UAE Fragrance Market Outlook to 2028

UAE Fragrance Market Overview

The UAE Fragrance Market is valued at USD 685 million, driven by high consumer demand for premium fragrances and the country's unique positioning as a global luxury hub. The growing population of expatriates, coupled with increasing disposable income, continues to fuel the demand for fragrances, particularly in the luxury and niche segments.

Major players in the UAE Fragrance Market include global brands such as Chanel, Dior, and Este Lauder, alongside regional powerhouses like Ajmal Perfumes and Swiss Arabian. These brands leverage a combination of traditional Arabic fragrance notes, such as oud and musk, and modern perfume formulations to cater to the diverse preferences of UAE consumers.

Key regions like Dubai and Abu Dhabi dominate the market due to their affluent customer base and vibrant tourism sector, which attracts international luxury shoppers. The demand for high-end, personalized, and exclusive fragrances is particularly strong in these cities, with consumers seeking bespoke perfumes tailored to individual tastes.

In 2023, Ajmal Perfumes unveiled a captivating new fragrance collection called Shadow Ice.This collection is inspired by the ethereal beauty and intrigue of the night, combining the darkness and mystique of the night with the refreshing coolness of ice.

UAE Fragrance Market Segmentation

The UAE Fragrance Market is segmented by product type, distribution channel, and region.

By Product Type: The market is segmented into Eau de Parfum, Eau de Toilette, Attars, and Perfume Oils. In 2023, Eau de Parfum held the dominant market share due to its long-lasting nature and strong scent, preferred by both male and female consumers. Attars and perfume oils are popular among traditional customers who prefer alcohol-free and concentrated fragrances.

By Distribution Channel: The market is segmented into Online Retail, Department Stores, Specialty Stores, and Duty-Free Shops. Department stores and duty-free shops account for a noteworthy share of fragrance sales, with duty-free outlets in Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports catering to the luxury segment. However, online retail is rapidly gaining traction, with e-commerce platforms offering exclusive collections and personalized fragrance experiences.

By Region: The market is segmented by region into Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Northern Emirates. Dubai and Abu Dhabi lead the market due to their high population density, affluence, and status as international shopping destinations. Sharjah and Northern Emirates are witnessing growing demand, especially for mid-range and budget fragrances, driven by an expanding middle-class population.

UAE Fragrance Market Competitive Landscape

Company

Establishment Year

Headquarters

Chanel

1910

Paris, France

Dior

1946

Paris, France

Ajmal Perfumes

1951

Dubai, UAE

Swiss Arabian

1974

Sharjah, UAE

Este Lauder

1946

New York, USA

Dior: In 2023, Dior launched the Miss Dior Rose N'Roses fragrance in the UAE, featuring fresh and tender rose notes.This joins their existing Miss Dior line which includes the Eau de Parfum with floral and fresh notes and the Blooming Bouquet Eau de Toilette with delicate floral scents.

Este Lauder: On June 3, 2024, the Este Lauder finalized its acquisition of the Canadian-based DECIEM Beauty Group for a total investment of USD 1.7 billion. This acquisition includes the well-known brand The Ordinary, which has gained popularity for its straightforward and effective skincare products.

UAE Fragrance Market Analysis

Growth Drivers

Increased Demand for Personalized Fragrances: In 2023, the UAE saw a substantial increase in demand for personalized fragrances, with more consumers seeking unique, customized scent experiences. Brands like Ajmal Perfumes and Swiss Arabian have capitalized on this trend by offering bespoke fragrance creation services. According to the UAE Ministry of Economy, the personal luxury goods sector, which includes fragrances, witnessed substantial growth, driven in part by these personalized offerings. The demand for niche and exclusive products in the fragrance market is expected to continue growing as UAE residents and tourists look for luxury products that reflect their individual identities.

Booming Tourism Sector: The UAEs fragrance market growth is strongly tied to the tourism boom, with Dubai and Abu Dhabi serving as key hubs for luxury shopping. In 2023 Dubai hosted 17.2 million overnight international visitors, a 19% increase over 2022, with many international tourists purchasing fragrances as souvenirs or luxury gifts. Dubai Duty-Free, which accounts for a noteworthy portion of total fragrance sales, plays a vital role in this surge. The strategic positioning of the UAE as a global shopping destination continues to attract high-spending tourists, particularly from Europe and Asia, contributing to increased fragrance consumption.

Cultural Importance of Fragrance in the UAE: Fragrances, particularly oud and attar, hold significant cultural and traditional value in the UAE. According to a 2023 survey by the UAE Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority, more than half of UAE residents prefer oud-based fragrances, which are deeply embedded in local traditions. The use of fragrances in everyday life, weddings, and religious ceremonies creates a consistent and stable demand in the market. This cultural affinity for perfumes, particularly traditional Arabic fragrances, continues to be a key growth driver, ensuring strong demand for oud and other region-specific fragrance ingredients.

Challenges

Counterfeit Perfume Market: The proliferation of counterfeit perfumes has become a major challenge for the UAE fragrance market. This ongoing issue affects brand integrity and consumer trust, as fake products are often sold at lower prices, leading to revenue losses for established brands. Counterfeit products also pose health risks, further complicating the regulatory framework for perfume sales in the country.

High Import Duties and Regulatory Barriers: The UAE imposes substantial import duties on luxury goods, including fragrances, which raises retail prices and limits market accessibility for some consumers. These duties impact the affordability of foreign brands, making it harder for consumers to access international luxury fragrances. Furthermore, stringent regulations by the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) limit the transportation of flammable perfume ingredients.

Government Initiatives

Made in UAE Campaign: The Made in UAE campaign is a key initiative by the UAE government to boost local manufacturing and support homegrown industries. It is part of the broader Make it in the Emirates strategy and Operation 300Bn plan to transform the UAE into a global industrial hub by 2031. The initiative encourages local production of perfumes by offering incentives such as reduced taxes and subsidies for manufacturers who source raw materials domestically.

UAE Green Agenda 2030: The UAE Green Agenda 2030, launched in 2023, emphasizes sustainability across all industries, including the fragrance sector. The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment has outlined new regulations requiring fragrance manufacturers to reduce their carbon footprint and adopt eco-friendly practices. This policy shift is expected to influence product development, with major players in the market adopting more sustainable practices in sourcing and packaging.

UAE Fragrance Market Future Outlook

The UAE Fragrance Market is projected to grow remarkably in the forecasted period, driven by increasing demand for luxury fragrances, rising online sales, and the continued popularity of oud-based perfumes.

Future Market Trends

Sustainable and Natural Fragrances: The market will see an increasing shift towards sustainable and eco-friendly fragrances by 2028, driven by government regulations and consumer demand. The UAE Green Agenda 2030 will play a significant role in shaping market trends, with brands expected to adopt biodegradable packaging and ethically sourced ingredients.

Technological Integration in Fragrance Manufacturing: By 2028, advancements in technology will revolutionize the fragrance manufacturing process, particularly with the use of AI and data analytics in perfume creation. Major brands in the UAE are expected to leverage these technologies to develop personalized fragrances based on consumer preferences and scent profiles.
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