Classic notes, fresh appeal for perfumes this Eid, and for the season

Middle Eastern influence

The Middle East has long influenced the global fragrance industry, favouring rich, long-lasting scents. Imran Fazlani, Managing Director of Afnan Perfumes, highlights how Middle Eastern preferences shape summer fragrance trends.

“Middle Eastern consumers seek fragrances that balance opulence and freshness, ensuring a lasting presence even in warmer weather. While oud, amber, and musk remain fundamental to the region’s olfactory heritage, summer variations incorporate citrus, floral, and aquatic notes to add lightness without compromising depth,” says Fazlani, adding, “We craft scents that reflect the rich cultural heritage of the Middle East ensuring their enduring appeal among fragrance connoisseurs worldwide.”

The fragrance palette is now more diverse than ever, encouraging perfume houses to experiment with unexpected notes while blending them with traditional ingredients to create uniquely captivating scents.

Omeir Kalsekar, Founder of Azha Perfumes, says, “The Middle East has a deep history with oud, amber, and spices, but today’s perfume lovers want something that fits their daily lives, something versatile.”

Azha reinterprets classic elements with a modern edge. “We still use traditional ingredients but balance them differently. For example, we might take oud but soften it with airy musks or a fresh, mineral note. The goal is always to create scents that feel effortless yet full of character,” Kalsekar explains.

Mustafa Firoz, Managing Director of My Perfumes Group, highlights the evolving nature of Eid fragrance preferences: “The Eid fragrance preferences are an eclectic mix of oud, fragrance oils and sprays. As the morning starts with Eid prayer, people usually prefer oud oil or attars. During the day, the focus shifts to either smelling fresh or exotic. This might involve laying a base of oil followed by multiple sprays layered to create a signature scent or using exotic sprays. The nights could be more intense scents that project more.”

Summer perfume trends

With Eid coinciding with the transition to warmer weather, there’s a demand for scents that complement both the festive season and the long summer days ahead. Many consumers are already shopping with the upcoming heat in mind, seeking fragrances that offer both freshness and depth.

This trend is evident in many of this year’s Eid releases, which merge deep, resinous bases with fresher, more vibrant top notes.

Azhar Akbar Mun, CEO of Emper Perfumes, notes, “Traditional oud, amber, and musk hold a special place in people’s hearts, while modern blends with florals and citrus captivate a new generation. Today’s perfume lovers seek a perfect harmony ― deep, heritage-rich notes infused with a fresh, contemporary twist.”

Asghar Adam Ali, Founder & Chairman of Nabeel Perfumes Group of Companies, highlights the demand for scents that mix rich oriental ingredients with modern freshness.

“Consumers appreciate the richness of oud and amber but seek a modern twist, such as the freshness of citrus and the sweetness of fruits complementing these deep, oriental notes.”

Nabeel’s Ashjan exemplifies this trend by combining cherry and chocolate with vanilla, and musk, while Absolute merges fresh ginger-lemon accords with classic woody notes, like patchouli and sandalwood, for a sophisticated balance.

Faizal CP, Co-Founder and Managing Director of V Perfumes, highlights that people are now looking for “fragrances that cut through the summer heat while maintaining that touch of opulence and tradition associated with Eid.”

Abdulla Ajmal, CEO of Ajmal Group, describes this year’s trend as a contrast between light freshness and deep tradition.

“Think weightless layers of citrus or marine notes paired with grounding accords like musk, saffron, or woody amber. With rising temperatures, layering is gaining popularity — using a fresh spray as a base and finishing with perfume oil for long-lasting depth,” Ajmal says.

Ajmal’s The Untold Stories, an avant-garde series crafted by French perfumers, is among this year’s standout releases.

Meanwhile, Al Haramain Perfumes’ Haramain Palm Dubai captures the spirit of Eid while offering summer freshness.

CEO Mohammed Mahtabur Rahman says, “Haramain Palm Dubai blends vanilla, musk, and rose for warmth, while lavender and lemon infuse freshness. Designed to capture modern Dubai, this fragrance reflects the city’s contrast, where modernism meets heritage.”

Florals and fruity notes for summer

Floral and fruity fragrances are making a strong impact this season. Dr Ali Asgar Fakhruddin, Chairman of Sterling Group, says, “Florals are back in a big way – and we’re talking bold, expressive blooms, effortlessly paired with mouthwatering fruits for a scent that feels alive, modern, and completely addictive.”

Rose, jasmine, magnolia, and iris dominate summer perfumes, with champaca and boronia adding intrigue. Fruit notes are also evolving beyond citrus, with “yuzu bringing a softer, warmer twist, while blackcurrant and pear add juicy sweetness, and violet introduces a nostalgic yet contemporary edge,” Dr Fakhruddin explains.

Firoz of My Perfumes Group points out, “In terms of notes, people are getting more experimental and going beyond the traditional oud, amber and sandalwood scents. Gourmand, chocolate and vanilla are the flavour of the season. Succulent fruity notes, caramel, marshmallow, nuts and kunafa are making their way into perfumes in a big way. While the classy woody and oud fragrances will always remain in vogue, young, energetic, flamboyant and fun fragrances are gaining currency.”

Ginger in perfumery

Ginger has emerged as a star note, adding warmth and contrast to fresh compositions. “What makes ginger interesting is that different parts of it – whether it’s the spicy, almost fizzy top note or the warmer, more rounded heart – can completely change the way a fragrance feels,” says Kalsekar from Azha Perfumes.

“For summer scents, I see ginger pairing beautifully with citrus, cistus, and zesty lemon notes. It’s the kind of ingredient that brings both energy and sophistication, perfect for summer.”

Longevity is a key focus for summer fragrances. Ali from Nabeel Perfumes notes, “We prioritise fresh, vibrant top notes for an immediate sense of refreshment, but longevity remains essential. That’s why we employ advanced perfumery techniques, high-quality raw materials, and optimal concentrations.”

The shift towards gender-neutral fragrances

While traditional masculine and feminine fragrances still dominate Eid collections, unisex scents are gaining popularity.

“Modern consumers are increasingly embracing versatile compositions that transcend gender norms,” says Fazlani from Afnan Perfumes.

Faizal CP from V Perfumes, observes, “People are drawn to scents that resonate with their individual personalities, regardless of gender associations. Oud, for example, a beloved note in many Eid perfumes, is mostly found in unisex perfumes.”

Rahman from Al Haramain Perfumes says, “Younger generations prefer versatile scents. While classic masculine and feminine fragrances remain popular, there’s a growing inclination towards balanced compositions.”

This shift is not about replacing heritage scents but expanding options for those who prefer fragrances that are not tied to traditional categories.

Rahman adds, “At Al Haramain Perfumes, we embrace this evolution by crafting scents that resonate with the wearer’s individuality. This shift highlights how fragrance is becoming more about personal identity than tradition, making Eid collections more diverse and inclusive than ever before.”

Blending tradition with modernity

Reflecting on how My Perfumes Group integrates heritage with contemporary trends, Firoz shares, “As a new-age young perfume brand, we blend colour, confidence and vibrancy into our perfumes. Our perfumers are master artisans, who know the art of blending notes of antiquity with modern trending notes, thus creating an eclectic confluence.

“In fact, we live in interesting times where we can look back, take inspiration from the past, take advantage of technology and innovation and create newer and better experiences.”

A SCENT FOR EVERY MOOD

Shaikh Mohd. Saeed Group of Companies has introduced several new perfumes for Eid and summer that truly embody the spirit of celebration and individuality.

“Our upcoming fragrances include Ameerat Al Jannah, Cafe Opus, Prince of Arab, Princess of Arab, Flaire Pistachio, and Eclairs,” says Muhammad Ali Saeed Shaikh, CEO.

“Ameerat Al Jannah is a regal, enchanting scent that blends traditional Arabic notes with a soft, modern elegance and is perfect for Eid gifting. Cafe Opus offers a gourmand twist with deep coffee and sweet accords, ideal for evening wear. Meanwhile, Flaire Pistachio and Eclairs bring playful edible sweetness catering to lovers of unique dessert inspired scents,” he explains.