In the UAE, a new wave of Emirati entrepreneurs is reshaping the coffee landscape with a blend of creativity and traditional Arabian hospitality. These innovators are challenging established brands and introducing unique offerings to the coffee market.
Mohammad Al Farran: Expanding Black Sheep Coffee
One notable figure is Mohammad Al Farran, who is leading the expansion of the British coffee chain Black Sheep Coffee in the Emirates. Al Farran was drawn to Black Sheep Coffee’s unconventional use of Robusta beans, which deviates from the more common Arabica. This unique approach, combined with Dubai’s dynamic environment, aligns with Al Farran’s vision of creating community-centred cafes. His goal is to foster a welcoming atmosphere where patrons feel like family, offering exclusive regional blends such as the Arabic latte and white haze, as well as distinctive creations like Mbili Twiga and Bossa Nova.
Nooran Albannay: Preserving Tradition with Coffee Architecture
Not far behind is Emirati barista Nooran Albannay, who founded Coffee Architecture in Abu Dhabi. Albannay’s love for coffee began in her childhood, influenced by her grandmother’s preparation of traditional Arabic gahwa. After training at the US Barista School, Albannay transformed her passion into a business, aiming to share the warmth and tradition of gahwa with her customers. Her seasonal blend, J’s Drip, offers sweet mandarin and candied strawberry flavours, and she encourages trying the café’s manual ice Chemex brew. Albannay’s aspiration is to compete in the World Barista Championship and elevate the presence of Arab women in the global coffee scene.
Ali Tahlak: Bridging the Gap with Falcon Coffee Roasters
Meanwhile, Ali Tahlak, founder of Falcon Coffee Roasters, has been making his mark since 2020. Driven by his deep appreciation for coffee, Tahlak saw an opportunity to improve the UAE coffee market by offering high-quality beans and maintaining ethical sourcing practices. Falcon Coffee Roasters aims to connect farmers with coffee shops, ensuring premium quality and ethical standards. Tahlak’s top picks include the Colombia Finca El Paraiso beans and the V60 Simply Hario Glass Brewing Kit, reflecting his commitment to both quality and sustainability.
These Emirati entrepreneurs are not only contributing to the growth of the coffee industry in the UAE but also highlighting the rich cultural heritage and innovative spirit of the region.
