This week, we speak to Maranda Barnes, the managing director of Bacha Coffee, the luxury coffee brand born in 1910 in Marrakech and now renowned for its curated single-origin coffee experiences in Dubai and across the GCC.

Welcome to the Emirates Woman weekly series ‘How I Got My Job As…’, where we speak to incredible entrepreneurs and business leaders based in the UAE and globally, uncovering their career paths, daily routines, challenges, and advice for those looking to follow in their footsteps.

From the historic coffee halls of Marrakech to opening luxury coffee rooms in Dubai, Maranda Barnes has built a career around heritage, curation, and creating immersive guest experiences. Emirates Woman sat down with her to explore how she translated the brand’s century-old heritage into a modern luxury coffee experience for UAE audiences.

Bacha Coffee’s story began in 1910 in Marrakech. How does that century-old heritage influence the brand’s identity and guest experience today?

Bacha Coffee was born in the Dar el Bacha, a space dedicated to cultural exchange, diplomacy, and hospitality. When the original coffee room was revived, people travelled from all over the world just to experience it. That confirmed something powerful: heritage, when brought to life sincerely, still resonates today. In the UAE, our coffee rooms reflect that spirit. Guests are invited to slow down, to experience coffee as a ritual rather than a routine. The service is ceremonial and encourages conversation, discovery, and connection.

How do you balance curation with creating a social destination?

Curation and conviviality go hand in hand. Guests may arrive curious about a specific origin or flavour, but our Coffee Masters guide them through conversation and storytelling rather than instruction. Some guests want to explore deeply, others simply enjoy a beautiful cup in good company and both are equally valued. Coffee, for us, is always about connection first.

The brand’s visual identity is iconic, from packaging to service. How important is theatre in luxury coffee?

Every visual element is intentional, creating a sense of ceremony. From the way coffee is served to the gestures of our staff, each detail reinforces our belief that coffee deserves time, care, and reverence. In a world driven by speed, aesthetics restore occasion and emotion.

With flagship stores in The Galleria and Dubai Mall, how does location shape the guest journey?

Our flagship coffee rooms are destinations in their own right. Guests can move from discovering our specialty collection to settling into spaces designed for conversation and reflection. Luxury retail is fast-paced, but Bacha Coffee offers a pause with a moment where ritual, and atmosphere come together to create calm indulgence.

Why is the UAE such a critical market for high-end coffee culture?

Coffee has always been tied to generosity and hospitality. The UAE values ritual, provenance, and craftsmanship, making it the perfect market for Bacha Coffee. The response confirms that leading with authenticity and passion creates genuine curiosity, trust, and long-term loyalty.

During the festive and winter season, how does Bacha Coffee pivot?

Cooler months reflect the essence of Bacha Coffee: slower moments, shared rituals, and thoughtful generosity. We see a shift towards coffee as a luxury gift, with curated hampers, limited edition coffees, and elegant accessories that let guests share this moment of celebration.

For luxury coffee lovers, is discovery of rare beans more appealing than consistent blends?

Guests value both. Single-origin coffees satisfy curiosity and a sense of adventure, while blends provide balance for daily rituals. Luxury, today, is about choice and personalized guidance. Our Coffee Masters help guests discover what resonates with them, turning curiosity into confidence, and coffee into a meaningful personal ritual.

Looking ahead, what’s the next frontier for experiential coffee culture in the UAE?

The future lies in depth, not novelty. The UAE values generosity, ceremony, and connection that are core values at the heart of Bacha Coffee. As global audiences seek intentional, human experiences, how coffee is enjoyed here will influence trends worldwide. We’re proud to be part of that dialogue, bringing people together one cup at a time.

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Images: Supplied