Dubai's specialty coffee scene has gained one of the world's most decorated names. Australian roastery ONA Coffee has opened its first-ever international flagship cafe in Jumeirah 1, a landmark moment for the award-winning brand built by World Barista Champion Sasa Sestic.
For coffee lovers across the UAE, this is more than another cafe opening. ONA has spent years earning a reputation as one of Australia's most respected specialty roasters, drawing a devoted following through competition-level coffee, direct-trade sourcing, and a deep focus on education and sustainability.
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From Canberra to a Dubai Flagship
Tracing its roots to a 2008 Canberra founding, ONA Coffee grew from a single local roastery into one of Australia's most influential coffee companies. The business now runs flagship sites across Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, while sourcing beans through direct relationships with producers worldwide.
Sustainability sits at the centre of the operation. ONA works closely with its own Honduran farm, Finca Beti, as part of a supply chain designed around long-term producer partnerships.
The brand earned global recognition when founder Sasa Sestic won the 2015 World Barista Championship, a result that placed ONA among the most respected names in specialty coffee. Its signature Raspberry Candy espresso blend went on to become one of the industry's most sought-after coffees among professionals and enthusiasts alike.
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Inside the New Jumeirah 1 Cafe
ONA's Dubai flagship has been designed as a fully immersive coffee experience. A large communal barista station sits at the heart of the space, letting guests watch coffee preparation up close and see the technical precision behind ONA's brewing methods.
One of the standout design touches is a striking glass ceiling that floods the venue with natural light, giving it a distinctive feel among the city's cafes. The menu spans both serious coffee and all-day dining:
- Competition-grade single-origin coffees
- Guided coffee tastings
- ONA's famous Raspberry Candy blend
- Specialty filter coffee selections
- Turkish Eggs
- Salmon Rosti
- Folded Eggs
- An all-day brunch menu
Why ONA Chose Dubai First
According to founder Sasa Sestic, Dubai stood out as the ideal location for ONA's first expansion outside Australia. He pointed to the city's rapidly evolving coffee culture, its diverse community, and a growing appreciation for specialty coffee as the key reasons behind the decision.
ONA also frames the Dubai flagship as a long-term investment in the region. The venue includes dedicated infrastructure for training and developing baristas, roasters and hospitality professionals, helping support the next generation of coffee talent in the UAE.
A Growing Specialty Coffee Hub
The arrival of ONA Coffee reflects a broader shift across the UAE's cafe industry. Over the past few years, Dubai has grown into one of the Middle East's leading destinations for specialty coffee, attracting internationally recognised roasters, independent cafes and championship-level baristas.
Consumers across the Emirates are increasingly interested in coffee origins, processing methods, brewing techniques and direct-trade sourcing. That demand has encouraged global brands to view Dubai not just as a regional market but as a gateway connecting Europe, Asia, Africa and the wider Middle East. For neighbouring Abu Dhabi, where the specialty coffee community continues to expand, ONA's regional debut signals just how strongly the UAE now registers on the global coffee map.
Where to Find ONA Coffee Dubai
Location: 1 41A Street, Jumeirah 1, Dubai
Specialties: Raspberry Candy blend, single-origin coffees, guided tastings
Offering: Specialty coffee and all-day dining
The Bottom Line
ONA Coffee's arrival ranks among the biggest specialty coffee openings the city has seen this year. With a World Barista Champion behind the brand, a globally recognised coffee program, and its first international flagship now running in Jumeirah 1, ONA enters the UAE market with real momentum, and the region's coffee community finally gets to taste what the wait was for.
