On November 11–12, 2025, the inaugural World Cigar Show will take place at the Dubai International Convention Centre (located next to The Dubai World Trade Centre). This business-to-business (B2B) event is designed to connect premium cigar brands, accessories, and packaging providers with tobacco industry professionals from the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. Organized by Quartz Business Events in partnership with the Premium Cigar Association (PCA), the show aims to open new doors for business and networking in a region with rapidly growing interest in premium cigars.
Helping organize the event is Ra’ed W. Saqfelhait, co-founder and managing partner of Leaf Master Tobacco Trading, LLC. Originally from Jordan and raised in Kuwait, Saqfelhait studied at the American University in Cairo before earning his CPA in San Diego. He has called Dubai home for nearly three decades, witnessing the city’s transformation into a global business hub. In 2017, he co-founded Leaf Master, which opened its first retail shop in Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City in 2018, followed by a second location in Abu Dhabi’s Rosewood Hotel. That shop earned the 2024 PCA Best of the Leaf Award, a recognition of excellence in retail experience.
For those curious about the industry’s newest trade show, Saqfelhait offers his perspective on the event, its purpose, and the region’s potential.
What makes the World Cigar Show in Dubai an important event for the industry?
Ra’ed W. Saqfelhait: I think it’s definitely not to be underestimated. The cigar culture in our part of the world is growing very rapidly. Many brands now understand the importance of diversifying their business beyond the U.S. and Europe, and they’re turning to international markets like ours.
A number of these brands are already present in the UAE—some in Qatar or Bahrain—but they’re not across the entire GCC or Middle East. This show is open to producers and tobacco brands as well as to businesses involved in importation and trade. It’s a 100% B2B show, and I’m very excited about it.
Personally, I’m looking forward to showing people my Dubai. We’re planning some amazing social events—on the beach, in the desert, and throughout the city—to give everyone a sense of how welcoming and vibrant this place really is.
We know how important location is for a trade show. How cigar friendly is Dubai?
What is amazing about Dubai is the number of great venues to enjoy your cigars, including fully serviced and fully airconditioned high-end lounges, quality restaurants, and superior clubs, all of which are equipped with air quality systems and have cigars on offer. Add to that the ability to smoke outdoors as November marks the great weather season in Dubai, where at an average of 20-22 degrees centigrade (68-71 degrees Fahrenheit). You are guaranteed an enjoyable cigar in many of the entertaining beach restaurants and unique outdoor venues Dubai has to offer.
I fully encourage attendees to make this a trip to do both business at the Cigar World Show, and pleasure by discovering the magic of Dubai and the UAE as a whole.
What would you say to those hesitant to attend or exhibit at this new trade show?
I understand where they’re coming from. Yes, the November date is close to another big trade show in September in Germany. But that show is very Europe-focused. Many people from the Middle East, Africa, and Asia can’t attend those events. These are markets with great potential that haven’t been fully tapped yet.
Also, keep in mind this is being organized by PCA and Quartz. Neither of these organizations has ever invested in a failed concept. They have the background, the experience, team, vision, and the platform to make this show a success.
You mentioned a pavilion by Leaf Master. Can you share more about that?
Sure. The Leaf Master pavilion is designed to give exhibitors a clear idea of their investment. It’s not about us—it’s about providing comfort and transparency. You can choose your level of participation based on your budget.
This show happens at the same time and location as another tobacco-focused event, so attendance will be strong. People come to Dubai to do business. It’s a key trade hub, and we’re taking full advantage of the region’s free zone concept, which makes it easier to do international business.
What types of attendees should exhibitors expect?
If you’re exhibiting, you’re going to see a lot of foot traffic. I was very excited to hear that several duty-free platforms in the region will be attending. They’re already hearing about the show and want to be part of it.
You’ll meet retailers, wholesalers, shops—people who are coming with a purpose: to buy, to trade, to explore. This is going to be a very commercially focused and productive event.
Interested in exhibiting at the World Cigar Show Dubai? Contact Colin Case at colincase@quartzltd.com. Free registration for attendees is available at worldcigarshow.com.