The Academy · Dubai

Training Pathways

Nineteen 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. Covers grind, dose, and extraction control, plus clean workflow and consistency. Builds a strong technical foundation aligned with SCA standards.

Cohort1 October 2026
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.

Cohort2–3 October 2026
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 in high-level bar settings. Designed for those pursuing mastery in coffee preparation.

Cohort4–6 October 2026
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.

Cohort7 October 2026
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.

Cohort8–9 October 2026
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.

Cohort10–12 October 2026
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. Covers heat application, roast stages, and their impact on flavour. Establishes core understanding aligned with SCA roasting principles.

Cohort19 October 2026
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
Cohort27–28 August 2026
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
Cohort31 August – 5 September 2026
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.