The UAE has quietly built one of the region's strongest specialty coffee scenes. Over the past decade a wave of local roasters has set up here, sourcing green beans directly from farms, working out their own roast profiles, and brewing coffee that holds its own against anywhere in the world.
At PERCUP we've spent a lot of time tasting our way through that scene, and we've pulled together the roasters behind the best speciality coffee Dubai has to offer. Wherever you are in the UAE, you can order their beans and have them delivered fresh. Here's a closer look at who's on our shelves.
Why the UAE Became a Specialty Coffee Hub
A few things came together. The population is large, international, and well travelled, so there's real demand for good coffee and plenty of customers who know the difference. Busy cities support cafes and roasteries that double as places to sit and learn about what's in the cup. And the roasters themselves are ambitious, mixing older methods with newer roasting and brewing techniques to get the most out of each bean.
The Best Specialty Coffee Roasters in the UAE
We work with each of these roasters directly, and they all approach coffee a little differently. Here's what each one is known for.
1 : INTELLECT Coffee Roastery
INTELLECT takes a precise, almost lab-like approach to roasting, with the aim of showing off where each coffee comes from. Their cups tend to be clean and layered, with a lot going on for people who like to pick apart what they're tasting.
Browse INTELLECT Coffee on PERCUP.
2 : Boon Coffee Roasters
Boon was one of the first specialty roasters in the region. They source single-origin, 100% Arabica beans straight from farmers in Ethiopia, and their roasts lean deep and fruity.
Taste Boon Coffee on PERCUP.
3 : THREE Coffee
THREE stays close to the farms it buys from and puts real weight on traceability and fair treatment along the supply chain. The coffees come out balanced and sweet, and easy to drink whether or not you're paying close attention.
Find THREE Coffee on PERCUP.
4 : The Smara Collection
The Smara Collection deals in rare micro-lots, the small, limited harvests you don't come across often. If you want something unusual to sit down with, this is where to look.
Browse The Smara Collection on PERCUP.
5 : Palate
Palate spends its time on the sensory side of coffee, adjusting roast profiles to bring out a bean's aroma, body, and finish. The results reward slowing down a little.
Find PALATE on PERCUP.
6 : La Gente
La Gente means "the people," and the focus is on everyday coffee rather than anything fussy. Smooth, consistent roasts you'll happily drink every morning.
Shop La Gente on PERCUP.
7 : Cafe Rider Roastery
Cafe Rider started where custom motorcycles meet coffee, and that mix still runs through the brand. The bikes are the fun part; the roasting is the serious part. Expect bold, punchy roasts.
Get Cafe Rider on PERCUP.
Specialty Coffee Delivery Across the UAE
You don't have to track down each of these roasters yourself. PERCUP carries them in one place and ships freshly roasted beans anywhere in the UAE. Order online and your coffee leaves the roaster for your door without sitting on a shelf for months first, so it arrives fresh and ready to brew.
Start Exploring UAE Coffee
The UAE's coffee scene has come a long way, and it's worth getting to know. Browse our full specialty coffee collection and order a bag or two to try at home.
