The Academy · Dubai

Training Pathways

Ten courses, three chapters. A deliberate curriculum taught by an Authorized SCA Trainer and Q Arabica Grader — from the first cherry on the branch to the final cupping score.

I · 01 Course
Origin
the first cup
II · 07 Courses
Practice
the craft
III · 02 Courses
Certification
the credential
Format
Small Cohorts
Dubai · on-site
CHAPTER · I

Origin — the first cup

For the curious. Where the coffee story begins — before the espresso machine, before the grinder, before the craft.
CHAPTER · II

Practice — the craft

Seven courses across three disciplines. Each track runs Foundation to Professional — the full arc of a single craft.
Barista Skills
Foundation → Professional
02 / 10
Foundation

SCA Barista Skills — Foundation

A refined introduction to espresso preparation and milk texturing. Focuses on control of grind, dose, and extraction, alongside clean workflow and consistency. Establishes a strong technical foundation aligned with SCA standards.

CohortNext cohort: 21 March 2026 · 5 of 6 seats
FormatIn person · Online
PrereqNone
03 / 10
Intermediate

SCA Barista Skills — Intermediate

A deeper exploration of espresso dynamics and milk precision. Emphasizes dialing-in, balance, and workflow efficiency under real service conditions. Develops consistency, speed, and sensory awareness in line with professional practice.

CohortNext cohort: 11–12 April 2026 · 6 of 6 seats
FormatIn person · Online
PrereqFoundation
04 / 10
Professional

Barista Skills — Professional

Advanced control of espresso through profiling, analysis, and refinement. Focused on precision, troubleshooting, and leadership within high-level bar environments. Designed for those pursuing mastery and excellence in coffee preparation.

CohortNext cohort: May 2026 · Contact for details
FormatIn person · Online
PrereqIntermediate
Brewing Skills
Foundation → Professional
05 / 10
Foundation

Brewing Skills — Foundation

A clear introduction to extraction and brewing fundamentals — water chemistry, grind size, and ratio — using the V60 as the primary learning tool.

CohortNext cohort: 28 March 2026 · 6 of 8 seats
FormatIn person · Online
PrereqNone
06 / 10
Intermediate

Brewing Skills — Intermediate

A more precise approach to brewing through variable control and recipe development, using the Chemex to explore clarity and balance.

CohortNext cohort: 18 April 2026 · 5 of 8 seats
FormatIn person · Online
PrereqFoundation
07 / 10
Professional

Brewing Skills — Professional

Advanced brewing focused on precision and repeatability — pressure, temperature, and immersion dynamics — explored through the Siphon.

CohortNext cohort: June 2026 · Contact for details
FormatIn person · Online
PrereqIntermediate
Roasting Skills
Foundation · More coming
08 / 10
Foundation

SCA Coffee Roasting — Foundation

An introduction to roasting theory and the transformation of coffee — from green to roasted — including heat application, development time, and basic profile reading.

CohortNext cohort: May 2026 · Contact for details
FormatIn person · Online
PrereqNone
— / —
Intermediate

In development

Continuation of the Roasting track. Calibration and recipe-design intensives following Foundation. Cohorts to be announced.

Coming Soon
— / —
Professional

In development

Continuation of the Roasting track. Calibration and recipe-design intensives following Foundation. Cohorts to be announced.

Coming Soon
CHAPTER · III

Certification — the credential

Two certifications that open doors. Internationally recognised, rigorously examined, quietly prestigious.
Apex · SCA
09 · Coffee Value Assessment

Coffee Value Assessment — SCA

An introduction to the Coffee Value Assessment (CVA) framework — the SCA system for evaluating coffee quality through structured sensory and descriptive analysis.

FormatIn person · Online
CohortNext cohort: Negotiable · Contact Maryam
PrereqSensory grounding
Apex · SCA
10 · Q Arabica Grader · SCA

Q Arabica Grader — Intensive Preparation

Nine exam components assessed across calibration cupping, triangulation, defect analysis, and sensory testing. Pass all nine to earn the internationally recognised Q Arabica Grader licence.

FormatIn person · Online
CohortNext cohort: On request · Custom scheduling
PrereqSensory experience

Begin where the bean begins.

Every pathway here ladders to a credential. Every credential is taught by someone who has personally cleared it.

Speak to Maryam
The Coffee Atelier · Dubai

Begin Your
Journey

Every world-class barista, roaster, and Q Grader started somewhere. Your pathway starts here — taught by someone still competing at the top of the industry.