Cafe-Making in Abu Dhabi

About the Event:

Immerse yourself in an illuminating conversation led by Mohamed AlShamsi, operator of Mazaraa Cafe, and featuring Nooran Al Bannay, founder of Coffee Architecture, and Mohamed Al Mubarak, the creative mind behind Aptitude. This engaging dialogue, centered around the intricate landscape of cafes in Abu Dhabi, promises to unveil the essence that differentiates one cafe from another in a competitive market, shedding light on the experience of operating in this industry. Our speakers will offers an invaluable opportunity to connect with the creators behind these thriving cafe ventures, providing a wealth of knowledge for entrepreneurs, coffee enthusiasts, and anyone intrigued by the art of crafting a compelling cafe. Audience members will be privy to insights into the personal narratives that shape these cafe concepts, learn about the fusion of personal identity and culture within these spaces, and delve into cafe essentials beyond infrastructure that contribute to creating a standout experience. Ultimately, we aim to uncover the secret to cultivating a devoted community of patrons and forging meaningful interactions that define the cafe environment. The panel discussion will be followed by an interactive Q&A session and pop-up by Mazurka Cafe, allowing you to delve deeper into the philosophy of cafe-making in Abu Dhabi.

About the Host(s):

Nooran Al Bannay: Nooran is a certified coffee lover by passion; an artist, experienced architect and quality engineer by profession. She is the brains and energy behind Coffee Architecture, and the first UAE National Q arabica grader. In addition, she never stops learning and challenging herself - and does everything with love, care and joy. She earned 3rd place in the UAE National barista championship 2023 and was the Head Sensory Judge for Gahwa Championship 2022 and 2023.  Mohamed Al Mubarak: Mohamed is a 28 year old Emirati born and raised in Abu Dhabi, and started his cafe journey at 22. He has always been obsessed with the idea of opening his own restaurant and “becoming a chef“ ever since he was in high-school and before finishing his last year in university in 2017, Mohamed decided to put in all his savings and get a feel of the business world by opening a small hole in the wall cafe to get familiar with operating his own restaurant. What started as a passion for coffee soon evolved into a captivating venture. In 2020, a bold rebranding transformed his coffee shop into a dynamic restaurant and social hub, where themed nights and engaging events took center stage. Mohamed's keen eye for detail and commitment to quality turned his establishment into a local favorite. He harnessed his creativity to curate themed events that reflects his food passion. This innovation not only delighted taste buds but also brought diverse communities together, fostering connections and lasting bonds. Beyond serving delectable dishes,Aptitude became a canvas for cultural exploration and artistic expression, earning admiration and respect from the local community.

Mohamed Al Shamsi: is a graduate of International Relations from King’s College London and Journalism and Storytelling from CNN Academy. He is currently an Analyst at the Office of Strategic Affairs, Presidential Court. Previously, Mohamed has interned at several diplomatic posts including the Office of the Foreign Minister, the UAE Embassy in London, and the UAE Mission to the UN in Geneva. Founder of the organic, climate-conscious Mazaraa Cafe, Mohamed is a dynamic public speaker on youth empowerment, culture and sustainability, featuring at notable platforms incl. the Emirates Youth Global Forum, Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week and the UAE Embassy in London. He is proficient in Arabic, English and French. He has been an proactive member of society, co-founding the UAE Society at KCL and the KCL Alumni Network in the UAE, shaping discourse as part of the World Economic Forum's Global Shapers Hub Abu Dhabi and innovating for climate as part of Masdar's Future Sustainability Leaders program.

Schedule:

6:00-6:30: Socialize 6:30-8:00: Panel 8:00-8:30: Mingle