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28 March 2024

‘Fragrance Oscars’ in Dubai honours the best in the Mideast

The Fifi Arabia award

Published
By Majorie van Leijen

That perfume is universal became clear at the Fifi Arabia, or the 'Fragrance Oscars' held at Conrad Hotel, Dubai. Between a mixed crowd of gala-styled and traditionally dressed guests, fragrance was the binding factor.

Every year, the Fragrance Foundation Arabia acknowledges and honours the best perfumes of the Middle East in the Fifi Arabia Awards. This year's award show was the fourth edition of the event held in the Middle East.

The gentlemen of Arabian Oud

The Gulf hosting the highest per capita consumption of perfumes in the world, the event could not have taken place at a better place than in Dubai.

Perfumes from the Arab World as well as localized editions of international retailers were among the nominees, competing to be awarded as the Fragrance of the year, Retailer of the Year, or My Perfume of the Year.

A team of specialists, industry experts, retailers, and hobbyists were tasked to select eight fragrances that deserved the title Best Fragrance of the Year in the categories Arabian Prestige male and female, the International Prestige male and female, the Arabian popular appeal male and female and the International Appeal Male and Female.

In addition, consumers had been tasked with voting for the Best Retailer multi- and mono-brand store, as well as with selecting their personal favourite Arabian and international perfume.

Shahzad Haidar, Chairman of Fragrance Foundation Arabia

Of all winners stood out the Saudi retailer Arabian Oud, which appeared on stage five times that night. The mono-branded store did not only win the award for Best Retailer of the Year in its category, but also bagged all four awards in the My Perfume Award category.

Asked about their secret, the Arabian Oud men said: "We believe in ourselves and do not imitate others."

The jury selected a wide range of winners, among which Elie Saab's Le Parfum as the Best Female International Fragrance, Noble Leather by YSL as the Best Male Arabian Fragrance, and Be Shay Anfasic Dokhoon by Mohammed Hilal Group as the Best Arabian Popular Appeal fragrance.

Jury panel members experienced the nominated fragrances through a three phase evaluation aligned to the international judging process that is set by the Global Fragrance Foundation headquartered in New York.

According to the standards the first phase of the judging mechanism comprises the evaluation of fragrances in seven criteria, inspecting the fragrance in its aesthetic appeal and scent. The second phase allows the jury panel members to openly discuss the fragrances and if required rethink their evaluation made in the first phase and possibly correct their mark.

"This year, the Jury session had been momentous and historical for we had the fortune of conducting it at the Musée International de le Parfumerie at Grasse, France. This historical venue was highly inspirational and motivational to the entire jury process," said Shahzad Haidar, Chairman of the Fragrance Foundation Arabia.

The jury was headed by TV personality Ali Jaber, who although not taking part for the first time this year, admitted that his participation 'must have been a mistake,' as he does not have any professional knowledge about the industry. His consumer-oriented approach must have been the motive of his desired presence, he noted.

The Arabian Fragrance Foundation was established in Dubai in 2008, in agreement with the Dubai branch of the Global Fragrance Foundation.

Every year the respective Fragrance Foundations around the world organise the Fifi awards, the first edition held in 1973 in the US. The Middle East chapter of the event was the third initiative organised outside the US, and other partner organisations soon followed. The Fifi award has grown to become a prestigious appreciation within the industry worldwide.

The winners of FiFi Arabia 2013 are:

Fragrance of the Year Award:

Arabian Prestige Male: Noble Leather, YSL

Arabian Prestige Female: Narciso Rodriquez for her, Narciso Rodriquez

International Prestige Male: Brit Rhythm, Burberry

International Prestige Female: Elie Saab Le Parfum, Elie Saab

Arabian Popular Appeal Male: Attar Al Ghutra, Swiss Arabian Perfumes

Arabian Popular Appeal Female: Be Shay Anfasic Dokhoon, Mohammed Hilal

International Popular Appeal Male: Polo Red, Ralph  Lauren

International Popular Appeal Female: Bebe Wishes & Dreams, Creation

Retailer of the Year Award:


Multi-Brand Store (Retail Sector Initiative): Plethora Artistic Perfume Lounge

Mono-Brand Store (Retailer of the Year): Arabian Oud

My Perfume of the Year Award:


Arabian Fragrance Male: Majestic Special Oud, Arabian Oud

Arabian Fragrance Female: Woody Blanc, Arabian Oud

International Fragrance Male: Gentleman Secret, Arabian Oud

International Fragrance Female: Donna, Arabian Oud