Dubai’s Specialty Coffee Scene: Consumer Preferences & How We Can Help

The UAE Coffee Scene Is Changing – And We’re Listening

While we couldn’t attend World of Coffee Dubai this year, that didn’t stop us from connecting with coffee professionals in the region. We reached out to some of our valued customers to gather insights on the local coffee culture, and their feedback gave us a deeper understanding of the market’s shifting preferences. From roast levels to cafe trends and digital packaging needs, here’s what we learned—and how Savor Brands is committed to supporting the UAE’s specialty coffee community with affordable digital printing solutions.

Roast Preferences: What Do UAE Coffee Drinkers Love?

When it comes to roast levels, coffee preferences in the UAE vary based on cultural background

• Locals lean toward medium to medium-light roasts. Many specialty coffee drinkers in the region enjoy expressive, fruit-forward flavors that shine in lighter roasts.
• Expats, on the other hand, often prefer medium to medium-dark roasts. Many come from countries with long-standing coffee traditions and tend to stick to what they know—smoother, lower-acidity profiles.

Understanding these nuances helps roasters and cafes cater to their customers’ taste preferences. And with our low minimums on digital printing, coffee businesses can experiment with different roast profiles and packaging designs without committing to large print runs.

How Do People in the UAE Enjoy Their Coffee?

Drinking habits also vary widely in Dubai’s diverse coffee scene. Our customers shared that:

• V60 pourovers are extremely popular among locals. Specialty coffee lovers appreciate the precision and clarity of flavors that come with manual brewing.
• Milk-based drinks dominate the cafe landscape. Spanish lattes and matcha lattes are booming, while smaller milk beverages like flat whites, cortados, and piccolos remain favorites.

This means that roasters and cafe owners must balance their menu offerings to satisfy both the adventurous and the traditional coffee drinker. With custom digital packaging, brands can highlight their coffee’s ideal brewing methods or best pairings to help consumers make informed choices.

Cafe Culture vs. Home Brewing: What’s the Trend?

Dubai has long been known for its vibrant cafe culture. Locals, who make up about 15% of the population, love visiting cafes for their coffee experiences. However, the market is shifting, and we’re seeing a potential increase in home brewing over the next few years. Why?

• Rising costs are influencing consumer behavior.

A decade ago, a flat white was AED 16. Now, it ranges from AED 22 to AED 26—and in high-end cafes, it can go up to AED 35.

• Cafes are under pressure to lower costs, affecting coffee quality.

As cafes push for cheaper coffee, roasters are sourcing lower-quality green beans, which could lead to a dip in specialty coffee standards. With these changes, roasters and brands must be more strategic with their packaging—offering home-brewing guides, sample packs, and engaging branding to capture the growing home consumer market. At Savor Brands, we’re making this transition easier with affordable, high-quality digital printing that allows coffee businesses to package their beans in eye-catching, functional designs—without breaking the bank.

Supporting the UAE Coffee Scene with Flexible Digital Printing

The UAE’s coffee industry is evolving, and businesses need cost-effective, adaptable packaging to keep up. Whether it’s for specialty roasters adjusting to shifting consumer preferences or cafes expanding into retail sales, Savor Brands provides:

• Low Minimums: Perfect for small-batch or seasonal offerings
• Fast Turnaround: Stay ahead of trends without long lead times
• High-Quality Printing: Showcase your brand with premium packaging

We’re here to support coffee professionals in Dubai and beyond, offering innovative solutions that bring branding visions to life. Check out our digital packaging options here: Savor Brands Digital Printing