While cardamom welcomes guests in traditional majlis gatherings, another art unfolds in the halls of specialty coffee shops, where coffee beans are weighed by the gram and water is poured with precise calculations. This beautiful duality in our streets—between the traditional "shaqra" coffee pot and the drip espresso—reflects the spirit of the UAE, which blends our cherished heritage with the latest global trends. Two different philosophies united by an appreciation for quality and respect for every single bean.
In the following lines, we will explore together what distinguishes each school of coffee and how Arabic coffee and specialty coffee are not opposites, but rather two different expressions of a deep love for this time-honored beverage.
