Dubai's Scent Revolution: Sweet Aromas Reign

Dubai's Scent Revolution: Candy, Cheesecake & Bubblegum Perfumes In Vogue

A revolutionary shift is taking place in the fragrance industry of the United Arab Emirates – and it's leaning towards sweetness. Instead of traditional perfume scents of floral, woody, or oud bases, aromas like candy, cheesecake, and bubblegum are taking the forefront. What once seemed to be a niche trend a few years ago has now grown into a full-fledged movement. The new products showcased at Beautyworld Middle East 2025 clearly indicated that consumers, particularly younger generations, have completely new expectations from perfumes.

The Rise of Sweet Scents

Imagine spending your day enveloped in the aroma of strawberry cheesecake, mango affogato, or chocolate ganache. It might initially sound surprising for someone to spray these scents on themselves, but in the UAE fragrance market, these scents are now the trendiest. This change is primarily driven by social media – TikTok, Instagram, and other platforms are filled with viral perfume tests, unboxing videos, and scent experience reports where sweet, edible scents reign supreme.

Brands Leading the Scent Revolution

One pioneering brand is the local My Perfumes, offering 15 different "gourmand" scents in their Arabiyat Sugar collection with whimsical names like "Mango Affogato" and "Dulce De Leche." The goal of the collection is clear: to offer quality, bold, attention-grabbing scents for those who aren't afraid to step outside the usual fragrance world.

According to the brand, there was global interest in the new collection even before its official launch, and they predict selling millions of units by 2026.

Another noteworthy player is Tubbees, which offers scents in packaging reminiscent of ice cream tubs, deliberately focusing on visual impact and shareability. Scents like "Cookies & Cream" or "Chocolate Fudge" almost demand to be photographed and uploaded to social media.

Even traditional brands aren't missing out: Gulf Orchid, which had primarily produced oriental and French-style scents, has also entered the race. Their new offerings, such as "Mango Ice" or "Cotton Candy Musk," no longer evoke classic elegance but rather the vibe of summer pool parties. Their recently introduced "Mocktail Collection" series explicitly aims at this lifestyle.

What Drives This Scent Trend?

The change is primarily fueled by the purchasing habits of the new generation. For previous generations, the fragrance buying experience began in stores – with scent samples, personal experiences, and consultations with salespeople. However, most younger buyers today discover new scents online through influencers and opinion leaders. Visual and shareable experiences – such as exciting packaging or creative naming – have become much more important than the "traditional" value of the perfume itself.

This shift brings both new opportunities and challenges for the industry. Manufacturers can no longer rely solely on unique ingredients and sophisticated scent notes; how the perfume appears in a TikTok video or an Instagram story also matters. A clever name, a spectacular bottle, and a well-timed post often hold more value than a long marketing campaign.

The Future of Scent Trends

The question arises: will this sweetness-oriented fragrance fashion remain enduring, or is it just a passing fad? Experts are divided. Some say viral success alone does not guarantee long-term customer commitment, while others claim this new direction reflects a deeper cultural shift.

The diversity of the UAE, its re-opened and experimental consumers, and the rapid digital spread all suggest that this trend won't disappear overnight. Instead, a new fundamental area is emerging in the fragrance industry, where nostalgia, playfulness, and sensual pleasures mingle – confined within a perfume bottle.

Dubai's Fragrance Identity Undergoing Transformation

Perfumes available in Dubai now convey not just memory, status, or tradition but also an experience. Sweet-scented perfumes are simultaneously nostalgic and provocative, childish and sophisticated – all depending on who wears them and how. In this environment, Dubai is redefining its fragrance identity, where luxury meets playfulness.

In the coming period, it will be worth observing how this scent revolution continues to evolve. Will salty, spicy, or sour scent trends also emerge? Perhaps lime-chili sorbet or caramel popcorn scents will come into vogue soon?

One thing is certain: the UAE fragrance market is currently rewriting the rules – and the world is watching.

(The article is based on information from the Beautyworld Middle East 2025 exhibition.).