The Most Exciting Coffee Shop Brands in the Middle East – A Blend of Experience & Identity
The coffee culture in the Dubai and Saudi Arabia has evolved beyond just great brews—it’s now a lifestyle, an experience, and a reflection of a brand’s identity. The region’s most exciting coffee shops don’t just serve exceptional coffee; they create immersive environments that capture the essence of their brand through design, storytelling, and customer experience. From sleek, minimalist spaces to bold, vibrant concepts, these coffee brands set the benchmark for branding in hospitality.
Here’s a look at some of the most inspiring coffee shop brands in the Middle East, where brand identity and customer experience are as carefully curated as the coffee itself.
%Arabica - A Minimalist Coffee Icon
Where: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh
A brand that needs no introduction, % Arabica has become a global symbol of minimalist coffee culture. The Japanese-born brand has found a strong foothold in the Middle East, where its clean aesthetic and meticulous approach to coffee resonate with modern coffee lovers.
Brand Experience:
Striking, minimalist interiors with glass walls and signature sleek espresso bars.
A globally consistent visual identity, defined by its % logo, simple typography, and monochrome palette.
Focus on transparency and storytelling—every aspect of their branding reflects their commitment to high-quality beans and precision brewing.
% Arabica has successfully built an aspirational coffee brand, proving that a strong visual identity can be just as powerful as the product itself.
Brew92 – Saudi Arabia’s Coffee Pioneer
Where: Jeddah, Riyadh, Al-Khobar
Founded in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Brew92 is more than just a coffee shop—it’s a brand that helped shape Saudi Arabia’s specialty coffee movement. Their focus on locally roasted beans and international collaborations has positioned them as leaders in the growing coffee scene.
Brand Experience:
A fusion of industrial chic and modern luxury, with beautifully designed spaces featuring exposed brick, wood, and steel.
Their branding reflects innovation, with bold typography and creative collaborations that keep the brand dynamic.
A strong focus on customer experience, with flagship stores offering a blend of artistry, coffee education, and a social environment.
Brew92 has successfully bridged tradition with modernity, creating an authentic brand identity that resonates with both Saudi locals and international coffee lovers.
Saddle – Where Coffee Meets Luxury
Where: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Jeddah
Originally known for its high-end food truck concept, Saddle has expanded into full-fledged cafés, bringing a luxury lifestyle approach to the coffee scene. The brand reflects an aspirational, premium feel, aligning itself with the region’s love for elevated experiences.
Brand Experience:
A high-end, equestrian-inspired theme, with a focus on sophistication and exclusivity.
Elegant branding, featuring understated, refined typography and a neutral, earthy colour palette that enhances its premium positioning.
A seamless digital and in-store experience, offering premium drive-through services, curated social media aesthetics, and beautifully designed takeaway packaging.
Saddle is a perfect example of how lifestyle branding can turn a coffee brand into a status symbol.
Drop Coffee – Scandinavian Precision Meets Middle Eastern Coffee Culture
Where: Dubai
Originating from Stockholm, Sweden, Drop Coffee has made its mark in Dubai’s specialty coffee scene, offering a meticulously curated coffee experience rooted in Scandinavian precision. Known for its highly traceable, sustainable sourcing and innovative roasting techniques, Drop Coffee has quickly become a favourite among coffee connoisseurs in the region.
Brand Experience:
A clean, minimalist brand identity that reflects its Scandinavian roots, with understated yet sophisticated branding and packaging.
A strong focus on coffee education and transparency, ensuring customers understand the journey from bean to cup.
Warm, inviting interiors with natural materials and soft lighting, creating an atmosphere that feels both modern and approachable.
Drop Coffee’s refined aesthetic and dedication to quality make it a perfect example of how a well-defined brand experience can elevate a coffee concept beyond just great coffee.
Sipside – A Social Coffee Destination
Where: Jeddah
One of my own projects, Sipside is a brand built around community, culture, and experience. Inspired by coastal Jeddah, the brand identity reflects a laid-back, modern aesthetic designed to attract families, young professionals, and social coffee lovers.
Brand Experience:
A relaxed yet premium brand identity, infused with Mediterranean-inspired colour palettes and design cues.
A focus on brand storytelling, positioning Sipside as more than just a café—it’s a social hub.
A visual identity that works seamlessly across digital platforms, interiors, and marketing materials.
I worked on naming, brand identity, and experience design for Sipside, ensuring that every aspect of the brand was crafted with intention—proving that a coffee brand’s experience extends far beyond the cup. (view project case study)
Jebena Co. – Tradition Meets Modern Coffee Culture
Where: Dubai
Another exciting brand I had the pleasure of working on, Jebena Co. blends traditional Ethiopian and Middle Eastern coffee culture with modern specialty coffee craftsmanship. The brand celebrates the cultural roots of coffee, while offering a contemporary, high-end experience.
Brand Experience:
A brand identity rooted in tradition, using warm, earthy tones and intricate design details inspired by Ethiopian coffee heritage.
A storytelling-driven experience, ensuring every touchpoint—from packaging to in-store design—connects with customers emotionally.
A perfect balance of nostalgia and modernity, reflecting heritage while appealing to the contemporary coffee consumer.
Jebena Co. demonstrates how branding can celebrate culture while staying relevant in a competitive specialty coffee market. (view project case study)
Branding Beyond the Beans
The Middle East’s coffee scene is booming—not just because of great coffee, but because of great branding. These coffee shops prove that a successful brand is more than its product—it’s about the experience, storytelling, and visual identity that creates emotional connections with customers.
As a brand consultant specialising in F&B and hospitality, I help coffee brands craft standout identities that capture their unique story and resonate with their audience. Whether it’s developing a visual identity, refining brand messaging, or creating a franchise-ready brand, I work with businesses to ensure their brand is built for success.
If you’re looking to launch, refine, or expand your coffee brand, let’s discuss how we can create an identity that’s as bold and memorable as your coffee.
Thank you for reading!
