Ajmal Perfumes and the New Language of Luxury

Ajmal Perfumes, the 75-year-old fragrance house blending artisanal heritage with modern global creativity.

In an era when luxury is being redefined by meaning and emotion, Ajmal Perfumes, a seventy-five-year-old fragrance house rooted in the art of scent, is crafting a new language for modern luxury. 

As consumers seek experiences rich in authenticity and purpose, the global fragrance market is undergoing a quiet but powerful transformation. For Ajmal Perfumes, one of the Gulf’s most storied houses, the answer lies in a blend of artisanal legacy and agility. Founded in India and shaped in the United Arab Emirates, the family-run company has evolved into a global brand that embodies both artistry and contemporary vision. 

‘Products come and go, but a brand remains,’

says Abdullah Ajmal, the company’s CEO and grandson of the founder. ‘We have built our name by staying true to the craft and to the consumer.’ 

From Heritage to Global House 

The Ajmal story began in the 1950s, when Abdullah’s grandfather transformed his knowledge of natural oils into a perfumery business that bridged India and the Arab world. What started as small-scale trading has become a vertically integrated fragrance house with more than 350 retail stores across the GCC, India, and Asia, and distribution in over 60 countries. 

Ajmal is one of the world’s few true farm-to-fragrance houses, controlling every step from cultivation to creation. This structure gives the brand both creative control and agility, allowing it to tailor fragrances to local markets without compromising quality. 

‘We can create fragrances exclusive to a country or even to a single retailer,’ Ajmal explains. ‘That flexibility defines our advantage.’ 

Craftsmanship as Modern Value 

In a market increasingly dominated by speed and volume, Ajmal’s approach to olfactory craftsmanship sets it apart. Each fragrance is built from natural ingredients, many grown on the brand’s own plantations in Assam, India. 

Its luxury lines are housed in hand-cut crystal bottles with 24-karat gold detailing, reflecting a philosophy of longevity and quality. ‘If a product becomes too expensive for the market, we discontinue it,’ says Ajmal. ‘But we never dilute it.’ 

‘If a product becomes too expensive for the market, we discontinue it, but we never dilute it.’

Sustainability is integrated into this commitment to excellence. Ajmal is expanding the use of recycled pulp packaging and working toward more responsible sourcing while maintaining the time-honoured artistry that defines its legacy. 

Innovation with Soul 

At the TFWA World Exhibition 2025 in Cannes, Ajmal presented new collections that capture the balance between heritage and innovation. 

The Untold Stories invites five international perfumers to create scents inspired by personal memories and emotions, each composition becoming a chapter in the evolution of modern perfumery. 

Following its success, the brand is introducing Oud Marquis, a collection that celebrates French craftsmanship infused with Arabian depth. First launched in the United States, it reflects a dialogue between cultures that is refined, emotional, and distinctly modern. 

Together, these projects express Ajmal’s evolving role, not just as a heritage house but as a creative platform where East meets West.  ‘We are a brand from Dubai with a global vision,’ says Ajmal. ‘Our expertise covers the entire spectrum, from the lightest scents to the deepest oud creations.’ 

A Global Identity with Local Sensitivity 

Ajmal’s international presence continues to expand across Europe, China, and the US. The brand’s flexibility allows it to design fragrances that resonate with regional preferences while maintaining a consistent global identity. 

In markets like the Nordics or Eastern Europe, Ajmal introduces lighter, fresher profiles. In the GCC, richer oud compositions continue to lead. The company’s growing presence in travel retail has also been instrumental in introducing its artisanal legacy to new consumers. 

‘Luxury is about patience,’ Ajmal reflects. ‘It’s about knowing what to hold onto as you move forward.’ 

The Future of Timeless Luxury 

As Ajmal marks its seventy-fifth year, the brand’s evolution reflects a wider shift in beauty, one that values authenticity, creativity, and cultural depth as the new markers of luxury. 

‘Luxury is about patience,’ Ajmal reflects. ‘It’s about knowing what to hold onto as you move forward.’ 

Ajmal Perfumes will also present its new collections at TFWA World Exhibition 2025 in Cannes, underscoring the brand’s growing presence in global travel retail. 

About Abdullah Ajmal 

Abdullah Ajmal is the CEO of Ajmal Perfumes, a family-owned fragrance house founded in India in the 1950s and now headquartered in Dubai. The company operates more than 350 stores worldwide and distributes to over 60 countries. Known for its vertical integration and olfactory mastery, Ajmal continues to shape the future of luxury perfumery through creativity, innovation, and cultural authenticity.