CIGAR CZARS IN DUBAI
In November 2025, the luxury lifestyle world turned its gaze to Dubai as the inaugural World Cigar Show made a spectacular debut at the Dubai World Trade Centre setting a bold new standard for premium cigar events. Organized by Quartz Business Events in partnership with the Premium Cigar Association (PCA), this exclusive B2B gathering brought together thousands of industry leaders, diplomats, media, and connoisseurs from across the Middle East, Asia, and Africa.
Over two elegant days, the air was rich with opportunity — and not just from the finest hand-rolled cigars. The event offered a curated showcase of luxury brands, rare blends, and artisanal accessories, all within one of the world’s most dynamic cities. With its seamless fusion of business, culture, and craftsmanship, the World Cigar Show didn’t just open doors — it redefined the global stage for cigar excellence.
Ra’ed W. Saqfelhait, co-founder and managing partner of Leaf Master Tobacco Trading, LLC, is a driving force behind the World Cigar Show’s success. A Jordanian-born entrepreneur raised in Kuwait, Ra’ed’s journey took him from the American University in Cairo to earning his CPA in San Diego, before settling in Dubai nearly three decades ago—just as the city began its ascent as a global business capital.
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 organizing 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.
In 2017, he co-founded Leaf Master, a name now synonymous with premium cigar culture in the region. His vision, expertise, and deep industry connections have helped shape the World Cigar Show into a landmark event—bridging global craftsmanship with the Middle East’s growing appetite for luxury experiences.
Joshua Habursky, CEO of the Premium Cigar Association (PCA), delivered opening remarks at The Cigar Conference 2025, the educational centerpiece of the World Cigar Show 2025.
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.”
CIGAR CZAR CONNOISSEUR
CIGAR CZAR CONNOISSEUR
In his opening remarks at the World Cigar 2025 Conference in Dubai, H.E. Renso Herrera Franco celebrated the 17th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Dominican Republic and the UAE, characterizing the partnership as more dynamic than ever. He positioned the cigar industry as a vital “cultural ambassador,” noting its contribution of $1.34 billion in annual exports and its role in supporting over 110,000 Dominican workers.
Beyond heritage, the Ambassador highlighted the “Meta 2036” strategy, a national vision for growth in logistics and technology, bolstered by strategic partnerships such as the $780 million investment by DP World. Invoking the words of Aristotle, he emphasized that the excellence shared by both nations is the result of “high intention and sincere effort,” reinforcing a shared commitment to global trade and cultural diplomacy.
At the World Cigar Show 2025 in Dubai, Ricardo Carioni – Director of International Affairs & Education at the Premium Cigar Association (PCA) highlighted the cultural importance of the industry, stating that cigars represent “a language of culture, connection, and heritage”. He emphasized that international discussions are necessary for preserving the industry’s history and “shaping a shared global future”.
In 2025, Jasim Ahmed, the globally recognized Master of Habanos, played a pivotal role at the inaugural World Cigar Show in Dubai, held from November 11–12 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Serving as a key influencer and speaker, Ahmed utilized the platform to champion cigar culture in the Middle East, participating in high-level conferences that defined the show’s educational edge. Throughout the event and into early 2026, he collaborated with major industry players like Leaf Master and Cigar Keep to showcase exclusive releases, including the Cohiba Behike 58, which debuted to celebrate the line’s 15th anniversary. As the 2023 Hombre Habano del Año, Ahmed continues to leverage his massive digital following to bridge the gap between historic Cuban traditions and the modern luxury lifestyle of Dubai.
It was truly an honor meeting Yogesh Deshpande, the visionary founder of Meluha Cigars — a name that’s become synonymous with luxury and craftsmanship in the Middle Eastern cigar scene. Based in Dubai, Yogesh has built Meluha into a globally revered brand, celebrated for its handcrafted, ultra-premium cigars that offer a transcendent sensory experience.
Awards and acclaim follow the brand — not just for its rich, bold flavors that rival Cohibas and Gurkhas, but for its philosophy: that a cigar is more than smoke, it’s a ritual, a moment of pure escape.
Meeting Dr. Garo at his booth during the World Cigar Show Dubai 2025 was like stepping into a moment of quiet elegance amidst the buzz of the event. His space, designed like a warm, intimate cigar lounge, was a sensory delight — rich with the inviting aroma of handcrafted Garo cigars, adorned with striking cigar-themed art, and thoughtfully curated with his signature accessories and blends.
CHIROPRACTOR TO TABAQUERO
CHIROPRACTOR TO TABAQUERO
The panel “Beyond Borders: Decoding Emerging Markets and the Diplomatic Language of Cigars” at the 2025 World Cigar Show offered a captivating look into the rising influence of premium cigars across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Moderated by Todd Naifeh of the Premium Cigar Association, the discussion revealed how a finely crafted cigar has become more than a luxury — it’s a bridge for diplomacy, trust, and cultural exchange in high-stakes business and international relations.
Set against the theme “Tradition Reimagined: The Global Future of Premium Cigars,” the session explored how evolving regulations, economic shifts, and growing affluence are reshaping demand in emerging markets.
Cigars, once seen as niche, are now symbols of status and connection — lighting up boardrooms, royal gatherings, and cross-border negotiations.With producers, diplomats, and policymakers in the room, the dialogue was as rich as the smoke in the air — forward-looking, nuanced, and deeply attuned to the art of connection in a changing world.
The panel discussion “Roots & Legacy: The Soul of Cigar Making and the Future of Family Craft” served as a cornerstone of the 2025 World Cigar Show in Dubai, bringing together multi-generational producers to explore the delicate balance between heritage and modernization.
Hosted by the Premium Cigar Association (PCA), the session focused on how family-run brands preserve artisanal rolling and fermentation techniques while navigating the complexities of global expansion and evolving regulations. By emphasizing “cigar diplomacy,” the panel highlighted how cultural storytelling and ethical craftsmanship sustain the industry’s soul, positioning premium cigars not just as luxury products, but as enduring symbols of family legacy within the growing Middle Eastern market.
The panel “Cigar Culture 3.0: Craft, Innovation, and the Evolution of the Maker’s Mindset” at the 2025 World Cigar Show Dubai captured a pivotal shift in the premium cigar world — where tradition meets transformation.
Industry leaders explored how today’s master blenders and producers are evolving from artisans into visionary innovators, embracing a “Maker’s Mindset” that fuses time-honored craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology, sustainability, and global storytelling. From seed to smoke, this renaissance is reshaping every link of the supply chain — using data-driven farming, eco-conscious curing, and smart packaging to reduce environmental impact while enhancing quality.
Yet, at its core, the craft remains human. The panel emphasized how innovation isn’t replacing heritage — it’s amplifying it. Brands are now using digital platforms to deepen consumer connection, sharing the journey behind each blend, honoring cultural roots, and engaging a new generation that values purpose as much as pleasure.
The panel discussion on Global Tobacco Geopolitics: Trade, Diplomacy & the Future of Premium Cigar discussed global tobacco geopolitics, focusing on trade, diplomacy, and the future of premium cigars. Experts advocated for a distinct regulatory identity for premium cigars, separating them from other tobacco products, and emphasized using “cigar diplomacy” to build relationships between producing nations and growing markets.
The session examined international trade policies, diplomatic relations, and regulatory impacts on premium cigars. Key Discussion Points Focused on areas navigating global trade barriers, using cigars in diplomacy, and strategies for industry sustainability amid geopolitical shifts.
The discussion highlighted Dubai’s role as a global hub for luxury hospitality and trade, facilitating connections between over 60 premium producers and thousands of international visitors. The success of this inaugural edition has led to a confirmed second installment for the World Cigar Show in 2026.
The stage is set — PCA26 returns April 17–20, 2026, at the iconic Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, and it’s shaping up to be the most anticipated gathering for cigar connoisseurs and industry leaders yet.A city that breathes culture, music, and soul, New Orleans is the perfect backdrop for a celebration of craft, connection, and the enduring art of the cigar.
From bustling trade floors to intimate masterclasses, this is where innovation meets tradition — and where relationships are forged over shared passion.
I’m already looking forward to reuniting with fellow enthusiasts, discovering bold new blends, and soaking in the electric energy of the Big Easy. See you there, where the future of premium cigars is being rolled, one visionary brand at a time.
