Nestlé has announced the expansion of its investments in Dubai by selecting Expo City Dubai as the new regional headquarters for its operations across the Middle East and North Africa. The move comes alongside the launch of the “Sparks” innovation center, which aims to support the development of modern food and technology solutions in cooperation with startups, universities, government entities, and technology partners.

This step comes as Dubai continues to strengthen its position as a leading regional destination for global companies, supported by an advanced business environment, strong infrastructure, and the ability to bring innovation and sustainability together within a system that supports growth and expansion.

Yasser Abdulmalak, Chairman and CEO of Nestlé Middle East and North Africa, said that choosing Dubai as the company’s regional headquarters was based on a firm belief in the emirate’s role in shaping the future and embracing innovative solutions and advanced technologies. He noted that Expo City Dubai represents a practical model of a vision built on sustainability, innovation, and the creation of new business opportunities.

A Headquarters Managing Nestlé Operations Across 19 Markets

Nestlé’s new regional headquarters manages the company’s operations in 19 markets across the region and oversees a network of 25 factories. More than 10,000 employees work within the company’s regional system to serve millions of consumers every day.

Diversity within the new headquarters is considered one of the key strengths of its work environment, as it brings together employees from 75 different nationalities. This gives the company a broader understanding of local markets and consumer needs. It also helps Nestlé develop food products and solutions that suit the specific nature of each market, while strengthening its ability to respond to rapid changes in consumption patterns.

Dubai as a Strategic Platform for Nestlé’s Growth

Nestlé’s relationship with Dubai extends back more than 50 years, reflecting the emirate’s importance in the company’s journey across the region. Dubai has become a strategic platform for managing operations, supporting expansion, and improving access to markets in the Middle East, North Africa, and beyond.

Nestlé operates four factories in the United Arab Emirates, exporting products worth more than $600 million annually to over 30 countries around the world. This highlights the UAE’s growing role as an industrial and logistics hub capable of serving global markets and attracting quality investments in vital sectors.

Sparks Innovation Center to Develop New Food Solutions

As part of its new phase of expansion, Nestlé launched the “Sparks” innovation center in Dubai. The center is designed as an open platform that brings together startups, universities, government entities, and technology partners in one space. Its goal is to speed up the development of ideas and turn them into practical solutions that meet the needs of consumers in the region.

The “Sparks” center relies on artificial intelligence, data analysis, and advanced technologies, while maintaining a clear focus on understanding people’s needs and improving their quality of life through more advanced food solutions that are better suited to local markets.

Growing Confidence in Dubai’s Business Environment

The opening of Nestlé’s new regional headquarters and the launch of “Sparks” reflect the growing confidence that global companies place in Dubai as a center capable of supporting innovation, attracting investment, and providing a suitable environment for business development.