Fine Fragrances

Two UAE perfumers with a passion for fine fragrances are carving their own niche in a US$ 50 billion global fragrance industry, with their latest creations to go on show at the Middle East’s largest beauty and wellness trade fair this May in Dubai.

Abduljabar Al Harthi, the CEO of ‘Nose’ of Jealous Group, will launch two collections of niche perfumes that both pay homage to his country of birth, and also articulate the ‘common human qualities amongst nations’.

Abdulla Saleh Al Hammadi, Brand Owner and brainchild of The Code Voyage, meanwhile will unveil his brand concept, inspired from his childhood fascination for collecting exquisite perfume bottles and their potions within, during his numerous family vacations around the world.

The two collections are among more than 20 elite brands that will be on display at Quintessence – an exclusive showcase of niche perfumes at Beautyworld Middle East, which runs from 8-10 May 2018 at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The rise of niche perfumes – distinguished by the raw ingredients that go into creating a scent, combined with the vivid stories of the perfumers behind them – has been borne out by the popularity of Quintessence, which was first introduced at Beautyworld Middle East in 2016. Quintessence – the Art of Perfume is one of more than eight value-added features at the 23rd edition of Beautyworld Middle East in 2018.

Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of the exhibition’s organizer Messe Frankfurt Middle East, said the UAE has a long association with fragrances, with the niche element becoming increasingly popular: “UAE consumers spent US$2.2 billion on beauty and personal care in 2017, of which US$674 million went towards fragrances, an increase of nearly six percent over 2016,” said Pauwels.

“The Gulf country is one of the highest per-capita spenders in the world on perfumes and has always traditionally been a very strong perfume market. Now what we’re seeing is a major shift whereby consumers want to know more about the artistry, creativity, and inspiration behind their favorite fragrances,” he added.

Other niche brands at Quintessence in 2018 include Antonio Croce, Coquillete, and Teaology from Italy; the Art of Scent from Switzerland; Poland’s Bohoboca; Dofta from Sweden; House of Potentia, Odin, and Ulrich Lang from the USA; Rebatchi Prive from France; Germany’s The Oriental Perfumery; and Areej Le Dore from Thailand.

The annual three-day event will feature more than 1,600 exhibitors from 60 countries covering the five product groups of Hair, Nails & Salon Supplies; Cosmetics & Skincare; Machinery, Packaging, Raw Materials & Contract Manufacturing; Fragrance Compounds & Finished Fragrances; Personal Care & Hygiene, and for the first time in 2018, Natural and Organic.

Its strong international flavor will be highlighted by 21 country pavilions from Argentina, Bulgaria, Brazil, China, Japan, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Korea, Morocco, Pakistan, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, UK, the USA, and for the first time in 2018, Russia, and Peru.