ethiopian exporters can introduce their products directly to potential buyers. They can also explore new partnerships and understand changing consumer demand.
Coffee Diplomacy and International Trade
Ethiopia has increasingly used international events to promote its coffee industry and strengthen economic relations.
The participation in Dubai offered an opportunity to connect coffee exporters with international businesses. It also supported wider efforts to attract investment and expand Ethiopia’s presence in the global coffee market.
The 2026 exhibition has since concluded, with organizers reporting record participation. The next edition of World of Coffee Dubai is scheduled for January 26–28, 2027, at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
For Ethiopia, the event provided another platform to promote its coffee heritage, showcase its products and pursue new opportunities in the international specialty coffee industry.
Sources: Ethiopian News Agency (ENA); World of Coffee Dubai organizers; Emirates News Agency (WAM).
HornPost Staff Reporter
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Website: https://hornpost.com
