Fragrance Revolution: UAE embraces scent wardrobes and gender-fluid perfumery

The modern fragrance lover in the UAE is no longer confined to a single scent. People adapt their preferences depending on the time of day, mood, or occasion, opting for clean musk during the day, rich vanilla for comfort, and layered combinations when no existing perfume feels personal enough. Traditional gender labels carry less authority, and stronger concentrations are becoming more popular.

Instead of owning just one signature scent, individuals are assembling a collection of fragrances to accommodate various versions of themselves.

Across the UAE, this freedom of scent selection is embedded within a culture where perfume already holds significant meaning. Arabian ingredients remain prominent, while sweet gourmand notes, fresh fruits, and skin-friendly formulations broaden the range of choices. Customers are gaining a deeper understanding of fragrance composition and performance, leading to a curious, selective, and experimental audience.

Oud, amber, musk, saffron, rose, and precious woods continue to be favored, particularly in the Middle East. However, vanilla, caramel, fruits, and sophisticated gourmand accords are gaining popularity. Muhammed Ali Saeed Shaikh, CEO of Shaikh Mohammed Saeed Group, notes that customers are freely moving between these fragrance families, including gourmand notes, oud, saffron, musk, and rich woody accords.

The demand for fresh, clean, and fruity fragrances is also on the rise, as people seek comfortable daytime options. Akbar Mun, founder of Emper Perfumes, describes this as a search for heritage and discovery, where familiar regional ingredients are reworked with fruits and gourmand notes, allowing customers to retain familiarity while experiencing the notes differently.

Muhtabal Rahman, Chairman and Managing Director of Al Haramain Perfumes, observes a similar trend, noting that people are moving beyond traditional gender classifications and choosing fragrance based on character, mood, and personal taste.