The History and Culture of Coffee in the UAE

The Coffee Museum as a homage to central part of Arab culture

Al Fahidi Historical heritage neighborhood alleys (2019) by Dubai CultureDubai Culture & Arts Authority

Located in Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, The Coffee Museum narrates the history and traditions of coffee from a global perspective.

Different types of coffee beans from around the world (2020) by Dubai CultureDubai Culture & Arts Authority

The museum showcases the coffee bean journey from around the world and how it was discovered back in time.

Coffee grinders from the First World War (2020) by Dubai CultureDubai Culture & Arts Authority

Visitors can absorb some deep-rooted intel on the importance of coffee in different cultures, its preparations like roasting and grinding, the tools used through time and the different kind of beans found around the world.

The Egyptian charcoal stove that was made of silver (2020) by Dubai CultureDubai Culture & Arts Authority

The two-storey museum features a display of authentic silver and brass urns, grinders, grippers, roasters, coffee-sacks, sampling implements, ornate cups and other utensils associated with coffee making in both Arab cultures and European and Western countries.

Coffee tools of the Bedouins in mid-15th century (2020) by Dubai CultureDubai Culture & Arts Authority

Adjacent to the foyer is a recreated majlis showcasing the coffee tools of the Bedouins in use since mid-15th century onwards.

Coffee making equipments (2020) by Dubai CultureDubai Culture & Arts Authority

Several rooms within the space are dedicated to artefacts of coffee-making and consumption, with a focus on Middle Eastern practices.

Traditional authentic coffee grinder (2020) by Dubai CultureDubai Culture & Arts Authority

A centrepiece on the ground floor is a magnificent silver Egyptian charcoal fired burner that was custom built for the Museum.

Coffee grinders from the First World War (2020) by Dubai CultureDubai Culture & Arts Authority

The museum’s collection also features coffee grinders from the First World War made out of smelted bullets, and ancient brewing pots from Egypt, Yemen and Ethiopia.

Traditional coffee kettle (2020) by Dubai CultureDubai Culture & Arts Authority

Reflecting its cultural importance, in 2015 coffee became a UAE heritage element inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

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