Fragrance
6 Perfume Trends You Need on Your Radar
Because in the UAE, scent is more than style, it’s identity.
If you live in the UAE, you already know: perfume isn’t just an accessory. It’s a statement. A memory. A tradition passed from majlis to mall. From oud-soaked attars to niche European blends,
fragrance is a lifestyle here, and it’s constantly evolving.
So, whether you’re shopping in Dubai Mall, strolling through Yas, or scrolling your favorite online store, here are 6 perfume trends shaking up the scene and why they’re worth paying attention to.
1. Skin Scents: Soft, Subtle, Sophisticated
Not every scent has to make an entrance. “Skin scents” are those quiet, personal perfumes that sit close and melt into your skin. Think warm, musky, clean vibes, like you just stepped out of a luxury spa.
Why UAE loves it: Perfect for indoor settings, workspaces, and day-to-day wear when you want to feel fresh but not overpowering.
Try: Glossier You, Juliette Has A Gun
2. Layering Is the New Luxury
Layering has always been a part of Middle Eastern fragrance culture, but now it’s becoming more creative. People are mixing soft florals with deep ouds or fresh citrus with musky bases to create something truly personal.
Why UAE loves it: It’s a nod to tradition, with a modern, artistic twist. You don’t just wear a perfume, you create one.
Pro Tip: Start with an oil-based oud or amber and layer a lighter mist or EDP over it.
3. Genderless Fragrances
Gone are the days of “for men” or “for women.” The new wave of perfumery celebrates the middle ground, scents built on emotion and energy, not gender labels.
Why UAE loves it: The UAE is home to a diverse crowd with global tastes. Everyone wants something that feels them bold, elegant, and original.
Try: Maison Margiela Replica, Le Labo Santal 33, Byredo Mojave Ghost
Le Labo Santal 33
4. Oud Reimagined
Oud will always be iconic in the Middle East. But now, perfumers are reimagining it with surprising blends—oud and vanilla, oud and raspberry, oud and coconut. It’s oud, but playful.
Why UAE loves it: It respects heritage but speaks to a younger, more experimental crowd.
Try: Initio Oud for Greatness, Kayali Oudgasm Collection, Louis Vuitton Ombre Nomade
Louis Vuitton Ombre Nomade
5. Personalized Perfume Experiences
From in-store mixing labs to custom-blend services, people in the UAE are investing in bespoke perfumes. Because nothing says luxury like a scent that no one else has.
Why UAE loves it: It’s personal, it’s exclusive, and it fits the region’s love for high-end, one-of-a-kind experiences.
Where to go: Oo La Lab (Dubai), The Alchemist Atelier, or custom blend stations in niche perfume lounges.
6. Sustainable & Clean Fragrances
Eco-conscious choices are making their way into fragrance too. Brands are focusing on clean ingredients, recyclable packaging, and cruelty-free processes, without sacrificing sophistication.
Why UAE loves it: A growing number of locals and expats are looking for luxury that’s mindful. It’s a global city with a global conscience.
Try: Ellis Brooklyn, Henry Rose, Clean Reserve
Ellis Brooklyn
Conclusion
Perfume in the UAE isn’t just about smelling nice. It’s part of how you’re remembered. Whether you love soft musks or bold ouds, the new trends are all about you. Your mood. Your story. Your space.
So next time you shop, don’t just ask “what smells good?” Ask, “what feels like me?”