Meraas, a subsidiary of Dubai Holding Real Estate, has taken a significant step towards transforming Dubai’s waterfront landscape with a key construction contract worth over Dhs1bn.

Awarded to the China State Construction Engineering Corporation (Middle East), the deal will bring the highly anticipated Bluewaters Bay project to life, with completion slated for Q4 2027.

Bluewaters Bay, designed to be a standout residential destination, will feature two luxurious residential towers connected by a dynamic podium.

Highlights of Bluewaters Bay

The development will offer 678 apartments, with one to four-bedroom options, including penthouses. In addition to the residential spaces, Bluewaters Bay will host a variety of retail and food and beverage outlets on the podium level, promising a vibrant lifestyle offering.

Key amenities will include a landscaped promenade, an outdoor pool, a children’s play area, and BBQ facilities — ideal for residents seeking a sophisticated yet relaxed living environment.

Khalid Al Malik, CEO of Dubai Holding Real Estate, emphasised the strategic importance of the project in shaping Dubai’s waterfront future. “Bluewaters Bay is nestled in a prime location within one of Dubai’s most sought-after waterfront destinations. Positioned at the gateway to Bluewaters, residents will enjoy unparalleled access to world-class entertainment such as Ain Dubai, pristine beaches, and a curated selection of retail and dining experiences,” he said.

Al Malik went on to highlight the project’s reflection of Dubai Holding’s commitment to crafting exceptional waterfront communities that elevate the city’s dynamic urban fabric. “We are confident that China State Construction Engineering Corporation’s expertise will bring this vision to life, creating a destination that residents and visitors will cherish.”

For their part, Tian Sanchuan, president of China State Construction Engineering Corporation (Middle East), expressed pride in the partnership. “We are proud to collaborate with Dubai Holding Real Estate on the construction of Meraas’ prestigious Bluewaters Bay project,” he said.

“This partnership underscores our dedication to delivering world-class developments with precision and innovation. We look forward to leveraging our expertise to deliver this visionary destination and set new standards for quality and excellence,” he said.

Prime location

Bluewaters Bay’s integration with Dubai’s vibrant waterfront is poised to further extend the appeal of both Marina Walk and the Bluewaters boardwalk. The development is designed to offer residents not just a home, but a lifestyle, with sophisticated dining venues, exciting retail outlets, and abundant outdoor spaces.

The project’s prime location within walking distance of Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) and just a short drive from Al Maktoum International Airport further enhances its appeal.

Access is streamlined with two main vehicle entry points, including a convenient bridge ramp from the Bluewaters bridge to Podium 3.

Read: Meraas awards Dhs850m construction contract for Bvlgari Lighthouse

What role do niche segments play in Abu Dhabi’s broader strategy for economic and cultural development?

Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau is (ADCEB) part of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi. Its strategic roadmap for growth and contribution to the Tourism Strategy 2030 focuses on targeting source markets over niche segments. Our scope covers the US, UK, China and India, among others, to continue promoting our emirate as a convenient and attractive destination for business events.

As geopolitical and macroeconomic factors evolve in the global arena, it is essential that we proactively diversify and expand our source markets to remain resilient and competitive. As part of that strategy, we opened our first office in Seoul, South Korea, in January 2023 and expanded our footprint in existing source markets like China and India to Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.

Our focus on source markets significantly enables Abu Dhabi’s tourism ambitions, underscoring its compelling visitor propositions and strategic location. It is equally crucial in positioning our emirate’s soft power in the global economy. ADCEB’s approach promotes economic and cultural exchanges with our target source markets, exploring strategic opportunities to collaborate with relevant stakeholders and identity partnerships that add value to our operations and services locally, regionally and globally.

How do events like the Abu Dhabi Wedding Show and ICCA Congress align with the emirate’s goals of promoting a sustainable and prosperous future?

The Tourism Strategy 2030 focuses on four strategic pillars, including doubling Abu Dhabi’s Promotion and Marketing efforts and enhancing visitor experiences and business operations. The Abu Dhabi Wedding Show and ICCA Congress contribute by amplifying Abu Dhabi’s distinctive culture and value proposition to target audiences and promoting the processes, platforms and operations that ensure convenience and ease.

The Abu Dhabi Wedding Show was the first B2B event for the niche destination weddings segment in the GCC. It was as much an effort to identify business development opportunities as it was to nurture further growth and advancement in Abu Dhabi’s wedding events ecosystem by expanding the sector’s capabilities through education and collaborations. Similarly, the ICCA Congress had two-fold benefits. For one, it allowed us to directly promote the emirate to the global meetings and events industry, bringing their attention to Abu Dhabi’s diverse offerings and ADCEB’s support and incentives for event organisers.

Furthermore, it allowed us to work with local stakeholders to develop their know-how and processes to better support clients in organising carbon-neutral events. For example, we worked with Ne’ma, the National Food Loss and Waste Initiative, to divert food waste from landfills. We aim to make it a default set-up for all future events to embed greater sustainability into our platform.

Why has Abu Dhabi chosen to focus on niche segments rather than more mainstream business and cultural sectors?

Our focus on source markets, such as the US, China, India and the UK, complements Abu Dhabi’s overarching tourism strategy by providing access to dynamic and inclusive target sectors and audiences. This approach enables ADCEB to navigate the dynamic geopolitical and macroeconomic environment with more agility, broadening our reach and impact by engaging strategic markets and opportunities while reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s soft power.

These specialised platforms and experiences facilitate unique cultural and business exchanges that may otherwise be overlooked. It allows us to attract distinct visitor segments and strengthen Abu Dhabi as a destination for all diverse business events.

Can you share more about Abu Dhabi’s long-term vision for its role as a leader in hosting high-profile niche market events?

Our primary mission is to champion Abu Dhabi as a global business events leader. Since 2013, we have been at the forefront of developing and promoting business events, providing solutions, efficiency and an agile approach that addresses the needs of our various stakeholders.

We have seen firsthand how paramount business events are in catalysing trade and commerce, not only in advancing the tourism sector’s contributions to the GDP but also in facilitating growth in diverse economic segments by attracting international experts, businesses and decision-makers to engage local and regional stakeholders.

We aim to continue building bridges that power widespread economic growth and collaborations, encourage knowledge transfer, and position the city’s thought leaders before their global peers, whether in healthcare, life sciences, financial services or energy sectors. That’s why we will continue partnering with champions of vital economic sectors to attract relevant business events and help the local industries meet their strategic objectives.

In what ways do events such as the Abu Dhabi Wedding Show and ICCA Congress enrich the local cultural landscape?

The Abu Dhabi Wedding Show and ICCA Congress bring valuable insights, stakeholders and awareness to the emirate’s niche segments, which, in parallel, help innovate and expand the local ecosystem and infrastructure to meet demand. That can include investing in new venues and infrastructure to cater to larger audiences and appetites or injecting more creativity and novel concepts into space design that enhance customer experiences.

This inevitably filters into the local cultural landscape, impacting and innovating local business operations and offerings. It serves as a highway of cultural exchange, through which we also introduce our local heritage to the global stage.

We always encourage organisers to work with local Emirati artisans, performers and creatives to incorporate our culture into events, enhancing the experience of delegates with authentic encounters and preserving our local identity.

How do niche segments support Abu Dhabi’s efforts to preserve its cultural heritage while embracing innovation and global trends?

ADCEB aims to create a highway of cultural exchange that welcomes global trends and insights that enrich and innovate Abu Dhabi’s diverse business event segments while sharing our emirate’s rich heritage with international audiences. Abu Dhabi is a multicultural melting pot home to people all over the world. Foreign influences and perspectives already define our landscape of creativity and entrepreneurship, making us attractive to diverse audiences. Yet, we retain a distinctly Emirati identity at heart.

We often inject our traditions and heritage where we can, such as by encouraging organisers to work with Emirati performers, artisans and creatives to bring a local touch into their events. It enhances the visiting experience of international delegates, giving them a flavour of local traditions and allowing them to take a bit of our culture back home with them.

What initiatives or incentives does Abu Dhabi offer to attract niche market events such as the ICCA Congress?

ADCEB introduced the Advantage Abu Dhabi programme to provide event organisers and meeting planners with support, solutions and incentives to reinforce Abu Dhabi as a premier destination for business events.

We work with MICE industry stakeholders to deliver successful events, providing support throughout the complete event planning cycle, including access to a network of partners experienced in organising business events and incentivising travel. We also offer value-added benefits, including hotel discounts, flight tickets, buyers and speakers programmes and more to achieve an event’s objectives and elevate them to the next level.

How does DCT collaborate with other sectors or government entities to ensure the success of these events?

Collaboration is crucial to delivering innovative, seamless and engaging events that help international stakeholders see the convenience and value of Abu Dhabi’s MICE landscape while meeting the various objectives of local economic sectors and government ambitions. For example, by working with the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) for financial services or the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (DED) for trade and investments, we can better understand their mid-to-long-term growth strategies and jointly identify events that help advance their objectives.

ADCEB then offers support with the event bid advisory, event budget estimates, project planning and delivery timelines and marketing strategies that ensure we attract the right delegates, exhibitors and interest to the event. We also provide financial support via the Advantage Abu Dhabi programme to strengthen the impact of events and deliver enriching experiences for delegates.

How does Abu Dhabi differentiate itself from other regional hubs in terms of attracting niche market events?

Abu Dhabi’s strategic location between the East and West and as a gateway to the MENA region is among its key differentiators. Our emirate is a six-hour flight from nearly two-thirds of the global population, making us highly accessible to people from far-flung corners of the world and enabling, in some cases, events to reduce their travel-generated carbon footprint.

We also have world-class travel and tourism infrastructure, making events more accessible to delegates. Our emirate’s multicultural ethos is also a considerable draw. The UAE is home to more than 200 nationalities, contributing to a rich exchange of cultures, perspectives and knowledge at events. It enhances the quality and breadth of dialogue and delivers immeasurable value to attendees and organisers alike.

What feedback have you received from international participants or stakeholders about Abu Dhabi as a venue for niche markets?

We widely receive positive feedback from international organisers and participants on their experience hosting or attending events in Abu Dhabi, which has been valuable in enhancing our services and initiatives. The emirate’s strategic location and connectivity have been widely commended, especially by organisers and delegates from cities that are further afield. The emirate provides a globally central address with a world-class travel, tourism, hospitality and events infrastructure that simplifies the hosting experience for organisers and helps attract attendees due to the convenience and varied stay and entertainment options. Our multicultural fabric also makes Abu Dhabi and the broader UAE diverse and welcoming. People feel safe and included here and can engage with other cultures and nationalities that might be new. Our Advantage Abu Dhabi programme has also provided immense ease to organisers and stakeholders, which we continue enhancing based on their recommendations and input.

How do you see Abu Dhabi’s role in the global landscape of business and cultural events evolving over the next decade?

Abu Dhabi has laid robust foundations for a prolific business and cultural event landscape, and we are keen to continue building upon it. Leveraging our strategic approach and the input of our stakeholders, we aim to continue identifying new opportunities, initiatives and areas of enhancement and strengthen our MICE offerings and capabilities.

By strategically investing in the necessary infrastructure and partnerships, we have defined a long-term roadmap to ensure Abu Dhabi becomes one of the leading business events and tourism hubs.

Looking ahead, what emerging niche segments do you see as the next big opportunity for Abu Dhabi, and how is DCT preparing to attract them?

ADCEB’s growth strategy aligns with the nation’s broader economic agenda. As Abu Dhabi establishes itself within the global artificial intelligence sphere, we are working closely with public and private stakeholders such as the Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Omar Sultan Al Olama, Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) and G42, among others, to attract and create events in the AI sector.

Space is another sector that’s increasingly important to our national ambitions, and we’re exploring activities with partners such as the UAE Space Agency and the Technology Innovation Institute (TII) to help nurture the landscape and dialogue of space exploration further through events.

Read: DCT Abu Dhabi’s Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani on supporting a new wave of cultural talent

In the world of luxury fragrance, few brands carry the mystique and allure that Amouage does. Hailing from Oman, in the heart of the Arabian Peninsula, the House of Amouage is renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship, unique ingredients, and a deep cultural heritage that spans centuries.

With fragrances that are as much about storytelling as they are about scent, Amouage offers a sensory journey that transcends borders and connects people from all corners of the globe.

In this interview with the CEO of the brand, Marco Parsiegla, we dive deep into the essence of the fragrance house its commitment to blending tradition with modern tastes, and how the company is navigating the evolving landscape of luxury, e-commerce, and global markets.

Amouage’s connection to Oman is both culturally rich and essential to its identity. How does the country’s history and landscape influence the house?

There’s a very strong connection, not just to the location, but to the essence of Amouage itself. Oman’s rich heritage, storied history, and stunning landscapes are a constant source of inspiration for us. But it’s not about translating this literally; it’s more about interpreting it in a timeless, modern way. This allows us to connect not only with our regional customers but with international audiences as well. One of the key elements that sets Amouage apart is the use of frankincense from the Dhofar region of Oman and other exceptional natural ingredients like rock roses from the Hajjar Mountains. These are treasures we bottled up in our products, encapsulating the country’s soul.

These fragrances also contain a sense of generosity and hospitality, which you can feel when you experience them. Our cultural roots and craftsmanship come together to create something truly unique. We’re proud to produce everything in Oman, which gives us a distinct position in the global luxury market.

Amouage has stayed true to traditional perfumery methods while embracing modern techniques. How do you find the balance between these two elements?

I think there’s a beautiful tension between tradition and modernity. We’re deeply embedded in a culture where perfumery has been a pivotal part of family life and social gatherings for centuries. Our heritage is steeped in this tradition. But at the same time, technology and modern methods offer incredible opportunities to enhance our creations.

Take our ‘Attar’ collections as an example. These are pure oils, inspired by the age-old practice of applying fragrance without dilution. While this tradition is timeless, we’ve worked with experts and fragrance houses to ensure that these creations are compliant with modern regulations, making them relevant and safe for today’s world.

We’re also reintroducing a forgotten art with our ‘Essences’ collection, which involves double infusions — a technique that had been left behind by the industry. By bringing these practices back into the modern world, we’re educating our customers while keeping the essence of traditional perfumery alive. This approach is helping us bridge generations of perfume lovers and also appeal to a new audience.

The global market has faced significant geopolitical tensions and economic shifts. How has Amouage managed to navigate these challenges, especially with a more niche clientele?

The world is certainly going through a difficult time, and I don’t want to pretend that these challenges haven’t impacted some sectors of the luxury market. But at Amouage, we’ve managed to stay resilient. There’s a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and authenticity in our products, which has resonated with consumers more than ever before. In times of uncertainty, people seek out something real, something that tells a genuine story.

We produce everything in-house, and our commitment to using only the finest ingredients is not just a marketing story — it’s something you can experience firsthand when you visit our facilities. For example, we’re working closely with UNESCO to protect the frankincense trees in southern Oman. This kind of commitment to heritage and sustainability sets us apart and strengthens the bond with our clientele.

Despite the challenges in the world, Amouage is having one of its best years yet. Our global footprint is expanding, with growth across key markets such as the US, China, South Korea, and Europe. We’re seeing strong demand not only in traditional markets but in newer ones too, like Saudi Arabia, where luxury beauty is booming.

With the rise of digital commerce, how has Amouage adapted to this shift, especially with a niche luxury product?

E-commerce has been a major success for us. It’s challenging to translate the multisensory experience of a fragrance online, but we’ve focused on making the user experience as seamless and engaging as possible. From enhancing our digital platform to offering an immersive storytelling experience, we’re making sure that the essence of Amouage comes through, even through a screen.

Our online growth has been impressive — our own platform has seen more than 50 per cent growth this year alone. We’ve invested heavily in improving our digital experience, and it’s paying off. A lot of our success is due to our commitment to showcasing the craftsmanship and heritage behind our fragrances, which resonates with our customers.

We’ve also realised the importance of catering to younger generations, particularly Gen Z and Gen Alpha. With them, it’s not just about shopping; it’s about creating an entire experience. We’ve integrated AI and other modern technologies to make this experience more personalised and meaningful.

How is Amouage performing in the travel retail sector, especially given the current state of global travel?

Travel retail is another area where we’ve seen impressive growth. It’s an interesting space because travellers tend to be more open-minded and culturally fluent. They appreciate the craftsmanship and authenticity behind our products. Amouage has strong partnerships with global retailers like Dubai Duty Free, and our success in this channel is on par with what we’re seeing in e-commerce.

We’ve been expanding our footprint in Asia and the US where we see a huge growth potential. Travel retail provides us with an opportunity to connect with customers uniquely, and the feedback we’ve received has been overwhelmingly positive.

What can you tell us about the varying preferences of Amouage customers around the world? Are there certain collections that perform better in specific regions?

It’s interesting because, despite regional differences, our fragrances have a universal appeal. Our recent creation, Guidance, for example, has become our best-seller globally, resonating with a younger audience due to its longevity and subtle potency. But we do see some regional preferences. For instance, our Reflection fragrance is very popular in the US and Europe, while Epic Woman does exceptionally well in Asia-Pacific.

What’s particularly rewarding is seeing our customers build a fragrance wardrobe. More than 60 per cent of our clients have purchased multiple creations from our portfolio, which shows they’re not just buying a fragrance — they’re becoming part of the Amouage family. It’s about expressing your personality through our different collections, and that’s something we’re proud of.

Do you think that a major part of the fan base Amouage has built over the years is generational? Also, what makes your fragrances so loved?

Fragrance has a unique ability to trigger memories and emotions, and yes, many of our customers do seem to have a generational connection to the brand. If you look at a fragrance like Interlude, for example — it’s been our number one male fragrance for many years and has a certain depth and complexity that appeals more to connoisseurs, often those with a bit more life experience. This creates a kind of bond that can be passed down, whether it’s a father passing it to his son or a cherished family scent that stays within a household. So, in that sense, there’s an element of generational continuity.
That being said, what’s fascinating is the way that high perfumery, in general, attracts people of all ages. Amouage, specifically, has seen younger audiences fall in love with our fragrances, even those that are traditionally associated with more mature tastes. And that’s something that speaks to the evolving nature of fragrance preferences. When you’re in the world of fine fragrance, people tend to be less restricted by age — it’s all about personal taste, and if a scent resonates with you, it doesn’t matter whether you’re in your twenties or your fifties.

The olfactive base you come from, your exposure to scents, and how they connect to your memories or emotional state — these factors are more significant than age. And I think that’s a key element of how fragrance as a medium works. It’s all about the story, the journey, and what those scents represent.

Fragrances can hold the power to change your mood, and even transform your day. When I do keynote speeches, I often ask the audience to close their eyes and think about the first fragrance they ever bought or wore. More than 80 per cent of the people will immediately recall a memory tied to that scent. It’s a beautiful part of our work, being able to create those moments, and it’s something we truly treasure.

You mentioned how important it is to create remarkable client journeys through your retail experiences. How is Amouage adjusting to an increasingly digital and experiential retail world?

We are shifting our focus to create a more experiential retail journey both in-store and online. We want to educate our clients, make them feel emotionally connected to what we do, and not just sell them a product.

Our stores are designed to provide an immersive experience where customers not only smell fragrances but engage with the brand on a deeper level. We’re also working with advanced technologies to bring elements of this immersion to our e-commerce platform, providing scent stories, behind-the-scenes glimpses into our creation process, and even virtual consultations with fragrance experts. It’s all about blending tradition with innovation and creating a personalised journey for each client.

At Amouage, we’ve always believed that retail isn’t just about making a transaction; it’s about telling a story. Our stores aim to create an immersive experience that feels personal and deeply connected to the cultural heritage of Oman.

For example, in our Shanghai store, we’ve incorporated a unique design inspired by Oman’s rich maritime history and its historic trade routes with China. When you step into the store, it feels like you’re underwater, walking beneath a dhow — a traditional Omani boat. This kind of immersive design isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about making our customers feel that connection to our heritage in a tangible, sensory way.

Similarly, in our SoHo store in New York, the design concept draws inspiration from the red sands of Oman, connecting the space with the essence of our homeland in a subtle yet evocative manner. These experiences allow customers to not only engage with the product but to engage with the story, with the land, and the culture behind it.

Tell us about your presence at Retail Summit Saudi Arabia 2025.

I’m truly excited about the summit. It’s a fantastic opportunity for industry experts to come together and discuss the future of retail and the client experience.

At the summit, I’m speaking on a panel about how to create unforgettable client journeys through retail. It’s not just about having beautiful products, but about ensuring the space, the interaction, and the atmosphere all work together to make a memorable experience.

We are also looking forward to discussing the challenges we face as a niche brand in the luxury space and how we can overcome them to create lasting, emotional connections with our clients.

Saudi Arabia is a rapidly growing market for luxury, and you mentioned how you see it playing a key role in Amouage’s future. Tell us more about it.

Saudi Arabia is key to our strategy moving forward. The market is evolving incredibly quickly, both in terms of its economy and its cultural shifts. With the country diversifying its economy from oil to other sectors, the luxury market is seeing tremendous growth, and the beauty and grooming sector is also booming— especially among younger consumers. This is a market with a youthful population that has a keen interest in personal grooming, and that’s an exciting space for us as a luxury fragrance house.

We’re seeing massive investment in retail infrastructure, with new luxury shopping centres and malls opening, so the retail environment is more dynamic than ever. Saudi Arabia is projected to be a $2.6bn market for luxury by early 2030, which is a 50 per cent increase from where it is today. The country’s 2030 Vision — focused on modernisation, infrastructure, and cultural development — also plays a significant role in shaping the future of luxury in the region.

We believe that Saudi Arabia will be a critical market for luxury retail in the coming years. We’re committed to expanding our presence there and are planning to open new mono-brand stores in 2025. We’re especially excited about the opportunity to be part of the cultural and economic transformation taking place.

In terms of Amouage’s market strategy, can you share more about the UAE and its relevance to your operations?

The UAE is one of our strongest markets, and we’ve been really pleased with how it has been performing. While we’re focused on expanding into new regions like Saudi Arabia, the UAE remains a cornerstone of our business. It’s a market where we have a very holistic presence, from mono-brand stores to key retail partnerships to a strong e-commerce presence. We work closely with major retailers and have great relationships with Dubai Duty Free, a critical partner for us in travel retail.

What stands out in the UAE is the strong connection between online and offline retail. We have seen tremendous success with our online platform, which complements our physical retail locations. Dubai itself remains a hub for luxury, and we see an interesting dynamic with different customer profiles, from residents to international tourists.

Our commercial hub in Dubai also plays a key role in managing our global expansion. We handle a lot of the operational and back-office functions for our global business from here, and it’s been a strategic location for overseeing our growth and building relationships with key retail partners.

What trends do you see emerging in the fragrance world?

There are a few trends that we’re definitely keeping an eye on. One of the biggest is the growing demand for personalised fragrances. As consumers become more aware of the power of scent to amplify their personality, they are looking for fragrances that are unique to them. I think customisation will be a major theme, both in terms of scent and the overall fragrance experience.

Another trend we’re seeing is the desire for clean, sustainable fragrances. Consumers are increasingly concerned about the ingredients used in their products and are becoming more discerning about transparency and sustainability. That’s something we’re mindful of at Amouage — our commitment to using only the finest natural ingredients, like Omani frankincense and ensuring that our practices are as sustainable as possible.

As always, Oriental fragrances will continue to have a strong presence in the market. However, we’re also noticing a shift toward more floral and woody notes, especially among younger consumers. It’s an exciting time for fragrance as the boundaries continue to evolve, and we’re thrilled to be part of that ongoing conversation.

You’ve touched on sustainability and responsibility. How do these trends play into Amouage’s broader brand philosophy?

Sustainability for us isn’t just about environmental responsibility; it’s deeply embedded in our cultural heritage. Oman, with its limited natural resources, has always embraced sustainability out of necessity. We’re honouring that legacy by working in ways that are both resource-efficient and beneficial to the land and communities.

For example, at the UNESCO World Heritage site where we’re producing our frankincense, we’ve taken a proactive approach by building a distillery in the desert, which not only fosters local employment but also incorporates cutting-edge technology for sustainability. Our commitment extends beyond just the environment — it’s about social responsibility too. We’re employing Omanis, working with the local community, and ensuring that our practices benefit everyone involved.

This sense of responsible luxury is something that we’re seeing more of in the broader market, and it’s something we’re committed to continuing at Amouage.

How do you see technology shaping the future of luxury fragrances, especially when it comes to consumer experience?

Technology is becoming an increasingly important part of the luxury fragrance experience. On one hand, it enhances personalisation. Technology allows us to offer tailored fragrance experiences, making it easier for people to connect with scents that match their personality and lifestyle. But beyond personalisation, technology also enables traceability. Our customers will soon be able to trace the journey of their fragrance from the frankincense tree to the bottle in their hands, knowing who grew the tree, when it was harvested, and how it was processed.

This kind of transparency is only possible because of advancements in technology. It allows us to create a stronger connection between the consumer and the product — making the experience not just about the fragrance itself, but also about the story behind it. Technology also helps us continue innovating while staying true to our craftsmanship. For us, it’s all about blending the tradition of perfumery with the possibilities that technology provides.

As you prepare for Amouage’s growth in 2025, what do you think will be the most exciting aspects of your journey ahead?

We’re entering a truly exciting phase. Amouage is expanding into key markets like Saudi Arabia, where we see massive potential for growth in the luxury fragrance sector. Our ongoing commitment to both craftsmanship and innovation will be central to this growth. As we bring the best of both worlds together, we’ll be able to create even more memorable experiences for our customers.

We’re also focused on developing new ways to connect with the next generation of fragrance enthusiasts. The younger consumer, particularly Gen Z, is starting to appreciate the finer details of fragrance in ways we haven’t seen before. They want to learn more, connect with brands on a deeper level, and share their experiences. It’s a new, dynamic audience, and we’re excited to engage with them as we move into 2025.

In the end, it’s about combining tradition and innovation, luxury and sustainability, authenticity and technology. This will be the key to Amouage’s success as we continue to evolve and offer a fragrance experience that transcends time, place, and tradition.

Read: How Givaudan is crafting unique sensory experiences for regional consumers

Arab Health, the Middle East’s largest and most important healthcare event and congress, will celebrate its landmark 50th edition when it returns to the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) today, from 27 – 30 January 2025.

The milestone event, which will be held under the theme ‘Where the World of Healthcare Meets’, will bring together over 3,800 exhibitors and welcome more than 60,000 visitors, providing a unique platform for innovation, collaboration, and education in healthcare.

Building on the momentum of last year’s event, which saw record-breaking business deals exceeding Dhs9bn, Arab Health 2025 is expected to set new benchmarks for success when it welcomes some of the biggest names in the industry, including global innovators such as GE Healthcare, Philips, Siemens Healthineers, Cleveland Clinic, and UCLA Healthcare, alongside regional leaders such as PureHealth and Mubadala Health.

This year Arab Health will host more than 40 country pavilions, with exhibitors representing over 80 countries in total, covering the Middle East, the US, Europe, Africa, and Asia. The UAE will be represented by over 200 companies, showcasing the latest innovations across nine product sectors, ranging from medical equipment and devices to imaging and diagnostics, as well as wellness and prevention.

“As we mark the 50th edition of Arab Health, we can reflect on the pivotal role this event has played in driving the healthcare and medical sector in the region, through innovation and collaboration,” said Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment.

“Over the past five decades, Arab Health has served as a powerful platform for medical professionals to connect, share knowledge, and collaborate, and contributed to establishing Dubai as a leading business events destination, fostering an environment where industries and professionals thrive.

“These events not only contribute to economic growth, but also reinforce Dubai’s commitment to providing opportunities for networking, professional development, and knowledge exchange, helping to shape the future of key sectors,” Al Khaja said.

Meanwhile, Ross Williams, who is the exhibition director for Informa Markets, reflected on the event’s history and ongoing impact.

“For 50 years, Arab Health has been at the forefront of the global healthcare industry, driving innovation, fostering collaboration, and shaping the future of care delivery. The event remains more relevant than ever, providing a vital platform where industry leaders can come together to address challenges and seize new opportunities in healthcare,” said Williams.

“This year, we have a range of new show features and conferences, the return of several popular events, and some big announcements to look forward to,” Williams added.

New features

The Eco-Sphere, a newly launched feature at Arab Health, will include: The Healthcare ESG Forum, and the World of Wellness. The former will have a focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility in healthcare, reflecting Arab Health’s commitment to promoting sustainable practices, with programmes that highlight energy-efficient medical devices, waste reduction strategies, and the importance of a circular economy.

The World of Wellness will take a deep dive into the future of longevity and reverse ageing, next-gen wellness wearables, mental health, nutrition and wellness strategies, and personalised health and genomics.

The Future Health Summit, held at the iconic Museum of the Future, will bring together visionaries, policymakers, and innovators from around the globe to explore transformative ideas and initiatives shaping the healthcare sector. Attendees will hear from some of the brightest minds in the industry, including renowned speakers from the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), Google, PwC Middle East, and Amazon Web Service.

For executives and decision-makers, the Executive Networking Lounge will offer an exclusive space to foster strategic collaborations and high-level discussions, while the Healthcare World Stage will serve as a platform for engaging conversations on emerging trends shaping the industry’s future.

A returning highlight of this year’s exhibition is the Transformation Zone, which will showcase disruptive technologies and groundbreaking innovations set to revolutionise healthcare delivery. Attendees will be able to engage in thought-provoking discussions at the Healthcare Transformation Talks and the popular Innov8 Start-up competition, with a $10,000 prize up for grabs.

Complementing these features, the Healthcare Business Forums and three newly launched non-Continuing Medical Education (CME) sessions, which include EmpowHer: Women in Healthcare, Digital Health & AI, and Healthcare Investment Summit, will explore key themes such as the growth of female entrepreneurship in healthcare, global investment trends, and teamwork and teambuilding in health organisational culture and strategy.

High-quality access

Medical professionals attending Arab Health 2025 will have access to 10 CME-accredited conferences held under the patronage of the Ministry of Health and Prevention and taking place at Conrad Dubai to accommodate demand. They include Total Radiology, Obs & Gyne, Quality Management & Patient Safety, General Surgery, Emergency Medicine & Critical Care, Infection Control, Decontamination & Sterilisation, Public Health, the Healthcare Leadership: Samson Global Leadership Academy and HAYAT – The Annual Organ Donation and Transplantation Congress 2025, which will be held as part of Arab Health for the first time. UCLA Health will also host an exclusive event, featuring Laker Legends Robert Horry and Michael Cooper, highlighting a collaboration that provides world-class care to elite athletes.

Cleveland Clinic collaborates with Informa to develop and implement medical education conferences in many healthcare specialties at Arab Health. This education helps healthcare professionals stay up to date and ensures they have the knowledge and competence to provide high-quality patient care. 

James K. Stoller, MD, MS, Chief of Education at Cleveland Clinic, said: “Arab Health is a forum where healthcare professionals across the globe gather and learn together. Offering accredited continuing education in this setting helps educate participants according to the highest standards for quality, integrity and independence from commercial influence.”

An extended version of the Arab Health Village will return, providing visitors with a space to network in a more relaxed environment where food and beverages are available. The area will be open throughout show days and into the evening.

Arab Health 2025 is supported by various government entities, including the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention, the Government of Dubai, the Dubai Health Authority, the Department of Health, and the Dubai Healthcare City Authority.

Sponsors include PureHealth, American Hospital, Dr Sulaiman Al Habib, Emirates Health Services, M42, Ge Healthcare and Canon Medical, amongst others.

• For more information or to register for the event, please visit www.arabhealthonline.com.

US stock futures and Asian shares outside China slumped on Monday as investors weighed the implications of Chinese startup DeepSeek’s launch of a free, open-source artificial intelligence model to rival OpenAI’s ChatGPT.

Meanwhile, the dollar rose after US President Donald Trump threatened Colombia with retaliatory levies and sanctions for turning away military aircraft carrying deported migrants before a last-minute deal was agreed.

US Nasdaq Composite futures tumbled 2.3 per cent as of 06.34 GMT and S&P 500 futures sank 1.3 per cent.

Japan’s Nikkei dropped 0.9 per cent, reversing an initial advance. New Zealand’s equity benchmark slipped 0.2 per cent and Singapore’s Straits Times index eased 0.1 per cent.

At the same time, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng rallied 1 per cent and mainland blue chips added 0.1 per cent, even after data showed a surprise contraction in manufacturing this month.

Pan-European STOXX 50 futures dropped 0.9 per cent.

DeepSeek has the potential to disrupt the tech landscape

DeepSeek “has raised the spectre of disruption in the tech landscape, with its emergence suggesting that China can continue to make strides in the AI race despite US restrictions,” Yeap Jun Rong, a strategist at IG, wrote in a note.

It “seems to instil some concerns over US tech dominance”, putting “tech companies’ lofty valuation back under scrutiny”, he said.

In currencies, the dollar advanced 0.4 per cent against the Chinese yuan in offshore trading, and gained 0.4 per cent versus the Aussie and the New Zealand dollar, with the antipodean currencies tending to act as more liquid proxies for China’s currency due to close trade ties.

The Mexican peso slumped about 0.7 per cent and the Canadian dollar eased 0.2 per cent. The Colombian peso had yet to trade against the dollar but had rallied 3.4 per cent over the previous three sessions.

The euro eased 0.2 per cent to $1.0461. Sterling edged 0.1 per cent lower to $1.2457. The yen was little changed at 156.13 per dollar.

Dollar strength fleeting

China, Mexico and Canada face a nervy wait with Trump last week earmarking February 1 for additional tariffs on the US’ top trading partners.

However, Nomura strategist Naka Matsuzawa expects dollar strength on tariff worries to be fleeting.

“As a trend, Trump is taking a more realistic, less aggressive stance on tariffs,” Matsuzawa said.

“Bottom line: Trump doesn’t want big tariffs because he’s worried about inflation,” he said. “The dollar will be overall weaker.”

Trump last week soothed market concerns by saying he wanted to avoid tariffs on China, and said he could reach a trade deal.

The volatility across asset classes kicks off a crucial week for markets that will see the Federal Reserve and European Central Bank – among others – set monetary policy.

At the same time, many bourses have extended holidays this week for the Lunar New Year. Among them, South Korea and Taiwan were already closed on Monday. Markets in mainland China are shut from Tuesday and do not reopen until February 5.

Australia was closed on Monday for Australia Day.

Meanwhile, crude oil prices slumped after Trump on Friday reiterated his call for OPEC to cut oil prices.

Brent crude futures dropped 0.8 per cent to $77.85 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude lost 0.9 per cent to $74.00 a barrel.

Gold sank 0.7 per cent to $2,753 per ounce.

Leading cryptocurrency bitcoin slumped more than 5 per cent to below $100,000 for the first time in a week, and was last at $99,215.