{"id":62973,"date":"2025-10-22T06:40:29","date_gmt":"2025-10-22T04:40:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/espressoacademy.it\/uncategorized\/tradizione-araba-e-caffe-specialty-la-rivoluzione-del-caffe-nel-golfo-con-espresso-academy\/"},"modified":"2025-10-22T11:15:31","modified_gmt":"2025-10-22T09:15:31","slug":"coffee-in-the-gulf-from-arabic-traditions-to-specialty-coffee","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/espressoacademy.it\/en\/news-en\/coffee-in-the-gulf-from-arabic-traditions-to-specialty-coffee\/","title":{"rendered":"Coffee in the Gulf: From Arabic Traditions to Specialty Coffee"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Learn, Grow, and Partner with Espresso Academy Italy<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Coffee<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In the Gulf region, coffee is not just a beverage \u2014 it\u2019s a ritual, a statement of identity, and a bridge between cultures. From the gahwa<\/strong> served in golden dallah pots in Riyadh and Muscat to the sleek espresso machines of Dubai\u2019s specialty caf\u00e9s, the Gulf has developed one of the most dynamic and fascinating coffee markets in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, this region stands at a crossroads between tradition and innovation<\/strong>: where centuries-old hospitality meets the creativity of a young, global generation of baristas, roasters and entrepreneurs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Coffee Market in the Gulf: Growth, Modernity and Vision<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The numbers speak for themselves. The coffee market across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) surpassed 6.8 billion USD in 2024<\/strong>, and is projected to grow by around 10% per year<\/strong> over the next decade. In Saudi Arabia, new caf\u00e9 brands appear almost weekly. The UAE, and especially Dubai, has become the region\u2019s international hub for coffee education and events such as World of Coffee Dubai<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kuwait, Qatar and Oman have also seen an impressive rise in independent roasters and boutique caf\u00e9s, often founded by young professionals trained abroad. Even in Yemen \u2014 the historical birthplace of coffee \u2014 modern roasteries are merging centuries-old cultivation traditions with modern quality control and roasting practices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Dubai\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

This cultural and commercial renaissance is supported by a population that is increasingly curious, educated and connected. Social media, influencer caf\u00e9s and global travel have accelerated exposure to different brewing methods, latte art, and coffee trends from around the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Top Coffee Trends in the Gulf: Sweet, Iconic and Locally Inspired<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While espresso and cappuccino remain international staples, the Gulf has developed its own coffee identity<\/strong>, expressed through a unique set of drinks that combine Italian technique<\/strong> with local taste<\/strong>.
Let\u2019s explore the three recipes that dominate caf\u00e9 menus<\/strong> across Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Oman and Kuwait.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Spanish Latte \u2014 The Symbol of the Modern Gulf Caf\u00e9<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If there\u2019s one drink that defines the new coffee era in the Gulf, it\u2019s the Spanish Latte<\/strong>.
Despite its name, it\u2019s not from Spain: it was born in the Gulf, probably in Saudi Arabia, as a sweet adaptation of the Italian caf\u00e9 latte.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Made with espresso, milk and a touch of condensed milk<\/strong>, the Spanish Latte perfectly balances creaminess and sweetness \u2014 ideal for local palates that prefer smooth and rich textures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It can be served hot or iced, and its visual appeal, with layers of coffee and milk, makes it a star on social media. Almost every caf\u00e9 chain \u2014 from small specialty shops to drive-thru franchises \u2014 offers a version of it. Some even elevate it with natural sweeteners or flavor infusions, such as honey or vanilla beans. For baristas, mastering the Spanish Latte means mastering milk texturing and proportion<\/strong> \u2014 skills deeply rooted in Italian espresso culture, which Espresso Academy teaches in its Barista and Latte Art courses<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Pistachio Latte \u2014 The Flavor of Prestige and Heritage<\/strong>
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\"spanish<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Few ingredients represent Middle Eastern taste better than pistachio<\/strong>. Its rich, nutty sweetness and elegant color make it a symbol of both tradition and luxury \u2014 and now, one of the biggest caf\u00e9 trends of the last three years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Pistachio Latte<\/strong>, whether made with espresso and pistachio cream or syrup, has become a signature drink in Dubai, Riyadh and Doha. Its success comes from its perfect blend of indulgence and innovation<\/strong>: familiar yet refined.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

High-end caf\u00e9s often make their own pistachio paste, pairing it with microfoamed milk to achieve a velvety texture, while others serve it iced with cold foam and a sprinkle of crushed nuts on top.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For many coffee entrepreneurs, creating the perfect pistachio drink has become a branding element \u2014 a way to express a caf\u00e9\u2019s identity, much like latte art once did for specialty coffee shops in Europe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Saffron Latte \u2014 Tradition in a Modern Cup<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The third major trend drink is the Saffron Latte<\/strong>, a beverage that captures the soul of Gulf heritage.
Saffron, long associated with Arabic and Persian gastronomy<\/strong>, brings warmth, aroma and color \u2014 and when combined with espresso and milk, it creates a drink that feels both ancient and modern.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Saffron Latte often replaces sugar with natural sweeteners like honey, and may be served with rose petals or cardamom \u2014 ingredients deeply tied to the region\u2019s flavor identity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s not only a drink; it\u2019s a storytelling experience. For many caf\u00e9 owners, it\u2019s the perfect symbol of what coffee in the Gulf has become: respectful of tradition, yet ready to innovate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beyond the Trends: The Rise of Manual Brewing and Cold Coffee<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Alongside these signature drinks, manual brewing methods<\/strong> such as V60, Chemex and Aeropress<\/strong> are increasingly visible in the region\u2019s specialty caf\u00e9s. In Saudi Arabia and the UAE, customers now recognize these brews as symbols of craftsmanship and transparency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the same time, the Gulf\u2019s climate has made cold coffee<\/strong> an essential part of any menu. Iced Spanish Lattes, Cold Brews and Espresso Tonics<\/strong> dominate summer offerings \u2014 and given that \u201csummer\u201d lasts most of the year, cold coffee is no longer a trend but a permanent business pillar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The future will likely see the expansion of nitro coffee<\/strong>, RTD cold brew bottles<\/strong>, and functional drinks \u2014 areas where coffee professionals with technical training can gain a real competitive edge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Barista<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Our Partner Schools in the Gulf<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Espresso Academy has been part of this evolution since the beginning, working directly in the region with official partner schools<\/strong> in:<\/p>\n\n\n\n