Coffee has long been more than a morning ritual in the Arab world. It is a language of hospitality, a bridge between strangers, and a symbol of identity that has travelled across generations. From the fragrant Arabic qahwa poured to sleek urban cafés serving single-origin espresso, the region’s relationship with coffee continues to evolve. Today, a new generation of Arab-owned coffee brands is reclaiming that legacy with modern precision, thoughtful sourcing, and a deep respect for tradition.
BASE COFFEE
Founded on a simple obsession with perfecting the cup, Base Coffee approaches brewing like a science. Every element is fine-tuned, from the pH of the water to the roast level of the beans, each of which scores above 80 on the Specialty Coffee Association scale. Their minimalist spaces invite quiet focus, allowing the coffee to speak for itself. The brand’s pursuit of consistency has become its signature, ensuring every espresso poured meets the same meticulous standard.
HALF MILLION
In a market once dominated by global chains, Half Million emerged as Saudi Arabia’s homegrown answer to modern coffee culture. Established in 2018 by Meshal Khalid H. Alshehri and Abdullah Alrajhi, the brand blends Saudi heritage with contemporary design and an accessible luxury ethos. Its rapid expansion across the Kingdom—and now beyond—reflects both its popularity and ambition. The coffee is roasted to bring out smooth, sweet notes suited to the Kingdom’s evolving palate, while the design and experience remains proudly local. With over 45 stores across Saudi Arabia and its first branch in London, Half Million bridges heritage and global ambition, showing that an Arab brand can compete at world scale without losing its roots.
EMIRATI COFFEE CO.
Emirati Coffee Co. embodies a legacy that began nearly a century ago, when its founder’s grandfather traded beans across the Arabian Gulf. Today, the brand works directly with farms in more than 20 coffee-producing nations, from Ethiopia to Costa Rica, to source specialty-grade beans that are roasted locally in Dubai. The brand’s philosophy centers on accessibility without compromise, making specialty coffee available to a wider audience while maintaining premium standards. Every cup honors the founder’s grandfather, whose voyages across the Gulf first introduced those small green beans that became a way of life. With a focus on consistency, customer connection, and pride in every roast, Emirati Coffee Co. is both a tribute to the past and a vision for the future.
DAYSDAYS
Born in Lebanon and now expanding across the UAE, DaysDays has become a quiet favorite among capsule aficionados who refuse to compromise on quality. The brand uses 100 percent Arabica beans sourced from Colombia, Panama, and South America, locally roasted in Lebanon and sealed fresh to preserve aroma. Their small-batch process ensures consistency and flavor depth, offering Nespresso-compatible capsules that deliver café-level coffee at home. With its “Better Days, Better Coffee” philosophy, DaysDays has positioned itself as an artisanal alternative to mass-market capsules, bringing a distinctly Arab sensibility to modern coffee rituals.
THE ESPRESSO LAB
Created by Emirati entrepreneur Ibrahim Al Mallouhi, The Espresso Lab reflects a lifelong pursuit of excellence. Inspired by his grandmother’s meticulous coffee roasting and refined by years of global exploration, Al Mallouhi built a brand that treats coffee as craft. The Espresso Lab is known for its innovation, seasonal microlots, and commitment to transparency from farm to cup. Its cafés in Dubai and Abu Dhabi offer an elevated yet inviting experience, where education and enjoyment go hand in hand.
FLAT WHITE SPECIALTY COFFEE
Founded by Nasser Al-Naemi and Maryam Al-Bader, Flat White brought third-wave coffee culture to Qatar in 2016. Under their roastery brand Honoroast, they source beans from leading producers in Ethiopia, Costa Rica, Brazil, and El Salvador, each chosen for its flavor complexity and ethical cultivation. Their cafés are staffed with expertly trained baristas and equipped with state-of-the-art machinery, ensuring every cup reflects precision and care. Flat White’s international recognition speaks to its success in putting Qatar’s coffee scene on the map.
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