The Dubai Coffee Museum: a plunge into Arabic history and culture

The Dubai Coffee Museum is a hidden gem in the heart of Al Fahidi, one of the city’s historical neighbourhoods; it is a must-stop destination for all coffee lovers, also due to it being the very first coffee museum in the Middle East.

Inside the museum, visitors can immerse themselves in a veritable sensorial journey, as they travel back through history and retrace the story of the Arabic tradition of coffee.

Inside the Dubai Coffee Museum

Inside the museum, visitors will encounter various distinctive elements of the local culture, as well as many references to the coffee culture to be found in other countries around the world. Coffee grinders from World War I and ancient coffee pots that are not only true historical artefacts, but also keepers of information on the origins and history of coffee.

The architecture of the museum, and the care with which it is so efficiently organised reflect the great importance assigned by Arabs to this aspect of their culture. Inside the museum, visitors can learn many details about coffee extraction and roasting methods.

There. they will also find a small souvenir shop and a very welcoming cafeteria, where they can take a seat and enjoy various types of coffee-based beverages.

Arabs and their coffee customs

The Arab coffee machine is called dallah and it is usually held in the left hand. When the coffee is poured, according to custom, the most important guest must be served first, and the youngest guest last.

If a guest does not want any more coffee, he or she need not say anything. They should simply tilt their cup to the opposite side, to stop the coffee.

A simple but very precise ritual, to which the Arab tradition is very attached.

Want to discover more about another amazing museum dedicated to the origins and the history of coffee? Read about all the interesting facts the São Paulo Coffee Museum  has to offer.