The Fragrance Foundation, based in New York, NY, has signed a licensing agreement to create the Fragrance Foundation Arabia, which covers the United Arab Emirates. Rochelle Bloom, president of The Fragrance Foundation and Mary Ellen Lapsansky, vice president, recently traveled to the UAE to sign the agreement at a ceremony at The Fairmont Hotel, Dubai. The branch is modeled after similar ones around the world (such as those in France, Germany, Italy, UK and Australia), and will be headed by chairman Shahzad Haider and president Grit Pannier. The U.S. foundation will provide its Arabian branch with marketing support, educational programs and industry data. The Middle East plays a leading role in global fragrance consumption, where the high-end branded perfume market is estimated to be worth $250 million.