The inaugural World Cigar Show made a commanding debut in Dubai last week, establishing a new global benchmark for premium cigar events. Across three exceptional days, the Show welcomed thousands of visitors, top international brands, industry leaders, diplomats, media and cigar professionals to a series of world-class venues in one of the world’s most dynamic cities.
The event opened with a vibrant Trade Exhibition, where an impressive roster of leading cigar houses, accessory makers, and boutique brands showcased their finest products. Exhibitors from around the world engaged with several thousand visitors, fostering collaboration, innovation, and meaningful new business connections. Over 1,700 dedicated visitors attended the first World Cigar Show in addition to cross-over attendees of the World Tobacco Show which exceeded 6,000.
At the heart of Day 1 was the Cigar Conference, a cornerstone gathering that delivered forward-looking insights, thought leadership, and high-level dialogue on the future of the premium cigar industry. Set against the extraordinary backdrop of Dubai, the conference drew senior executives, policymakers, and international experts for what is already being hailed as one of the most substantive and dynamic cigar policy forums of the year.
Day 1 also saw the presence and generous support of H.E. the Ambassador of the Dominican Republicand his Embassy team. The diplomatic corps’ attendance, with the Embassy co-hosting activities during the launch day, underscored the cultural and economic significance of premium cigars and added a distinguished international dimension.
Joshua Habursky, CEO of the Premium Cigar Association, commented: “The launch of the World Cigar Show in Dubai exceeded all expectations. This event has instantly become one of the most important global touchpoints for our industry—uniting brands, thought leaders, and enthusiasts in an extraordinary city that reflects the vibrancy and resilience of premium cigars worldwide.”
Throughout Days 1 and 2, attendees enjoyed remarkable evening programs—including the first two official events organized by The Leaf Master—which blended hospitality, culture, and world-class cigar experiences and brought together over 200 cigar producers, experts, and enthusiasts. Crafted with sophistication and signature Dubai elegance, these gatherings further elevated the Show’s status as a premier global destination for aficionados and industry leaders alike. The first reception was hosted at the Churchill Lounge, Four Seasons DIFC, and was co-hosted with the Dominican Embassy to the UAE and included over a dozen Embassies and Diplomatic Missions. The closing reception was hosted at StreetXO venue by the Micheline Star Mogul, Chef Dabiz Muñoz which is located at the prestigious Zabeel One & Only Resort.
Ra’ed, Managing Partner of The Leaf Master, added: “It was an honor for me and The Leaf Master to be part of the team organising the World Cigar Show, and to also help shape and execute the social experiences of the Show. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Government of Dubai for all the amazing support they kindly provided us with. The energy, diversity, support and passion we saw in Dubai confirms that this event is destined to become a global tradition and key cigar trade destination for years to come.
A key driver of this successful launch was the partnership with Quartz, whose collaboration, expertise, and operational excellence were instrumental in delivering an event of exceptional caliber. Their support, along with that of all participating brands and sponsors, ensured that the World Cigar Show debuted as a truly best-in-class global gathering.
