Dubai, UAE — What began as a search for greener pastures has blossomed into a life-changing journey of skill, passion, and empowerment for hundreds of young people. Suleiman Ali, a 32-year-old Kenyan born in Mombasa, has transformed himself from a security guard in the Gulf to a globally certified barista trainer and entrepreneur creating dignified employment opportunities for youths in Dubai and beyond.
Ali left Kenya in 2016 to work as a security guard in Dubai, a common path for many young Kenyans seeking better livelihoods abroad. However, fate had other plans. While on duty, his discipline and work ethic caught the attention of a restaurant owner who offered him an opportunity to work in a coffee shop—Talk’s Kitchen. That single decision became the turning point of his life.
“I resigned and joined him, and that became my life-changing move,” Ali recalls.
Driven by an insatiable passion for learning, Ali quickly mastered the art of coffee making—ranging from espresso to specialty brews. His dedication soon set him apart, leading to another job offer in Abu Dhabi, where his skills continued to grow and his professional network expanded.
Over time, Ali transitioned from barista to trainer, marketer, and mentor. Today, he is the founder of Barista Training Center, a registered institution that has so far trained more than 500 fully qualified baristas from diverse nationalities, including Kenyans, Ugandans, Britons, Turks, Sri Lankans, Asians, and many others.
A barista, he explains, is a highly skilled professional responsible for crafting quality coffee drinks—a role that is increasingly in demand and well-paying across the hospitality industry.
One of Ali’s most impactful contributions has been his work with Kenyan and African women employed as domestic workers in the Gulf. Many of them, he says, reached out to him seeking a way out of exploitative working conditions.
“I started engaging these girls working as house helps in the Gulf. Many are now trained and employed as baristas. They left Kenya as cleaners or maids, but today they have dignified, well-paying jobs,” he says.
Through his extensive network in Dubai, Ali connects trained graduates with reputable employers, helping them transition into professional roles that enable them to support their families back home.
Ali’s journey has not been without challenges. At one point, he was relieved of his duties by an employer—a setback that instead fueled his entrepreneurial spirit. He invested in coffee machines, began training students independently, and slowly built what is now a thriving training center.
His commitment to excellence led him to enroll in a world-class institution where he acquired an ACA Barista Certification, a globally recognized qualification. He has also participated in the UAE Barista Champions Competition, further strengthening his professional standing and industry connections.
Today, Ali also works as a showroom manager and marketer for coffee-making equipment in Dubai, using his influence to connect youths with quality job opportunities in the hospitality sector.
Ali’s influence extends beyond physical classrooms. Through social media platforms such as TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram—where he is popularly known as “Espresso Doctor”—he trains, mentors, and connects with aspiring baristas worldwide. At the peak of his training programs, he charged up to 1,200 dirhams (approximately KSh 42,000) per course.
His online presence has caught the attention of training institutions in Kenya, including those in Nairobi, which have invited him to train hospitality students.
“I am open to partnering with institutions and continuing to give skills to those who want them,” he says.
Ali attributes his success to hard work, perseverance, discipline, and passion. He encourages young people to invest in skills that can earn them a sustainable living, regardless of where they start.
“My advice to young people is simple—improve yourself and look for skills that can help you grow,” he says.
Looking ahead, Ali hopes to collaborate with Kenyan universities and higher learning institutions to support students pursuing hospitality and barista training, ensuring more young Africans can access global opportunities.
From guarding doors to opening them for others, Suleiman Ali’s story is a powerful testament to how skill, vision, and resilience can transform lives—one cup of coffee at a time.
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