As the UAE marks Emirati Women’s Day on August 28, it is a fitting time to reflect on one of the most cherished aspects of Emirati women’s lifestyle, their enduring passion for perfumes.
Emirati women are widely recognized worldwide for their deep love of fragrance. Historically, Bedouin tribes in the region used natural ingredients such as oud, frankincense, rose water, and herbs for personal adornment as well as religious observance.
Fragrance held a central place in hospitality, social rituals, and worship, symbolizing purity, respect, and identity. Traditions such as burning bakhoor (incense) to welcome guests, using perfume in weddings, and applying scent before prayers continue to shape Emirati life today.
Perfume-making in the UAE reflects a heritage shaped by ancient trade routes that introduced exotic ingredients and advanced perfume-making techniques, including distillation methods pioneered by early Islamic scholars.

Over time, perfumes evolved from simple blends to complex artistic creations that embody Emirati identity, pride, and elegance. Passed down through generations, this tradition now merges history with modern luxury, making fragrance an essential element of Emirati culture, far beyond personal adornment.
Although no authoritative scientific figures or studies confirm it, Emirati women’s reputation as the world’s most perfume-loving women is widely acknowledged. For perspective, Europe’s perfume market was valued at approximately AED 72 billion ($19.6 billion) in 2024 and is forecast to grow to around AED 105 billion ($ 28.5 billion) by 2034, serving a population of nearly 745 million.
By contrast, the United Arab Emirates, with a population of only about 11.3 million in 2025, had a perfume market worth AED 2.5 billion ($ 683 million) in 2023. This figure is projected to rise to AED 5.9–6.2 billion ($1.6–1.7 billion) by 2032–2033. The scale of this growth underscores the remarkably high per capita passion for perfumes in the country, most prominently among Emirati women, who are recognized globally as some of the most perfume-loving women in the world.
On Emirati Women’s Day, this passion for scent is not only a reflection of elegance and luxury but also of heritage, faith, and identity. Perfume remains more than a beauty accessory, it is an enduring expression of Emirati women’s cultural pride and individuality, carrying history and meaning in every drop.