CHAMPIONING THE KINGDOM’S COFFEE TALENT
Supported by the Qahwa Association of Saudi Arabia (QASA), the official Competition Body in the Kingdom, and sanctioned by World Coffee Events (WCE), the Saudi Arabia Barista Championship 2026 will take place at CoffeeZone during Hotel & Hospitality Expo Saudi Arabia.
Following internationally recognised standards, this prestigious national championship brings together Saudi Arabia’s most talented coffee professionals to compete, showcase their craft, and pursue recognition on a global stage.
The national champion will earn the opportunity to represent Saudi Arabia at the World Barista Championship in Panama.
Taking place across all three days of expo , the championship celebrates the growing influence of Saudi Arabia’s coffee culture while highlighting the skill, precision, and passion behind every exceptional cup.
WHY PARTICIPATE
- Showcase your barista skills live
- Gain visibility among café operators and hospitality buyers
- Connect with hotel groups, distributors, and roasteries
- Position your brand within Saudi Arabia’s growing coffee market
COMPETITION EXPERIENCE
The competition will take place across two live barista stations equipped with professional espresso machines, grinders, presentation counters, and judging tables.
Competitors will receive dedicated practice time before competing live in front of hospitality buyers, café operators, coffee professionals, and industry stakeholders attending Hotel and Hospitality Expo Saudi Arabia.
Each participant will complete:
Preparation time
Live performance
Clean-up and station reset
A detailed competition schedule will be shared with all confirmed competitors ahead of the event.
BEVERAGE CATEGORIES
Competitors will present three beverage categories during their performance:
Participants will have the flexibility to choose the order of presentation while demonstrating consistency, workflow, and hospitality throughout the competition.
THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE CHAMPIONSHIP
WCC Representative
Cheryl Lee
Coffee Specialist & Consultant | SCA Trainer
Calibration Barista
Nooran Albannay
Founder of Coffee Architecture & Section Coffee Roaster, Abu Dhabi, UAE
MEET THE JUDGES
Omar Aldabbagh
Sensory & Visual Judge
Sara Alkhori
WCC Judge
Jason Lum
WCC Judge
Raha Shahsavar
WCC Judge
Michalis
WCC Judge
SUPPORTED BY
