Next in Fragrance debuts as a global first-of-its-kind conference dedicated to the future of scent.
Keynotes from legendary luxury perfumer Roja Dove and LVMH Master Perfumer Jacques Cavallier-Belletrud.
Over 70 international speakers and three days of CPD-certified sessions covering innovation, technology, markets, and artistry.
Dubai, UAE: Beautyworld Middle East 2025 will raise the curtain on its first-ever Next in Fragrance conference, a ground-breaking global platform dedicated to the art, science, and business of fragrance.
Staged in Zabeel Hall 3 from 27–29 October 2025, the programme is set to become one of the show’s defining new features, bringing the industry’s brightest minds together to shape the next era of scent.
At the heart of the three-day conference are two headline keynote addresses: the world’s fragrance master, Roja Dove, Global Ambassador for the GREAT Britain campaign and Jacques Cavallier-Belletrud widely celebrated as the “master tailor of scent”. Their presence underscores the global weight of the programme and its ambition to redefine how fragrance is discussed, created, and experienced.
“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,” said Ravi Ramchandni, Show Manager, Beautyworld Middle East.
A New Era for Fragrance Insight
Designed as more than a stage, Next in Fragrance is a dedicated space where perfumers, brand founders, creative directors, and market leaders will gather to debate and discover what’s next for scent. From ingredient innovation and sustainability to olfactory branding, GenAI-driven creation, and the rise of new consumer markets, the agenda is crafted to spark inspiration and exchange knowledge at the highest level.
The full Next in Fragrance conference programme spans over 30 sessions, including panels, masterclasses, and unplugged conversations. Highlights include “The Future Smells Different: Driving Innovation in Fragrance”, “Perfumers Talk: The Story Behind the Scent”, and “Fragrance Passports: Brazil and the USA”.
The programme also includes a session titled “From Lab to Launch: Creating and Marketing Disruptive Alcohol-Free Perfume Products” (13:15 – 14:00), spotlighting the fast-emerging shift toward alcohol-free fragrances. As beauty consumers increasingly seek gentle, skin-nourishing formulations, fragrance innovators are developing new systems that deliver scent while caring for the skin — a clear sign of the category’s ongoing transformation.
This movement echoes Mintel’s “skinification of fragrance” insight, showing a 200% rise in launches suitable for sensitive skin between 2020 and 2025. Driven by growing ingredient awareness, this niche is expanding fast, led by brands such as Bella Hadid’s Orebella, which pioneers alcohol-free, dermatologically tested perfumes designed to hydrate and protect while offering a refined sensory experience.
Keynote Spotlights
Roja Dove will deliver his keynote on Day 1, followed by a live conversation moderated by Valérie Kaminov of the International Luxury Brand Consultancy. His session will explore the future of fine fragrance and the enduring role of craftsmanship in a digital-first world.
“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,” said Roja Dove.
On Day 3, Jacques Cavallier-Belletrud will take the stage for “A Master’s Journey: In Conversation with Jacques Cavallier-Belletrud”. In this keynote, he will reflect on his career, the evolution of luxury fragrance, and the responsibilities of creating scents that resonate globally.
“It is an honour to share my passion for perfumes in a land where perfume is so important in terms of human culture,” said Jacques Cavallier-Belletrud. “I have always been passionate about and impressed by the quality and the creativity of Middle Eastern perfumes. I was one of the first perfumers to be inspired by the unique way of creating exceptional perfumes in the Middle East.”
Global Stage, Global Voices
More than 70 international speakers will participate, including Alex Wiltschko (Osmo), Mohamed Hilal (Mohamed Hila Group), Veronique Gabai (Veronique Gabai Luxury Products), Ghassan Hajjaj, Fragrance Spokesperson, L’Oréal LUXE and Darine El Sabbagh, General Manager E-commerce & Omnichannel, Chalhoub Group. Together, they bring perspectives from Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and the Americas, making Next in Fragrance a truly global meeting point for industry leaders.
Each session is CPD-certified, offering delegates professional recognition for their learning and participation. With sustainability, technology, and cross-market growth woven through the agenda, the programme will be a vital resource for fragrance professionals across retail, supply, and creative sectors.
A Fragrance Future Defined in Dubai
With more than 2,400 exhibitors from around the world, Beautyworld Middle East is already the global beauty industry’s most influential gathering in the region. The addition of Next in Fragrance sets a new benchmark, positioning the show as the definitive destination for fragrance intelligence and inspiration.
“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,” added Ravi Ramchandni.