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Takasago has established a new Creative Centre in Dubai Media City as part of its commitment to the Middle East market, according to an announcement from the Japanese company. The facility will serve as a hub for co-creating fragrances that blend local cultural influences with global trends, strengthening ties between teams in Dubai, Paris and Japan. Bassel Kouchacji, managing director for fragrance in the Middle East at Takasago, described Dubai as one of the world’s most exciting fragrance capitals in an interview with ParfumPlus Magazine. The opening follows the establishment of a sales office in the emirate in 2015 and a new regional office in 2025, building on the company’s long-term investment in the area.
The centre’s launch aligns with Takasago’s broader strategy to expand its presence in high-growth markets, the company said in a statement. It will focus on developing products that incorporate both traditional regional ingredients and advanced in-house technologies, including neuroscience-backed innovations. Executives noted that the facility enables closer work with regional partners while maintaining connections to the firm’s Japanese heritage and French expertise. Plans also include a new compounding laboratory scheduled for 2026 to further enhance local production capabilities.
Euromonitor data cited in industry analysis places the Middle East fragrance market at 7.4 billion dollars, with prestige fragrances expanding at a 12 percent compound annual growth rate. Saudi Arabia accounts for more than 40 percent of regional prestige sales and is projected to rival the United Kingdom by 2028, according to the same figures. A separate assessment from Expert Market Research indicates the wider GCC flavours and fragrances market stood at approximately 560.6 million dollars in 2024 and is forecast to reach 854 million dollars by 2034, growing at 4.3 percent annually. These trends underscore rising demand for premium and customised scent solutions across food, beverage and personal care sectors.
Takasago, which maintains a century-long history in the industry, has emphasised sustainable sourcing and scientific advancement in its operations worldwide. The Dubai centre represents an extension of similar investments, including a recent creative centre opened in India, according to company statements. Kouchacji highlighted the importance of honouring historical traditions while innovating for future needs in remarks to ParfumPlus Magazine. Such facilities allow the firm to respond more effectively to consumer preferences shaped by cultural and environmental factors in the Gulf region.
Dubai’s appeal for such investments is reflected in its global leadership in attracting foreign direct investment projects within cultural and creative industries. The emirate secured 754 new projects in these sectors during 2025, generating 19,304 jobs and 3.756 billion dollars in capital inflows, according to data from the Financial Times’ fDi Markets tracked by Dubai Culture and Arts Authority. This performance positioned Dubai ahead of cities including London and Singapore for the fourth consecutive year. Takasago’s initiative contributes to this ecosystem by bringing specialised expertise in perfumery to the local market.
Sylvain Eyraud, vice president for fine fragrance in Europe at Takasago, pointed to the region’s potential in the same ParfumPlus Magazine discussion. The company continues to explore opportunities that combine high creativity with responsible practices, executives added. Future activities at the centre will include participation in regional events such as Beautyworld Middle East to showcase new collections developed on-site.
