A Visit to Firmenich Dubai Innovation Center: Bridging Tradition and Technology through Fragrance

Dubai, April 29, 2024 —— As part of the 2024 China-Arab Fragrance Forum, a delegation from China’s fragrance and incense industry paid a visit to Firmenich’s Innovation Center in Dubai, now part of DSM-Firmenich, for an in-depth exchange on fragrance culture and technological innovation.

The visit marked one of the key moments in China-Arab fragrance collaboration. Mr. Cyril Negrello, Regional Director for Fragrance in the Middle East, welcomed the delegation and introduced the center’s technical capabilities and regional development strategy.

Among the highlights was a tour of the center’s fully automated warehouse and robotic blending system. Capable of storing over 40,000 raw materials, the system can produce a perfume oil sample in under one minute — a powerful demonstration of how AI and automation are reshaping the fragrance industry.

During a fragrance evaluation session, Firmenich perfumers assessed Chinese brands’ products and discussed scent preferences across cultures. Both sides emphasized that while technology is advancing rapidly, understanding and respecting cultural context remains essential in fragrance creation.

At the end of the visit, the Chinese delegation presented a traditional Chinese incense gift to Firmenich, symbolizing mutual appreciation and hopes for continued collaboration.

This visit not only deepened cross-cultural understanding but also opened new pathways for integrating traditional fragrance practices with modern innovation — paving the way for more meaningful global exchanges.