Professional baristas from the Middle East–all experts of the espresso machine–will compete in the first-ever National United Arab Emirates (UAE) Barista Championship. The preliminary round takes place Nov. 10 – 11, and the highly anticipated final round, Nov. 12, declares a winner at the Specialty Coffee & Tea Convention in Dubai, UAE. The winner will represent the UAE at the World Barista Championship (WBC), June 2010, in London, England.

Accredited by the World Barista Championship, the world`s biggest and premier coffee competition, the UAE Barista Championship is the first event of its kind  for the region. The competition encourages and recognizes professional achievement in the art and skill of espresso beverage preparation and service. The championship event is organized by International Conferences & Exhibitions LLC, one of the Middle East`s pioneering and well respected convention management firms.

During the event, challengers will prepare and serve 12 coffee drinks–four espressos, four cappuccinos and four original signature drinks of their own creation–all within a 15-minute timeframe. Seven WBC-certified judges, including four sensory judges, two technical judges and one head judge, will evaluate  each of the contenders. Judges will focus on station cleanliness, taste, beverage presentation, technical skills and total impression.

*(Business wire)