In the latest testimony of Dubai’s strength as a business hub, Firmenich, the Swiss perfume and taste company, inaugurated on Wednesday its new regional hub at Dubai Science Park from where it will service customers in over 60 countries across the Middle East and Africa region.
Recent initiatives the UAE has undertaken, including the full foreign ownership law amendment and the 10-year residency golden visa, have made the country more attractive for global businesses, said Marwan Abdulaziz Janahi, managing director of Dubai Science Park.
“When global corporations like Ferminich expand their operations in Dubai, it significantly impacts our economy across a range of indicators. Their access to greater markets thanks to the emirate’s strategic location boosts local manufacturing and exports, strengthening industry and consolidating economic diversification. Partnerships and expansions from multinational companies generate jobs, strengthening national and regional economies, while their global reputation attracts specialised talent who enrich our pool of knowledge and skill to fuel innovation,” said Janahi.
“What’s more, Dubai’s concentrated efforts to establish an integrated R&D landscape will further reinforce our emirate as a leading destination for research, innovation and production. The construction of Firmenich’s industry-leading creation and development facility will contribute to that effort through nurturing information exchange and driving economic competitiveness,” he continued.
Firmenich’s centre also includes a research and science facility. The perfume and taste company began its operations in Dubai over a decade ago.
“Back then, Firmenich counted just over 5,000 people globally, and our Dubai operation was no more than a 100 square meter office. It was very much a startup: there was no lab, and we only covered fine fragrances and flavors at the time,” said Firmenich’s CEO, Gilbert Ghostine.
“Today, we count 10,000 employees globally and have grown to be the largest privately-owned perfume and taste company. Meanwhile, in Dubai, we have achieved incredible growth over the past ten years. This location has a great dynamic and business at our affiliate has grown by double digit numbers every year in the past decade. The number of staff here in Dubai has grown tenfold to over 100 colleagues. Our team includes 29 nationalities from the four corners of the world, and some of the best talent in the industry has come to work for us out of Dubai,” he continued.
“As you know, Firmenich is a Family company and every family needs a home. We are happy that, in this region, Dubai is our home,” added Ghostine.
Dubai Science Park is the first business district in the region specialising in health, life sciences and sustainability. Since its inception, it has supported major global corporations as well as regional companies and startups that attract and nurture thousands of specialists and skilled talent in various fields of science.
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