Arabic Coffee (Gahwa) in Dubai & the UAE

Buy Arabic coffee and gahwa in Dubai and across the UAE — lightly roasted qahwa blends with cardamom and saffron, in beans or ready-ground, delivered in 2–4 days. Arabic coffee is the heart of Emirati hospitality, and PERCUP brings you specialty-grade gahwa made for the majlis.

What is Arabic coffee (gahwa)?

Arabic coffee — known as gahwa or qahwa — is a lightly roasted coffee traditionally brewed with cardamom and often saffron, cloves or rose. Pale gold to amber in the cup, it is aromatic and spiced rather than dark and bitter. Serving gahwa from a dallah into small finjan cups, alongside dates, is a cornerstone of Gulf hospitality and is recognised by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage.

Gahwa vs qahwa: the same coffee

“Gahwa” and “qahwa” are two spellings of the same Arabic word for coffee — you will see both across the UAE. Both refer to the traditional lightly roasted, cardamom-spiced brew.

Choosing your Arabic coffee

  • Whole bean or ground: beans stay fresher; ground is ready for the dallah. Explore our whole bean and ground coffee ranges.
  • Spice level: classic cardamom, or blends with saffron, cloves and rose for a richer majlis cup.
  • Specialty grade: our gahwa is built on quality specialty beans — browse more in specialty coffee.

How to brew and serve gahwa

Simmer finely ground, lightly roasted coffee with water and cardamom in a dallah for a few minutes, then serve unsweetened in small cups with dates on the side. It is traditionally poured for guests right to left, and a gentle shake of the cup tells the host you have had enough. Perfect for Ramadan, Eid and everyday Emirati hospitality — see our Ramadan gifting and gift sets.

Delivery across the UAE

We deliver Arabic coffee and gahwa across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the wider UAE, typically in 2–4 days. Browse the full coffee marketplace for more.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Arabic coffee (gahwa)? +

Arabic coffee, or gahwa/qahwa, is a lightly roasted coffee traditionally brewed with cardamom and sometimes saffron, cloves or rose. It's aromatic, pale gold to amber, and served in small cups with dates as part of Gulf hospitality.

What is the difference between gahwa and qahwa? +

None — 'gahwa' and 'qahwa' are two spellings of the same Arabic word for coffee. Both refer to the traditional lightly roasted, cardamom-spiced brew served across the UAE.

Does your Arabic coffee contain cardamom and saffron? +

Yes — our gahwa blends are made with cardamom, and several include saffron, cloves or rose for a richer, more traditional majlis flavour. Check each product for its exact spice blend.

How do you make Arabic coffee? +

Simmer finely ground, lightly roasted coffee with water and cardamom in a dallah pot for a few minutes, then serve unsweetened in small finjan cups alongside dates.

Is Arabic coffee strong or bitter? +

No — because the beans are lightly roasted, gahwa is light-bodied, aromatic and spiced rather than dark and bitter, with a smooth, gentle flavour.

Do you deliver Arabic coffee across Dubai and the UAE? +

Yes — we deliver across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the wider UAE, typically in 2–4 days, with free shipping on qualifying orders.

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