RIYADH: In the Gulf, fragrance and its various perfume notes are increasingly seen not just as personal accessories but as symbols of identity, refinement, and wealth.
From morning rituals with oud to intricate perfume layering before gatherings, the scent economy is booming across the Gulf Cooperation Council region. This regional passion has fueled a multi-billion-riyal industry, deeply rooted in tradition, yet continually evolving through innovation.
According to a recent report by Research and Markets, Ƶ’s perfume market is projected to grow from $2.12 billion in 2023 to $3.57 billion by 2033, registering a compound annual growth rate of 5.94 percent.
Demand for high-end and artisanal fragrances, greater ecological awareness, and the rise of online commerce are reshaping the market.
From ritual to refinement
In the Gulf, fragrance is more than just an aesthetic choice; it’s a cultural expression, often beginning with the application of Royal Cambodian oud, followed by the practice of layering complementary scents.
Both Rasasi and Lattafa Perfumes, major fragrance brands across the GCC, emphasize how deep-rooted traditions are central to the region’s distinctive scent profile.
“Scent is deeply embedded in the cultural and spiritual fabric of the Gulf. Unlike Western fragrance preferences that often lean toward freshness or minimalism, the GCC palette is bold, sensual, and opulent — driven by heritage ingredients like oud, amber, rose, and saffron,” said Talha Kalsekar, head of marketing at Rasasi Perfumes.
He added: “These are not seasonal indulgences but part of daily rituals — from welcoming guests to post-shower layering. It’s also a multi-sensory form of expression: to wear scent is to project dignity, refinement, and often, status.”
Echoing this, Fragrance Development Head at Lattafa Perfumes, Abdul Rahim Shaikh, said: “Scent in Gulf culture is symbolic, it signals pride, hospitality, and self-respect. Certain notes like oud, musk, rose, and amber aren’t just popular, they are integral to religious, social, and even business rituals.”
This cultural resonance influences both the composition and consumption of perfumes. From layering of oils, sprays, and incense to the use of oud, musk, rose, and saffron, these ingredients are not trends, but mainstays.
The modern customer
Both brands are experiencing a shift in their customer base, now engaging with a more informed and expressive clientele, one that values storytelling, sustainability, and personalization just as much as the quality of the scent itself.
“Consumers in the GCC are no longer just buying scents — they’re curating olfactory wardrobes. They understand ingredients, appreciate craftsmanship, and are willing to spend more on exclusive blends, limited editions, and artisanal formats,” Kalsekar said.
Lattafa highlighted this evolution as well: “They are looking for emotional connection and long-lasting quality ... The preference leans toward intense, long-lasting, and layered compositions.”
This growing discernment has given rise to gender-neutral perfumes, higher concentrations such as extrait de parfum, and niche storytelling, especially popular among younger demographics.
This is also evident in the rise of demand for full-scent experiences, including body oils, hair mists, and incense-inspired aromas.
Tech meets tradition
Innovation is a defining trait of the evolving fragrance economy. Both Rasasi and Lattafa are integrating artificial intelligence to personalize experiences and streamline product development.
“We’re actively exploring the intersection of scent and technology. While our roots are artisanal, we recognize the value of AI in streamlining formulation processes, especially for large-scale testing and trend forecasting,” said Kalsekar.
He added: “We’re also experimenting with in-store scent personalization tools — allowing customers to co-create their fragrances.”
Lattafa is also blending AI modeling with traditional craftsmanship. “While we remain deeply committed to the artistry of perfumery, we’re exploring the role of AI and personalization to enhance consumer experience. We’re currently working on tech integrations that allow for better digital scent discovery and curated recommendations across our e-commerce platforms,” Shaikh said.
Although AI can be a tool for personalizing scent creation, Shaikh emphasized that it will not replace intuition and tradition.
The digital dimension
With Ƶ’s population becoming increasingly digital-savvy, brands are investing heavily in online infrastructure to align with changing shopping behaviors.
Social media and e-commerce platforms now serve as essential tools for storytelling, customer engagement, and market expansion.
In parallel with these digital shifts, Beautyworld Ƶ, the largest trade fair for the aesthetics industry in the nation held in Riyadh in April, offered a tangible platform for brands to establish a physical presence in the Kingdom.
Consumers in the GCC are no longer just buying scents — they’re curating olfactory wardrobes. They understand ingredients, appreciate craftsmanship, and are willing to spend more on exclusive blends.
Talha Kalsekar, head of marketing at Rasasi Perfumes
The event also included several business matchmaking sessions and panel discussions, enabling regional and international fragrance brands to network, explore distribution deals, and assess market entry strategies for Ƶ’s growing luxury sector.
Fragrance World Perfumes, for example, used its debut at the 2024 edition of the event not just as a launchpad, but as a bridge between its global digital identity and on-the-ground consumer engagement.
Operating in over 125 countries, the UAE-based manufacturer leveraged the gathering to showcase multiple fragrance lines and reinforce its commitment to the Kingdom’s growing beauty and luxury sectors.
Lattafa, in particular, is capitalizing on social media virality, citing how fragrances like Khamrah have gained traction on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. Shaikh noted that fragrance today is not only worn but also seen and shared, becoming both a visual and cultural phenomenon.
Rasasi also views digital and physical retail as intertwined.
“Physical retail remains essential — it’s where the emotional connection to scent is first made. So we see online and offline not as competitors, but as complementary chapters of the same brand experience,” said Kalsekar.
Luxury, loyalty and local pride
Ƶ is facing intense competition from both global and regional players in the industry.
While brands like Chanel and Dior retain their prestige, homegrown names like Abdul Samad Al-Qurashi and Arabian Oud dominate through cultural connection.
A half tola, or around 6 milliliters, of Royal Cambodian oud from Arabian Oud costs SR600 ($160).
To remain competitive, physical retail continues to adapt. Ghawali, the Chalhoub Group’s fragrance brand, launched a flagship store in Riyadh’s Nakheel Mall in January 2023, blending modern design with traditional elements and preparing to unveil a Saudi-inspired fragrance collection.
Further emphasizing cultural continuity, the “Perfumes of the East” exhibition held in May 2024 under the patronage of Prince Badr bin Farhan, displayed over 200 artifacts at the National Museum in Riyadh. The show celebrated the Arab world’s enduring relationship with fragrance.
Fragrance outlook
The Eau de Parfum segment is forecasted to dominate due to its longevity and intensity, qualities valued in the region.
Fragrance demand is expected to continue growing, driven primarily by the youth market, primarily comprising urban consumers aged 20 to 40, with women leading the way in consumption.
Import duties and high costs remain barriers, but these challenges have led to a rise in regional manufacturing and increased interest in niche local offerings.
