Dubai: How this couple blends Arab, Palestinian flavours in Masra Coffee

Coffee is more than just a drink—it’s a connection to culture, identity, and tradition. For Dubai-based young Emirati-American couple Tasnim Al Gergawi and Khalid Dweik of Palestinian heritage, this passion led to the creation of Masra Coffee, a brand that blends Arab and Palestinian flavours into every sip.

“Coffee is such a shared communal experience. We decided to bring in aspects of our identity into the business, such as the many Arab and Palestinian flavours and syrups that are available,” said Tasnim, a degree holder from NYUAD in Social Research and Public Policy.

The couple met in Dubai through a mutual friend when Khalid had just moved back from the US and was getting accustomed to the city.

“We were introduced three months after Khalid moved to the UAE, and the rest is history. Khalid has always been a huge coffee guru, obsessing over all the little details, from pulling the perfect shot to weighing every bean to create the perfect cup of coffee. I’m just a coffee addict who is willing and ready to try every new flavour he comes up with,” laughs Tasnim.

The couple, who are parents to a five-month-old, shared that coffee has been a huge part of their relationship, starting off with their first time meeting to every morning over breakfast.

“We’ve always invited friends and family over to share our love for coffee and even though we were a little territorial, they did push us to share our recipes and beans with the rest of the world (or the UAE to start off with),” said Khalid.

And so, as founders of Masra Coffee, the couple took their  homebrews and grew it to a full-fledged business that they keep adding to with new flavours and bestsellers. 

For Tasnim, entrepreneurship runs in the family. “I’ve grown up hearing stories of how my grandfather, Fehmi, moved to the UAE from Palestine in 1965 with very little and was able to prosper and grow an extremely successful business,” she shares. Inspired by her family’s resilience, Tasnim and Khalid set out to create something of their own — one cup at
a time.

Khalid — with degrees from the University of Texas at Dallas in Neuroscience and IT Management — shares a similar drive. “We both learned work ethic and determination from our dads, Dr Khalid Al Gergawi and Sufian Dweik. They always instilled in us that with enough effort comes reward, regardless of the background noise. When it comes to starting a business, you need to mute the negativity and doubts and focus on the bigger picture,” he said.

The birth of Masra Coffee

“In Islam, there’s a saying about Rizq —provision from God. With the arrival of a baby, God provides more in our lives, and that’s basically what happened with Masra. We’ve been raising two babies ever since,” Tasnim adds.

The UAE was the natural choice of conducting business for the couple. “The UAE is my home and a huge part of my identity provides endless opportunities for Emiratis looking to open their startup,” Tasnim explains. “The ease and accessibility from the government only push someone like me to take a small dream and be as delusional as possible, with the belief that I will succeed.”

Khalid echoes her sentiment: “The UAE is one of the easiest places to be an entrepreneur. The diversity of the community and their willingness to try new things makes a business owner’s dream more of a reality.”

While Masra Coffee is rooted in Dubai, the couple has bigger dreams. “Our business is registered in Dubai, but with time and dedication, we hope to expand into different regions — possibly even Khalid’s hometown, Dallas,” says Tasnim.

Unusual flavours

The duo’s passion project isn’t just about great coffee—it’s about storytelling, heritage, and bridging cultures. “Masra is an idea that’s unique yet widely well-received,” adds Tasnim. “We wanted to merge flavours that one wouldn’t think to blend—like za’atar and mint in lattes—and they end up tasting absolutely delicious together.”

Starting a business while adjusting to parenthood hasn’t been easy, but the couple has one golden rule: keep going.

“Set your goals and stick to them no matter what,” advises Tasnim. “It’s easy to give up when we’re too hard on ourselves, so it’s vital to remain steadfast and patient with every step and obstacle—which is bound to happen.”

Khalid adds, “You have nothing to lose as long as you start now. You’re growing either way; might as well do something you’re really passionate about while you’re at it.”

From the first sip that brought them together to the venture that’s shaping their future, Masra Coffee is more than just a business—it’s a testament to love, ambition, and the magic that happens when you follow your passion.