Coffee Museum in Dubai showcases a global culture steeped in history - in pictures

Visitors can sip a cup of java and learn about various roasting and brewing processes from around the world

The National photographer Chris Whiteoak recently visited the Dubai Coffee Museum in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, where visitors can see a showcase of artefacts that connect the past and present of the coffee world. Chris Whiteoak / The National

The museum displays coffee-related antiques from around the world, as well as demonstrations of different roasting and brewing styles from various countries. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Visitors can see an authentic Arabian majlis and learn about Arabian coffee, and the importance of Arabian hospitality and traditions. Chris Whiteoak / The National

The Middle Eastern antiques section of the museum features striking ornate and authentic dallahs, which are traditional coffee carafes. From a photography perspective, Whiteoak says that the contours of the dallah can be captured at different angles for great images. Chris Whiteoak / The National

The museum displays coffee beans from around the world, and explains the roasting process. The history of the beans can be traced back to the Ethiopian highlands, where legend says that a goat ate unknown berries from a tree and became alert throughout the night. Chris Whiteoak / The National

A single-wheel mill from Germany is on display in the International antiques section of the museum, which includes information and artefacts from other cultures, including Japan. Chris Whiteoak / The National

The museum offers visitors a complete sensory experience, with artefacts in a range of sizes, colours and materials; demonstrations, books and films to enjoy; and a cosy cafe setting for a cup of joe and a snack. Chris Whiteoak / The National

"When you come in [to the museum], you feel just how important coffee is to the Arab and Emirati culture," says Whiteoak. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Tucked away in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood in Bur Dubai, the Coffee Museum acts as something of an international embassy for lovers of caffeine, bringing cultures together over the love of a cup of java.

Chris Whiteoak, a photographer for The National, visited the site recently, capturing the complete sensory experience in a series of bold images. "When you come in, you just feel how important coffee is to the Arab and Emirati Culture," Whiteoak says. "I wanted to photograph the museum to show how this simple bean unites so many different people and countries." Several rooms within the space are dedicated to artefacts of coffee-making and consumption, with a focus on Middle Eastern practices.

Visitors can watch films about coffee, watch demonstrations about roasting and brewing, and learn about the drink's history, beginning with the ancient Ethiopian legend of a goat eating unknown berries and becoming alert at night. Aromatic brews are available to try, and the cafe offers a range of coffee and snacks. The museum is open Saturday to Thursday, 9am to 5pm, and entry is free. Villa 44, Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, Bur Dubai, call 04 353 8777, www.coffeemuseum.ae

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