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The Journal · Dubai

Notes from the Atelier

Field notes, training reflections, and the science behind every cup — written by an Authorized SCA Trainer and Q Arabica Grader.

Why Coffee Training Matters for Café Owners
Latest from the Atelier
coffee

Why Coffee Training Matters for Café Owners

Opening a café is only the beginning, delivering exceptional coffee every day is what keeps customers coming back. While quality beans and professional equipment are essential, the real difference comes from a well-trained team. Coffee training equips baristas with the skills to prepare consistently great coffee, understand extraction, texture milk correctly, and work efficiently during […]

30 Jun 2026 1 min read
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Specialty Coffee Certification in the UAE
Credentials

Specialty Coffee Certification in the UAE

Two governing bodies. Six disciplines. Three levels. One residency. The UAE coffee scene runs on credentials issued from outside the region — here is the landscape, in one place, with the routes a working professional actually takes.

9 May 2026 9 min
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HB Best Batch Roasting Championship: My 4th Place Journey
Coffee Certification & Standards

HB Best Batch Roasting Championship: My 4th Place Journey

Participating in the HB Best Batch Roasting Championship was an incredible milestone in my career. While I have spent years perfecting my craft, standing alongside 30 elite professionals was a truly humbling experience. This was my first-ever competitive event, and consequently, securing 4th place feels like a significant victory. Why the HB Best Batch Roasting […]

11 Feb 2026 3 min
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Gulfood Coffee Trends 2026: Shaping the Future of Specialty Coffee
Gulfood 2026

Gulfood Coffee Trends 2026: Shaping the Future of Specialty Coffee

As a Q Arabica Grader and Authorized Specialty Coffee Trainer (AST), attending this year’s exhibition was a pivotal moment for my work in the UAE. Exploring the latest Gulfood Coffee Trends 2026 at the Dubai World Trade Centre provided a front-row seat to the rapid evolution of our industry. Consequently, it is clear that the […]

2 Feb 2026 3 min
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National UAE Roasting Championship: A Judge’s View
Coffee Certification & Standards

National UAE Roasting Championship: A Judge’s View

The Prestige of the Competition This week, I had the incredible honor of serving as a sensory judge at the National UAE Roasting Championship, held at the prestigious World of Coffee Dubai. As someone deeply passionate about the specialty coffee industry, this experience was both humbling and exciting. Judging the National UAE Roasting Championship The […]

21 Jan 2026 2 min
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Coffee Machine Preventive Maintenance: Essential Steps for Longevity and Quality
Coffee Equipment & Maintenance

Coffee Machine Preventive Maintenance: Essential Steps for Longevity and Quality

For any café owner or serious home barista, a coffee machine is more than just an appliance; it’s the heart of your operation. Therefore, neglecting its upkeep can lead to costly repairs, inconsistent coffee quality, and unexpected downtime. Indeed, implementing a robust coffee machine preventive maintenance schedule is not just good practice—it’s essential for ensuring […]

15 Nov 2025 4 min
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