Following months of competition and a series of high-pressure challenges, Sharfin Auni from Nobu Dubai, has been named the World Class UAE Bartender of the Year 2026.
Bringing together some of the most exciting talent across the country, this year’s competition saw over 200 bartenders enter, with the final three – Patrick Rowson (Sexy Fish), Sharfin Auni (Nobu Dubai), and Rafael Soler (Sexy Fish) – competing in a live grand finale that tested not only technical excellence, but creativity, performance and the ability to deliver outstanding guest experience.
Speaking on the win, Sharfin Auni said: “Coming back to the finals for the third year and finally taking the title of World Class UAE Bartender of the Year 2026 feels surreal. It’s been a journey of constant learning and pushing myself further each time. World Class has given me so much, not just as a competition, but through the people and the community around it. I’m really excited to represent the UAE at the Global Finals in Scotland and bring it home!”
The 2026 final put the three competitors through two distinct, high-pressure challenges designed to reflect the demands placed on today’s bartenders. The World Class Speed Challenge required finalists to produce five cocktails in just five minutes – including four classic serves and a signature Guinness cocktail – testing accuracy, consistency, and technical flow under real pressure.
The second challenge, Don Julio Own the Night, required each bartender to present a pre-developed tableside mixer concept paired with Don Julio Reposado, produced at scale and served across the venue, inviting guests to build their own drinks.
This year’s final took place amidst one of the most challenging periods the UAE’s hospitality industry has faced in recent years, with talented bartenders and hospitality professionals across the region directly impacted. To support with championing talent at a time when visibility and connection matter more than ever, Diageo World Class UAE recently launched Humans of Hospitality. Through digital profiles, short-form video content, and storytelling, it spotlights bartenders not just for their drinks, but for their broader professional identity – from leadership and guest experience to their individual career journeys.
Antoinette Drumm, Managing Director of Diageo MENA, added: “The 2026 finals was a powerful reflection of the strength and resilience within the UAE’s bartending community, with the industry coming together to celebrate Patrick, Sharfin and Rafael. The level of talent we’ve seen, despite the challenges the industry is facing, is a true testament to the individuals behind it. World Class exists to support and elevate that talent, and Shaaz is a true representation of what the community stands for today.”
The judging panel brought together some of the UAE industry’s most respected voices: Marco Corallo, Beverage Director, Saikindo; Laura Duca, Beverage Manager, Atlantis The Palm; Russel Sanchez, World Class UAE Winner 2009; Francesco Galdi, Corporate Operations and Beverage Manager, Buddha Bar Worldwide; Lana Shemonaeva, Managing Partner, Lady Bird; Nana Sechere, Regional Beverage Expert; Tibor Krascsenics, Group Beverage Director, La Petite Maison; Ross Matthews-Smith, Co-Founder and CEO, Fibber Magee’s; and Jimmy Barrat, World Class UAE Alumni.
With this win, Sharfin will go on to represent the United Arab Emirates at the World Class Global Finals in Scotland, competing against top bartenders from around the world.
The World Class UAE final brought together industry leaders, past winners, and the wider bartending community – reinforcing its role not only as a competition, but as a platform that continues to support and shape the future of hospitality in the region. Across the programme, the competitors worked with a portfolio of Diageo brands including Ketel One, Johnnie Walker, Tanqueray No.TEN and Don Julio.
