In recent years, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has rapidly transformed from a regional consumer market into a global beauty powerhouse. Nowhere is this shift more visible than in the United Arab Emirates, where the beauty industry—especially fragrance—is not only thriving domestically but achieving remarkable global influence.

The UAE: From Consumer Market to Global Exporter

The UAE’s beauty sector forms a foundational pillar for the wider GCC market, which is estimated at $2.5 billion in luxury beauty sales. Remarkably, almost half of this market value comes from the UAE alone, with fragrance representing nearly 50 % of the luxury segment and continuing to grow at a double-digit pace. In 2024, premium fragrance sales expanded by approximately 11 %, outpacing most established markets.

This growth is rooted in strong consumer dynamics—among the highest per-capita beauty spend in the world, a youthful affluent population, and a tourism infrastructure that brings millions of international visitors annually. These factors create a vibrant demand environment that both global brands and local innovators are keen to serve.

More significant than domestic consumption is the GCC’s transition toward export-driven expansion. The UAE has successfully repositioned itself as a fragrance export hu. According to UN trade data, the country’s fragrance exports reached $2.7 billion in 2023, a 6.7-fold increase since 2013. This meteoric rise places the UAE as the third-largest fragrance exporter globally, trailing only traditional European centers like France and Spain, and well ahead of long-standing players such as Germany, Italy—and even regional neighbors including Saudi Arabia.By 2025/2026, industry projections suggest that the UAE’s fragrance export trajectory will continue upward, reinforcing its position as a strategic global node for both luxury and lifestyle brands.

Cultural Influence Driving Global Trends

The GCC’s impact isn’t limited to numbers—it’s also shaping tastes. Middle Eastern scent profiles emphasize depth, richness, and storytelling: oud, amber, rose, and resinous accords have migrated from regional exclusivity to worldwide popularity. Western houses now launch dedicated collections to meet this demand, and practices like fragrance layering—once niche—are becoming global consumer habits.

Brands originating from the UAE illustrate this crossover. For example, Kayali, the Dubai-born fragrance brand, was reported as the most popular brand at Sephora US in 2025, based on customer review analytics by rAIviews. This reflects not only strong product appeal but also a cultural resonance that transcends borders.

Beyond Fragrance: Skincare, Makeup and the New GCC Beauty Frontier

While fragrance has taken the lead, the broader beauty ecosystem in the GCC is awakening. Local skincare and makeup brands that combine cultural authenticity with global quality standards are emerging. These brands benefit from the same infrastructure and consumer sophistication that has propelled fragrance forward.

In my recent article on how to build the beauty brand of tomorrow in the GCC, I explored strategic frameworks for establishing a successful regional brand—focusing on market intelligence, cultural insight, manufacturing ecosystems, consumer experience, and export potential. The rise of beauty in the GCC is not accidental; it is the result of intentional investment into brand building, storytelling, and global distribution strategies.

The GCC: The Future of Global Beauty

The trajectory is clear: the GCC, led by the UAE’s dynamic market and export success, is no longer an emerging opportunity—it is the future frontier of global beauty. With strong consumer demand, rising cultural influence, and a rapidly expanding export footprint, the region presents unmatched potential for brands that understand both local nuance and global ambition.

At Dix Sept Paris, we are committed to supporting beauty brands eager to thrive in the GCC—from concept and positioning to launch and scale. Whether you are building for local resonance or international expansion, we’ll help you navigate this transformative market and write the next chapter of beauty with boldness and strategy.