PepsiCo announced yesterday the opening of its first innovation facility in the Middle East out of Dubai, which will serve as a center for new product and flavor innovation testing for PepsiCo’s businesses across the region.

“The new facility is equipped with an advanced culinary center and test laboratories focused on developing and tailoring PepsiCo food and beverage brands for distinct, locally relevant taste preferences throughout the region,” says the company in a statement.

The facility will make the first for PepsiCo in the region, supporting the company’s complementary brands and R&D innovation process.  It will be collaborating with other PepsiCo R&D locations around the world to share insights and best practices.

“Innovation has always fueled PepsiCo’s growth engine and enabled us to build a portfolio of great-tasting, convenient food and beverage brands that are loved by consumers around the globe,” said in the statement Omar Farid, PepsiCo president for Middle East and Africa. “The Dubai facility is a game-changer for our business that we anticipate will fast forward our innovation process throughout the entire region.”

The center will be based at the Dubai Biotechnology and Research Park (DuBiotech).