Caffeine with an ethos
Australian roastery ONA Coffee has officially opened its flagship café in Jumeirah, marking the brand’s first international outpost — and local caffeine lovers are already lining up.
Founded in Canberra in 2008 by former Olympic handball player Saša Šestić, ONA Coffee has built a near cult-like following in Australia thanks to its competition-level brews, sustainability-first ethos and sleek café experiences. Now, after ‘years in the making’, the award-winning brand is bringing that same energy to Dubai.
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Announcing the opening on social media, the team described the project as something ‘built slowly, intentionally, and with deep respect for what Dubai deserves’.
But this isn’t just another aesthetic coffee shop opening. According to ONA, the Dubai flagship is designed as a long-term investment in people, with a strong focus on training, education and career development for baristas, roasters and hospitality staff.
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The company says the new space will act as a hub for ‘growth, learning and progression’, continuing the people-first philosophy that helped turn the Australian roaster into one of the industry’s most respected names.
ONA’s story started in a garage in Canberra, where Šestić launched the business with a simple mission: make great coffee and share it with as many people as possible.
Built around three core values — innovation, community and excellence — the brand has since become a heavyweight in the specialty coffee world, known for sourcing exceptional beans and pushing boundaries in brewing techniques.
Today, ONA is recognised as one of Australia’s most respected specialty coffee brands, with its Dubai debut marking a major milestone in the company’s international expansion.
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Dubai’s specialty coffee scene has exploded in recent years, with discerning coffee drinkers increasingly seeking out expertly sourced beans, precision brewing methods and café experiences that go beyond the standard flat white.
ONA’s arrival taps directly into that demand. Expect expertly crafted espresso, competition-grade brewing techniques and a strong emphasis on sustainability and education — all wrapped up in the minimalist, design-led aesthetic Australian cafés are known for.
For serious coffee fans, this could easily become the city’s next must-visit caffeine destination.
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Curious, expressive, and always chasing new ideas, Zainab sees creativity as a way of life. She thrives on discovering new perspectives, connecting with people, and turning inspiration into something tangible. Her work and her world reflect a balance of intuition, imagination, and authenticity.
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