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Top 10 UAE perfume brands at Beautyworld

Top UAE Fragrances Visual

Who were the top 10 UAE perfume brands at Beautyworld Dubai this year? Fierce competition to be the stand out perfume brand The competition was intense at this year’s Beautyworld Dubai.  Many UAE perfume brands fought to stand out as the biggest and the best. But which brands truly made their mark? Here’s a look at the top 10 UAE perfume brands that dominated the exhibition. With significant investments in marketing, product innovation, and impressive exhibition stands, only the most ambitious brands earned a place on this list. As Dubai’s luxury fragrance industry continues to grow, the stakes get higher every year. This proves that bold strategies and big spending set the leaders apart in this market. What does the market need? The Middle Eastern market is highly demanding, always seeking the next big thing. A typical customer in Saudi Arabia or Dubai will ask, “What’s new?”—year after year. Loyalty to brands is less important than the excitement of fresh releases. Brands like Lattafa, Sterling, and Fragrance World have mastered this demand, consistently delivering new and innovative fragrances to keep up with ever-changing trends. Longstanding giants of the perfume industry—Rasasi, Swiss Arabian, Ajmal, and Al Haramain—all secured a spot at this year’s Beautyworld Dubai exhibition. Before COVID, they didn’t see the need to participate. However with competition in the fragrance market intensifying, having a presence is now essential to stay relevant and avoid being overlooked. 1. Sterling Perfumes Sterling Perfumes made a powerful impact at Beautyworld Dubai, not just with their massive exhibition stands but also with an aggressive marketing strategy. As the title sponsor, they went all out—hosting two grand stands: one for Hamidi and another for their popular Armaf range. To maximize visibility, they flew in top perfume influencers from around the world, offering them a VIP Dubai experience. Sterling is also heavily investing in new product development, with the Club de Nuit range soaring in popularity. Now, they’re innovating with fresh packaging designs for Flavia and launching exciting new products to stay ahead in the competitive fragrance market. 2. Lattafa Perfumes A UAE top performing brand also well known overseas Lattafa had an enormous stand and had invested heavily in producing at least twenty new bottle moulds and packaging designs. Their style definitely caters mostly to the middle Eastern maximalist style perfume design market they had spent an eye watering amount on new product development. At the moment their combination of competitive pricing and the emphasis on new product development is keeping them at in the top 10 local perfume brands. No. 3. out of the top 10 UAE brands Fragrance World Lattafa had an enormous stand and had invested heavily in producing at least twenty new bottle moulds and packaging designs. Their style definitely caters mostly to the middle Eastern maximalist style perfume design market they had spent an eye watering amount on new product development. 4. My Perfumes My Perfumes is currently focusing on its luxury oriental range Arabiyat Prestige. It has launched a small range of new moulds which have the right level of simplicity and oriental design. The company doesn’t launch so many new products each year, but each one that it launches is thoughtfully designed and has a good quality long lasting perfume inside. It also has a range of luxury perfumes in the My perfumes select range. 5. Afnan Afnan is a relative newcomer to the industry considering the sales volume it has achieved during that period. It invests heavily in its own product development. Afnan doesn’t rely on the manufacture of copycat products to boost its sales, unlike many of the other perfume companies. They prefer to build collections of perfumes and add to the range rather than creating special bottles and caps for every new perfume launched. This helps them to build brands rather than just unusual packaging. In the future we expect Afnan to rank higher up the list of the top 10 UAE perfume brands. 6. Emper This mass market brand used to be the performing UAE perfume brand Emper used to be number one on the list of the top 10 UAE perfume brands.  Prior to that it was Nabeel with its Chris Adams range, but they have both lost their place at the top. Emper still continues to launch new products and is still popular in the MENA region, but is not ‘the main brand to follow’ any more. 7. Al Rayhaan Al Rayhaan is a new perfume company owned by the Rasasi family. Rasasi company has a long perfume heritage in the MENA region. They have  modern packaging combined with good quality perfumes. They align this simple approach with modern decorative trends to make desirable products . Al Rayhaan always has a big kiosk at the exhibition near to the main entrance which is very effective for brand awareness. No. 8. of the top 10 UAE brands Shaikh Mohammed Saeed Est Shaikh Mohammed Saeed Est is the oldest distribution company for perfumes in Dubai. They started seling and distributing mass market French perfumes in the 1960s when Dubai was still a sleepy backwater. But the second generation of the family Mohammed Ali has launched his own ranges of perfumes. First  the Giovanni Bacci range was launched, followed by more luxurious fragrances. As a retailer of luxury oils at his Deira stores, the company knows a quality perfume when it sees it. Shaikh Mohammed Saeed deserves its place in the top 10 UAE perfume brands even if we only consider how long it has been operating in the UAE. 9. Swiss Arabian Perfumes Swiss Arabian perfumes is one of the oldest and best known brands of the UAE. It has distribution of its products anywhere from petrol stations through to kiosks in malls and luxury boutiques. The recent launches are mostly collections of high quality and high price perfumes. 10. Ajmal An old player, still competing to be in the list of top 10 UAE brands Although Ajmal has been well known in UAE […]

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How to Design a Perfume

various ingredient for perfumery

The Ultimate Perfume Creation Guide Are you in the process of designing your own new perfume? Or maybe looking to brush up on your perfume design skills ? Our ultimate guide on how to design a perfume will cover the main areas of perfume selection, formulation, packaging design, filling and marketing your perfume. Perfume Ingredients Perfume ingredients fall into two categories: natural and synthetic. Natural ingredients can vary with each harvest. This means that fragrances with a high percentage of natural essences may vary from batch to batch. These natural extracts come from plants, spices, barks, grasses, mosses, and even animal-derived sources. Their uniqueness and complexity make them highly valued in perfumery, offering depth and richness which synthetic alternatives cannot  fully replicate. How to design a perfume : Choosing between Synthetic or Natural ingredients Should you use Synthetic or Natural Ingredients in Perfume Design? Let’s dive in to some key points: Firstly, it is a common misunderstanding that synthetic ingredients are always cheaper than natural ones – this in fact is not always the case. Some synthetic ingredients are highly sophisticated and can be just as expensive as natural extracts. In fact, synthetics allow perfumers to create unique scent profiles that closely mimic natural aromas. They also offer a more sustainable and eco-friendly alternative. They reduce the reliance on rare or endangered natural resources in fragrance production. Without synthetics, perfume houses could not create such a wide range of quality perfume nowadays. See the explanation of the importance of synthetics  ingredients here. Natural perfume ingredients – citrus and floral notes Many people say that synthetic ingredients are ‘endocrine disruptors’. IFRA – the International Fragrance Association – strictly regulates the quantity of the allergenic ingredients which can be used in each formulation. An allergen is a chemical which has been proven to cause an irritation when applied to the skin. It tests ingredients and sets guidelines on the quantity of certain ingredients allowed in a formula. You must write all allergens on the outer packaging of perfumes in most regulated countries. Essential oils (natural perfumes) can also cause allergic reactions. IFRA is currently considering adding some essential oils to the list of known allergens. Your perfume supplier can provide an allergen list for the fragrances you select. How to design a perfume – selecting the right formulation When we plan how to design a perfume what is better – a perfume formulation with or without alcohol? In ancient times people made perfumes without alcohol using waxes or oils to hold the perfume. Nowadays we mostly make perfumes with a combination of distilled water, ethanol alcohol and perfume oil. The decision of which formulation depends on the market you operate in and your target audience. In countries with a predominantly muslim population,  non-alcoholic perfume may perform better. You can also use alternative carriers such as water, oil, wax or resin  to dilute and mix the perfume oils. In markets where alcoholic perfumes have been traditionally used, changing consumer behaviour can be challenging. Formulations with alcohol allow the top notes of a perfume to open up quickly, which  can create a performance challenge for non alcoholic perfumes. Consumers often base their buying decisions on the first impression, preferring powerful or strong top notes. Fragrance concentration How much perfume should I put in my formulation? Fragrance concentration should align with market preferences . For example,  Saudi Arabia favours a very high concentration of up to 25 or 30% fragrance oil, while the UK market usually prefers a lower concentration of maximum 15% fragrance. In markets unaccustomed to heavy fragrances, a very high concentration can be irritating. Pricing of the oil will also influence how much you add. In high-end fragrances, increasing  fragrance oil by just one or two percent will significantly impact the product cost. How much fragrance oil does my perfume contain? Eau fraiche has 3% or less fragrance oil. Eau de cologne has 2 to 5% fragrance oil. Eau de toilette contains 10% usually. Eau de parfum has 8 to 15% fragrance oil. Soie de parfum has 15 to 18% fragrance oil. Parfum has between 15 to 30% fragrance oil. How to design a perfume and fragrance notes A perfume will undergo different phases after being sprayed onto your skin.  Most perfumes consists of different ‘notes’ which open up at different times after application. Each phase will last for different lengths of time. TOP NOTES are the first notes which give a burst of smell right after spraying the perfume and typically last for 10-15 minutes. These notes are usually more volatile and they are often citrus, fruity or floral. MIDDLE NOTES are also called heart notes and these take 15 to 30 minutes to fully develop on the skin. They usually contain florals and aromatic plant notes and are the notes by which the fragrance is classified. BASE NOTES last the longest and help to slow down the evaporation of the more volatile molecules. Typical ingredients for a base note are woody, vanilla, musk, cedar and sandalwood. A perfume which does not change from initial spray to its final dry down is a linear perfume.  It does not contain top, middle or base notes. The most popular linear fragrance at the moment is Baccarat rouge by Francis Kurkidjan. There is a recognised classification system of perfumes which was developed by Michael Edwards. The main types are floral/ amber/ Woody and fresh with sub classifications for each type. Check out the Michael Edwards fragrance wheel online and our other blog, Fragrance Notes Explained, if you wish to know more. Perfume Market Knowledge Understanding the dynamics of the wholesale and retail trade for perfumery in your country is essential. A detailed retail survey of the market place gives you an idea of market size and what is selling. It is vitally important to understand the wholesale and retail margins. From this you can calculate the price to sell your product in the market in order to make a profit. To dive deeper […]

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What consumers need from our brands

customer smelling a perfume in a fragrance store.

What Consumers Need: The Future of Ethical and Sustainable Branding Recent research by Mintel highlights a transformative shift in consumer expectations, emphasizing that modern consumers demand more than just high-quality products. They seek brands that demonstrate total transparency, uphold strong business ethics, and ensure fair compensation for employees. Particularly among younger generations, there is a noticeable pivot from individual gain to collective well-being, signaling a new era of brand responsibility. Let’s explore what consumers need: A Call for Ethical and Purpose-Driven Brands Consumers are increasingly scrutinizing the ethical stance of brands. According to Mintel’s Future Forward report, today’s shoppers expect businesses to go beyond profit-making and actively contribute to social and environmental betterment. The fragrance industry, like other sectors in the beauty and wellness space, is not exempt from this expectation. In fact, brands that fail to align with these evolving values risk alienating their consumer base.  Key findings from Mintel’s research show that: 29% of consumers want transparency about business practices. 21% of consumers prioritize fair employee compensation. 48% of consumers demand products free from harmful ingredients. 47% of consumers want clear labeling on a product’s environmental impact. The implications for the fragrance industry are profound. Ethical sourcing of ingredients, fair wages for workers in perfume supply chains (such as farmers harvesting rare botanicals), and commitment to sustainability initiatives are now non-negotiable. Simply put, the modern market wants their favorite brands to stand for something meaningful. Collaboration Over Competition: The Future of the Fragrance Industry An intriguing trend identified in Mintel’s findings is the shift from competition to collaboration. Forward-thinking consumers view industries not as isolated entities but as ecosystems that should work collectively towards shared ethical goals. In the fragrance world, this means greater collaboration among brands to promote sustainable sourcing, ethical labor practices, and environmental conservation. Recognizing what consumers need in this shift toward collective progress will be key to staying competitive. For instance, some luxury fragrance houses have already started initiatives where a percentage of profits go toward reforestation efforts in regions that supply key ingredients such as sandalwood and vanilla. These collaborative approaches not only improve industry-wide sustainability but also resonate deeply with ethically conscious consumers who prioritize what consumers need in terms of sustainability and ethical responsibility. Sustainability in the Fragrance Industry: More Than Just a Trend Environmental responsibility is a critical component of what consumers need. Mintel’s research suggests that nearly half of consumers expect brands to be transparent about their environmental impact. In the fragrance sector, this means disclosing ingredient sourcing, reducing plastic waste in packaging, and developing biodegradable or refillable perfume bottles. For example, brands like Guerlain have introduced refillable perfume bottles, reducing packaging waste and extending product life cycles. Meanwhile, smaller niche fragrance brands are embracing upcycled ingredients—using byproducts from other industries to create sustainable scents. This not only minimizes waste but also aligns with market demand for more ethical and environmentally friendly choices, reinforcing what consumers need in terms of sustainable innovation. What Consumers Need: Authenticity is Key Today’s consumers are highly discerning and can easily spot brands that engage in superficial greenwashing. It’s no longer enough for a fragrance brand to make vague sustainability claims; tangible actions must support them. Companies that genuinely prioritize ethical sourcing, sustainability, and fair wages will earn consumer trust and loyalty. Being transparent and authentic about what consumers need from their brands will drive long-term success. As Jane Henderson, Chairman of Mintel Beauty and Wellness, states: “Brands must be prepared for consumers to care more than ever about inclusivity, as well as the dignity of employees and the impact of their business around the world”. This applies to the fragrance industry just as much as skincare and makeup. Fragrance brands that proactively embrace sustainability and ethical business practices will be the ones that flourish in the future. Conclusion: The Fragrance Industry’s Responsibility The question is no longer just about what consumers need in terms of fragrance notes or longevity—it’s about what they expect from brands on a deeper level. Transparency, sustainability, ethical business practices, and collective industry responsibility are now fundamental to consumer decision-making. Perfume brands that integrate these values authentically into their business models will not only survive but thrive in this new era of conscious consumerism. Brands that truly understand what their market needs will be the ones that lead the industry forward. Please read our article “Sustainability in perfumery” for more news about ethical and sustainable practices in the perfumery business. […]

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5 cosmetics and perfume trends post COVID

gourmand perfume trends post covid the smell of baking

Not everything is bad for the cosmetics, perfume and toiletries industries, but our purchasing patterns are bound to change. Here are some cosmetics and perfume trends which are likely to emerge in the coming months. 1. Soap trends Hand washing is more important than ever. Bar and liquid soap sales will grow, especially antiseptic soap variants. Sales of natural high quality soaps with natural ingredients will continue growing, as will perfume trends of natural fragrances. 2. Sanitiser trends SANITISER. Pre COVID hand sanitizer was not as popular, in fact it was not a big volume sales item. Post COVID sales of fragrances for sanitizer are likely to remain high. 3. Moisturiser perfume trends 3. MOISTURISER. All this hand washing and hand sanitizing will wreak havoc on our hands! We need lots of hand cream to compensate, therefore perfume trends will be for natural and ‘clean’ moisturising fragrances. 4. Eau de parfum perfume trends Very little partying and sexy flirting is going to be happening soon after we are allowed to roam free. Social distancing will continue to rule our lives. Perfume trends will be for light, fresh fragrances. Intense, seductive or spicy perfumes will come back in vogue later when we are allowed to party. After spending more time at home cooking, baking and relaxing, trends of gourmand notes are likely to remain. Those who spent time in nature during lockdown will also seek perfumes inspired by the natural world. Fragrances which create a cosy, warm environment  are  important due to increased sales of scented candles and aromatherapy products. . If you found this interesting, why not read more about how the pandemic has affected people’s use of fragrance. Interested in how COVID has affected the beauty and health industry? Want to see more cosmetics and perfume trends? See our last article about hand sanitisers during covid  to find out more. […]

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Hand Sanitizer market trends

we are using more sanitiser nowadays due to the pandemic

Hand Sanitizer has turned out to be one of the big commercial success stories of this year. Sales  of hand sanitizer are currently going through the roof. Unfortunately uncertain times do seem to create the best and the worst behaviour in human kind. Depending on how people react to difficult situations, altruism, or profiteering and self interest can emerge. Hand sanitiser market trends have become a fascinating topic in these uncertain times. Huge demand for hand sanitizer In many countries hand sanitizer is going out of stock fast, stores cannot replenish the stock fast enough. In the USA the authorities had to bring in new legal measures to prevent profiteering from sale of essential items such as hand sanitizer.  A report came of two brothers from Chattanooga who bought 17,000 bottles of hand sanitizer. They sold it for huge profits on Amazon. Amazon, ebay, Walmart and other online portals suspended thousand of sellers’ accounts in a bid to stop excessive profiteering. The Chattanooga brothers have now agreed to donate the stock to worthy causes. Warnings about profiteering The UK the government warned retail stores against increased pricing on hand sanitizers and face masks. The competition and markets authority warned that retailers could face prosecution if they take advantage of the situation. Dixon’s Unity Academy in Leeds, UK suspended an entrepreneurial young boy attending from school. His charge? : For charging 50p a squirt to use his hand sanitizer! He felt that the punishment of two hour detention for breaking school rules was unnecessary.  Furthermore that he was ‘just supplying what the market needed’. Selfless heroes of hand sanitizer Luxury goods supplier LVMH, (Louis Vuitton owner) in France, has stated that it will halt perfume production. In its place gel production will start, furthermore they will deliver the gels free of charge to the health authorities. In Kuwait the demand for sanitizer is as great as elsewhere. But greater demand meant that the country ran out of alcohol and the government recently stepped in ensure the air freight of urgent supplies to the country. Catching on quickly to market trends Savvy perfume manufacturers in the UAE have quickly added new product lines to satisfy the demand for hand sanitizer. My Perfumes Factory launched New NB  and Sterling Perfumes factory launched Cosmo hand sanitizer brand. Both have launched their products in an aerosol dispenser due to the market shortage of hand soap dispensing pumps. Lulu supermarket in UAE has put strict restrictions on how many hand sanitizers people may buy.  Currently they allow a maximum of 2 pieces per person to enable wider distribution and to avoid profiteering and resale. Shortage of packaging materials Many of our clients are now struggling to manufacture enough sanitizer in their markets. Many have also struggled to get enough plastic hand pumps which mostly come from Chinese manufacturers. Unfortunately the Chinese government has told their local plastics factories to focus first on supplying the local China market. Therefore it is increasingly difficult to get plastic dispensing pumps for hand sanitizers. The Efficacy of Hand Sanitizers Medical officials inform us that hand sanitizers are often not as effective as soap and water to fight corona virus.  This is the case if the product does not have the right formulation or people don’t use them properly. Sanitizers with less than 60% alcohol content will not work effectively. Washing hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is one of the best preventive measures.  Because soap removes the fatty layer which coats coronaviruses. Hand rubs should only be used if water is not accessible according to health officials. We should use enough quantity of sanitiser, also we should not wipe it off before the liquid has dried.  These hand sanitizer market trends will continue for the foreseeable future, demand in this product is set to increase. For more information about our changing perfume habits and trends post covid please check out our article which discusses the new trends in more detail. […]

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Top 10 Color Trends for Perfumes 2018

Peach colours are trending at the moment

What are the popular colour trends for perfume nowadays? Which perfumes are people following? In this article we investigate the most popular colours and who set off the perfume colour trends. 1: Skin tones and nudes The skin tone trend has been in fashion for a few years Since Burberry Skin and Ellie Saab launches. These tones generally have floral and slightly sweet fragrances for ladies. 2: Dark Green trends, a theme of nature and peacocks Colour trends in perfumery are often a reflection of fashion trends. Since nowadays fashion is more fragmented and eclectic, there are often many conflicting influences merging together. Despite this, strong repeating trends can be identified from the fashion journals and latest perfume product launches. 3. Dark blue and Cobalt blue The Cobalt blue colour trend has reappeared after a long absence. Blue de Chanel started the trend of darkest blue which has continued to be popular. 5: Glamorous gold. A constant favorite and this color has now become popular colour trend for perfume even for new male fragrances. We are seeing a lot of gold and white combinations nowadays. 6. Purple Dream Since the advent of brands like Loverdose and Roberto Cavalli Paradiso purple has rocked. It is a particularly popular colour trend for younger women. Brands usually use much darker shades of purple for  intense perfumes targeted at older ladies.  4. Denim and mid blues Denim and mid blues have made an appearance in 2017 and are increasing in popularity amongst mens perfumes in particular. 7. Red and Black colour trends This  trend has emerged over the past year and a dramatic new example of this is Giorgio Armani Si Passione 8. Baby Pink – a forever loved colour trend Baby Pink. This color trend for perfume continues to enchant younger and older women alike year after year. Every year we are treated to several new launches in this colour scheme and consumers never seem to tire of it. 9. Dark Greys and Slate Dark greys and slate are always a popular choice for both classic and modern perfumes for men. They convey strength without appearing as intense as blacks. A must have colour in any discerning mans wardrobe. 9. Pastel colour trends Varying shades of pastels continue to be a favourite colour trend for perfume, especially for teen or young womens perfumes. Ice cream shades of pastel are performing very well at the moment for brands such as Miu Miu. Colour choice is a very important consideration for perfume, as it creates the brand personality.  Colours create different moods and personalities and create expectatations for the type of perfume. Ifragance cover  The theory of perfume colours is covered in more detail. If you would like to know more about packaging design, why not read our ultimate guide to perfume design.  […]

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10 trends to use for your perfume brands

niche perfumes are gaining in popularity

What are the new perfume trends? Following the new perfume trends is very important for any perfume business. Staying in touch with how the market is developing is vital to ensure you don’t lose market share to the competition. Millenials and Generation Z are big fans of small volume perfume collections. They prefer higher quality perfumes from the same supplier offering a range of options depending on the mood. Rollerball and small volume spray perfumes have risen for the past few years worldwide. The growth of niche perfumes Niche and personalized perfume sales are increasing worldwide. A desire for personalisation is driving new perfume trends for customised fragrance. , it is now possible to purchase a customized fragrance for a much cheaper price. Do not reinvent the wheel It’s all been done before. Most perfumes are versions of what has been done before with small creative twist. It is the unexpected style and ingredient additions which make a concept new and exciting. You don’t always have to reinvent the wheel every time making every element from scratch to get the best result. Many consumers nowadays prefer a good quality, simple bottle, as they feel this gives a greater feeling of luxury. The new perfume trends towards luxury mean that heavier bottles are more popular. The breakdown of gender barriers One of the more interesting new perfume trends is the growth of Unisex perfumes. Gender restrictions for perfumes are reducing. Ingredients which people used earlier only for women such as rose and vanilla are increasingly found in mens perfumes Research shows that millennials prefer concepts which have a more simple packaging and notes which appeal to both sexes. Research shows that millennials want to buy concepts which have a more simple packaging and notes which appeal to both sexes. New perfume trends of sustainability There is an increasing perfume trend towards natural materials .Although it is not always economically viable to put natural oils of certain ingredients into a perfume, many consumers would prefer a more natural composition whenever possible. New perfume trends towards cruelty free vegan ingredients are also developing in some markets. Interesting new ingredients Vegetable notes recently appeared, rhubarb has been particularly popular with brands such as Hermes Eau de Rhubarbe and Aura. The growth of Oud Both Western designer fragrances as well as oriental fragrances are is fascinated by oud. This new perfume trend is likely to be with us for some time to come. Celebrity perfumes Celebrity perfumes are declining worldwide, so don’t think that a celebrity endorsement will grant your brand success. Most consumers when polled express a feeling that Celebrity brands should be automatically cheaper and taken less seriously. Halal fragrances – a new perfume trend opportunity Halal certified fragrances are a growing new perfume trend and offer an opportunity which can be exploited by savvy marketers. If you enjoyed this blog article, why not take a look at how to judge perfume design For more information about perfume industry trends you can also check out Cosmetics business take on the situation. […]

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