Beautyworld Middle East to debut global ‘Next in Fragrance’ conference
Beautyworld Middle East 2025 will debut Next in Fragrance, a three-day conference dedicated to the art, science and business of scent.
Staged in Zabeel Hall 3 from 27–29 October 2025, the programme will feature over 30 sessions, bringing together perfumers, brand founders and fragrance leaders from around the world to explore the industry’s next phase of innovation.
The conference will be headlined by two of the world’s leading perfumers — Roja Dove, Global Ambassador for the GREAT Britain campaign, and Jacques Cavallier-Belletrud, Louis Vuitton’s Master Perfumer. Their participation underscores the event’s ambition to redefine how fragrance is discussed and experienced.
Beautyworld Middle East show manager Ravi Ramchandni said: “Next in Fragrance is unlike anything seen before in the fragrance world. To have two icons – Jacques Cavallier and Roja Dove – lead this programme makes it truly unmissable.
“Beautyworld Middle East is proud to host a global-first initiative that celebrates creativity, innovation, and the universal power of scent.”
The event will explore topics such as ingredient innovation, sustainability, AI-driven creation, and the rise of new consumer markets.
Sessions will include “The Future Smells Different: Driving Innovation in Fragrance”, “Perfumers Talk: The Story Behind the Scent” and “Fragrance Passports: Brazil and the USA.”
A key discussion, “From Lab to Launch: Creating and Marketing Disruptive Alcohol-Free Perfume Products”, will highlight the growing trend toward skin-friendly, alcohol-free formulations.
According to Mintel data, launches of products suitable for sensitive skin have risen by 200% between 2020 and 2025, reflecting the wider “skinification of fragrance” trend — where scent and skincare increasingly converge.
Roja Dove will open the conference on Day 1 with a keynote on the future of fine fragrance and craftsmanship in a digital-first world.
Dove said: “Fragrance has the unique power to stir memory and emotion, unlike any other medium.
“At Beautyworld Middle East I am excited to share not only the artistry behind fragrance, but also where I believe the industry is heading – a future where creativity, heritage, and innovation must walk hand in hand.”
On Day 3, Jacques Cavallier-Belletrud will deliver “A Master’s Journey: In Conversation with Jacques Cavallier-Belletrud”, reflecting on his career and the evolution of luxury fragrance.
He added: “It is an honour to share my passion for perfumes in a land where perfume is so important in terms of human culture. I have always been passionate about and impressed by the quality and creativity of Middle Eastern perfumes.”
More than 70 international speakers will join the programme, including Alex Wiltschko (Osmo), Mohamed Hilal (Mohamed Hilal Group), Veronique Gabai (Veronique Gabai Luxury Products), Ghassan Hajjaj (L’Oréal LUXE) and Darine El Sabbagh (Chalhoub Group). Each session will be CPD-certified, offering professional recognition for delegates across retail, supply and creative sectors.
Beautyworld Middle East remains the region’s largest beauty industry gathering, with more than 2,400 exhibitors expected. The addition of Next in Fragrance marks a major expansion of its international platform.
Ramchandni added: “Every idea shared at Next in Fragrance is a note in a new symphony, reshaping how we understand and experience scent.
“This is a conference made for the global fragrance community, and we cannot wait to see it come alive in Dubai.”