Dubai is home to a thriving specialty coffee culture, blending modern roasting techniques with rich Arabic traditions. Here are 10 standout coffee roasters shaping the city’s coffee scene:
- Roasters Specialty Coffee House: Premium Arabica beans from 11 countries, 4 prime locations, and a focus on sustainability.
- Gold Box Roastery: Known for precision roasting with Loring technology and eco-friendly practices.
- Haute Coffee Roasters: Exclusive small-lot beans, energy-efficient roasting, and signature blends like “Dubai Sunrise.”
- THREE Coffee: Solar-powered roasting and local flavor pairings, including Yemeni Mocha Mattari.
- Specialty Batch Coffee: Custom roast profiles and collaborations with cafes like Stomping Grounds.
- Grandmother Coffee Roastery: Vintage and modern roasting methods with a focus on transparency.
- Cypher Roastery: Tech-driven roasting with QR traceability and rare seasonal offerings.
- Flava Coffee: AI-assisted profiling and a Coffee Academy for learning.
- RoR Coffee Roastery: Drum and hot-air roasting with local artist-designed packaging.
- Mattina Coffee: Combining Italian traditions with Emirati influences, offering micro-lots and unique blends.
Quick Comparison
| Roaster | Key Feature | Unique Offering | Sustainability Measures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roasters Specialty Coffee | Premium beans from 11 origins | Coffee flights with desserts | UAE National Agenda alignment |
| Gold Box Roastery | Loring Smart Roast | “Roast on Demand” service | Eco-friendly packaging, composting |
| Haute Coffee Roasters | Energy-efficient Loring S15 Falcon | Virtual tastings and nitro cold brew | Reforestation partnerships |
| THREE Coffee | Solar-powered roasting | Yemeni blends for Middle Eastern dishes | Biodegradable packaging |
| Specialty Batch Coffee | Seasonal direct-trade beans | “Dubai Blend” tailored for locals | Composting partnerships |
| Grandmother Coffee Roastery | Vintage cast-iron roaster | “Heritage Blend” with global beans | Farm-to-cup transparency |
| Cypher Roastery | Tech-driven QR traceability | Enigma blend with rare seasonal options | Plant-based packaging |
| Flava Coffee | AI-assisted profiling | Coffee Academy for public learning | Temperature-controlled facility |
| RoR Coffee Roastery | Drum and hot-air roasting | Al Quoz Reserve blend | Recyclable packaging |
| Mattina Coffee | Italian and Emirati influences | Emirati Cardamom Espresso | Nitrogen-flushed packaging |
These roasters combine technology, sustainability, and local flavors to make Dubai a global coffee destination. Dive into the article for more details on each roaster and their unique contributions.
Falcon Coffee Roasters: Dubai’s Specialty Coffee Roasting
1. Roasters Specialty Coffee House
Roasters Specialty Coffee House has prime locations in JBR, Dubai Mall, Boulevard Downtown, and Creek Harbour [4]. They source premium Arabica beans from the top 2% of global harvests [5], bringing coffee lovers flavors from 11 origin countries like El Salvador, Panama, and Ethiopia [5]. Their cappuccinos stand out for their rich, chocolatey, and nutty taste – smooth and free of bitterness [1].
They offer four precise brewing methods, ensuring consistent quality across all locations. Roasters also prioritizes sustainability, aligning their practices with the UAE National Agenda [4].
The coffee house provides a welcoming atmosphere with stylish interiors, open spaces, artistic touches, and greenery [1]. Their menu includes treats like Ukrainian Syrniki and Basque cheesecake, perfect companions to their coffee flights.
“The Panama Geisha brewed via V60 arrived with complementary dates, showcasing plum-like notes that paired beautifully with their Ukrainian-style Syrniki.” – Coffee Ryokou (2024) [1]
2. Gold Box Roastery
Gold Box Roastery, established in 2015 in Al Quoz, brings together Dubai’s blend of heritage and modernity. Founded by award-winning baristas, the roastery uses advanced Loring Smart Roast technology to ensure precision in every batch [2].
The team emphasizes direct trade relationships with farmers across the globe, reflecting Dubai’s position as a hub for international coffee culture. Their flagship espresso blend, Dubai Gold, combines beans from Brazil, Ethiopia, and Colombia, offering a balanced flavor profile with rich chocolate tones and hints of fruit [2].
Gold Box also features rotating single-origin selections, highlighting unique coffee-growing regions and rare beans like Gesha and SL28. A unique offering is their “Roast on Demand” service, where customers can choose their preferred roast level [2].
Their commitment to eco-conscious practices includes:
- Using environmentally friendly packaging
- Repurposing roasting chaff into compost
- Implementing water-saving measures
- Offering discounts to customers with reusable containers
Gold Box Roastery also invests in community-building through events like public cupping sessions, barista training, and partnerships with local cafes. Located in Warehouse 7, Al Quoz, they operate from Saturday to Thursday, 9 am to 6 pm.
Their focus on education and sustainability aligns closely with Haute Coffee Roasters’ plans to prioritize similar initiatives.
3. Haute Coffee Roasters
Haute Coffee Roasters, founded in 2018 by Emirati coffee enthusiast Ahmed Al Mulla, blends Dubai’s rich heritage with global coffee traditions. Operating out of Al Quoz, they focus on sourcing high-quality beans and building strong relationships with farms in Ethiopia, Colombia, and Costa Rica to secure small, exclusive lots [7][2].
The roastery uses a Loring S15 Falcon roaster, known for its energy efficiency and precise roasting capabilities [2]. They tailor their roasting techniques, such as profile roasting and fluid bed methods, to highlight each bean’s unique characteristics. Regular cuppings by Q-graders ensure every batch meets their high standards [7][2].
Their menu features standout single-origin options, like Ethiopian Yirgacheffe with floral notes, Colombian Huila with hints of cocoa, and Costa Rican Tarrazu known for its bright acidity [7][2]. They also offer signature blends, including:
- Dubai Sunrise (Medium): A Central American and African blend with a vibrant acidity.
- Emirati Espresso (Dark): A bold mix of Brazilian and Indonesian beans.
“At Haute, we believe that coffee is more than just a beverage – it’s an experience, a journey from the bean to the brew.” – Haute Coffee Roasters
Haute Coffee Roasters also emphasizes sustainability by partnering with reforestation initiatives in coffee-growing regions [1][2]. During the pandemic, they adapted by introducing virtual tastings, expanding delivery services, and continuing coffee education online [7].
Always pushing boundaries, they’ve launched ready-to-drink options like nitro cold brew cans and assist cafes with custom equipment setups [1][2]. From sourcing beans to offering brewing advice, Haute Coffee Roasters has positioned itself as a key player in Dubai’s specialty coffee scene.
4. THREE Coffee
THREE Coffee has embraced Haute’s community-driven philosophy and stands out through its smart retail partnerships. Recognized by FLTR Magazine as a must-visit spot, they supply top-tier Dubai venues like The Grey. They also prioritize quality control with weekly cuppings and batch tracking to ensure consistency [6].
Their coffee offerings reflect a strong connection to local preferences. For example, the Yemeni Mocha Mattari blend is crafted to pair perfectly with date-based desserts, blending seamlessly with Dubai’s unique mix of flavors. The menu includes a mix of single-origin coffees and blends thoughtfully designed to complement Middle Eastern dishes [2][6].
In line with Dubai’s green initiatives, THREE Coffee uses a solar-powered roaster and biodegradable packaging [1][3]. By focusing on flavors that resonate locally, they help position Dubai as a hub where global coffee trends meet regional tastes [2][6].
5. Specialty Batch Coffee
Specialty Batch Coffee, inspired by THREE Coffee’s solar-powered ethos, blends sustainable practices with top-tier boutique roasting. Founded in 2013 by Ryan Godinho[6], this Al Quoz-based roastery has become a cornerstone of Dubai’s coffee scene[2], offering seasonal direct-trade beans from regions like Ethiopia, Colombia, and Costa Rica.
They craft custom roast profiles to highlight unique flavors – think Ethiopian bergamot or Colombian cacao. One standout is their medium-roast “Dubai Blend”, a nod to local tastes that’s become a hallmark of Dubai’s roasters. Specialty Batch Coffee also partners with Stomping Grounds café in Jumeirah 1 to create exclusive blends[2], while their beans are available at their Al Quoz location[6]. Plans to expand into Port Rashid reflect their growing popularity[6].
“Specialty Batch Coffee has played a pivotal role in elevating Dubai’s specialty coffee culture through their commitment to quality and education”, says What’s On Dubai[2].
Ryan Godinho remains hands-on, personally managing sourcing and roasting operations[6]. Their efforts go beyond coffee production, including composting partnerships to reduce waste and workshops that promote coffee education. These initiatives align with Dubai’s broader focus on knowledge-sharing in the coffee community, while their café collaborations echo the community spirit of places like Gold Box Roastery, all with a strong emphasis on sustainability./banner/inline/?id=sbb-itb-0358258
6. Grandmother Coffee Roastery
Tucked away in the Depachika Food Hall at Nakheel Mall on Palm Jumeirah[4], Grandmother Coffee Roastery bridges the gap between old-school roasting methods and modern-day precision. Using a vintage cast-iron roaster for small batches, they honor coffee traditions, while their advanced equipment ensures every batch meets high-quality standards[7][4]. This mix of old and new reflects Dubai’s balance of preserving heritage while embracing progress.
Their standout “Heritage Blend” brings together Ethiopian, Colombian, and Brazilian beans for a perfectly balanced flavor. This approach mirrors Dubai’s multicultural spirit, blending beans from three continents into a unified taste profile. Every batch is carefully tracked with temperature and development logs to ensure consistency[1][4].
| Batch Type | Roasting Method |
|---|---|
| Small | Vintage cast-iron roaster |
| Commercial | Loring S35 (energy-saving) |
| Custom | Tailored cafe profiles |
Grandmother Coffee Roastery is deeply committed to transparency through its farm-to-cup program[2][8]. By working closely with producers in Ethiopia, Colombia, and Guatemala, they ensure fair pay and community support[2][8]. Their biodegradable packaging includes origin details and hand-drawn illustrations of the farms[7][8].
The roastery also plays a key role in organizing the annual Dubai Coffee Festival, bringing together coffee professionals and enthusiasts from across the UAE[2][4]. They offer public workshops alongside their retail products, further cementing Dubai’s reputation as a hub for global coffee culture.
7. Cypher Roastery
Cypher Roastery takes a tech-driven approach to coffee roasting, highlighting Dubai’s role as a hub for cutting-edge coffee advancements. Founded in 2019, they’ve quickly gained attention in Dubai’s specialty coffee scene for their transparent sourcing and focus on quality[9][6].
Their standout “Enigma” blend mixes Ethiopian and Colombian beans in a medium-dark roast, offering a flavor profile of dark chocolate and berries. They also feature seasonal single-origin options, including rare finds like Kenyan Nyeri AA and Ethiopian Yirgacheffe processed naturally[6].
Cypher is committed to sustainability, working with urban farms to eliminate waste and using plant-based packaging. Their packaging design, inspired by binary code, reflects their tech-centric identity. QR codes on their retail products allow customers to trace the beans back to their source farms[6][9].
Visitors can explore Cypher’s coffee at their tasting room, which hosts regular cupping sessions and workshops. Their monthly “Coffee Meet-ups” have become a major part of Dubai’s coffee culture, connecting professionals and enthusiasts to exchange ideas and insights[9][6].
For cafes, Cypher provides tailored training programs and equipment maintenance services[4]. This well-rounded approach aligns with Dubai’s vision of becoming a global coffee leader through education and innovation. Their efforts have earned them a 4.8/5 rating on Google Reviews[1].
8. Flava Coffee
Flava Coffee, founded by Emirati entrepreneur Mohammed Al Marzooqi in Al Quoz, blends cutting-edge roasting technology with a focus on community learning. Their temperature-controlled facility uses AI-assisted profiling to roast beans sourced directly from trusted partners[4].
Their selection (priced at AED 60-95 for 250g) includes rare microlots like anaerobic-fermented Honduran beans, as well as regional favorites such as Yemeni mountain beans and Brazilian cerrado varieties[10]. For coffee enthusiasts, Q-certified trainers host regular cupping sessions to help participants sharpen their tasting and brewing skills[4].
Flava Coffee also offers public roasting demonstrations and barista certification courses through its Coffee Academy program[4]. This interactive approach builds on the transparency initiatives of Grandmother Coffee Roastery while incorporating advanced tech similar to Cypher’s methods.
9. RoR Coffee Roastery
Since its start in 2018 in Al Quoz, RoR (Roast of Reason) Coffee Roastery has carved out a strong presence in Dubai’s specialty coffee community, thanks to founder Khalid Al Mulla[2]. Using a mix of advanced technology and hands-on learning, they build on Flava Coffee’s AI-assisted profiling while focusing on education. Their roasting process combines drum and hot-air methods to achieve precise flavor control[6].
The standout Al Quoz Reserve blend offers a mix of chocolate and citrus flavors[11][6]. Their single-origin coffees include the floral brightness of Ethiopian Yirgacheffe and the nutty sweetness of Colombian Supremo. Each batch undergoes strict quality checks, from green bean selection to post-roast cupping[11][6].
RoR also collaborates with local artists for packaging, using recyclable materials to prioritize freshness and reflect Dubai’s creative and eco-conscious spirit[2][6]. Additionally, their barista workshops align with Dubai’s goal of training 500 certified coffee professionals by 2026[2].
10. Mattina Coffee
Founded in 2020, Mattina Coffee operates out of Dubai, using a Loring roaster to craft their blends. They combine Italian roasting traditions with Emirati flavor influences, showcasing Dubai’s role as an international coffee hub. Their process integrates RoR Coffee Roastery’s educational principles with Flava Coffee’s AI-driven profiling techniques.
Mattina partners directly with Central American growers to source exclusive micro-lots (less than 100kg), emphasizing unique, terroir-driven flavors. They use nitrogen-flushed packaging to maintain freshness, similar to methods employed by Grandmother Coffee Roastery. Standout offerings include their Emirati Cardamom Espresso, which merges Arabic coffee traditions with contemporary methods, and a limited edition Ethiopian Gesha Village Natural known for its floral and tea-like notes.
To ensure consistency, Q-graders conduct daily cuppings in their in-house lab [4][9]. Their eco-friendly practices align with Dubai’s 2040 Urban Master Plan, featuring biodegradable packaging and other sustainability measures [4][12].
Mattina Coffee goes beyond production by offering barista training and hosting public tastings. Their flagship café doubles as a retail space and innovation center, reinforcing their dedication to quality and creativity while contributing to Dubai’s growing reputation in the specialty coffee world [4][12].
Roaster Features at a Glance
Dubai’s specialty coffee scene shines through the offerings of its roasters:
Product Availability and Services
These roasters cater to a variety of needs, offering retail sales, wholesale partnerships, and educational programs. Tech-driven approaches stand out, like Cypher’s QR traceability (section 7) and Flava’s AI profiling (section 8).
Here’s a breakdown of their main offerings:
- Retail Products: Options include whole beans, ground coffee, and brewing tools.
- Wholesale Services: Bulk coffee supplies for cafes and restaurants.
- Training Programs: Barista certifications and coffee education courses.
- Specialty Services: Hands-on experiences like cupping sessions and roasting workshops.
Most physical locations are centered in Al Quoz and other commercial hubs, while subscription services ensure citywide access. Roasters Specialty Coffee House stands out with four key locations, making it highly accessible. On the other hand, Cypher focuses on rare coffee varieties like Gesha, appealing to niche coffee enthusiasts.
This blend of accessibility and exclusivity mirrors Dubai’s dual role as a global coffee destination and a preserver of Arabic coffee traditions, all while adhering to SCA standards.
Final Notes
Dubai’s specialty roasters have created a vibrant network of coffee experiences across the city. These 10 roasters highlight how the specialty coffee scene in Dubai continues to grow and evolve.
You can find their products in cafes, online stores, and select retailers. By 2022, Dubai had over 4,000 coffee shops, showcasing the city’s increasing passion for quality coffee consumption[10].
This growth is driven by roasters who focus on direct partnerships with farms and use advanced roasting techniques. For instance, the June 2022 opening of a roaster at ICD Brookfield Place underscores the rising demand for premium coffee in key business areas[13].
Whether it’s Gold Box’s eco-friendly roasting methods or Mattina’s nitrogen-flushed packaging for freshness, these roasters are helping cement Dubai’s reputation as a global coffee hub. Each one contributes in its own way, blending innovation with cultural influences to shape Dubai’s coffee identity.