Kayali is a fragrance brand founded in 2018 by Mona Kattan, a co-founder of Huda Beauty, based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The brand operates under the Huda Beauty umbrella and focuses on the concept of fragrance layering, encouraging users to combine different scents to create personalized profiles. The olfactive signature of the brand is characterized by a blend of Middle Eastern perfumery traditions, such as the use of oud, musk, and spices, with modern Western gourmand and floral compositions. Notable perfumes include 'Vanilla | 28', 'Déjà Vu White Flower | 57', and 'Elixir | 11'. In the Gulf market, Kayali occupies a position as a contemporary, accessible luxury brand that bridges the gap between traditional regional preferences for intense, long-lasting scents and the global demand for versatile, everyday fragrances. The brand maintains a significant presence in international retail chains while remaining deeply rooted in the aesthetic preferences of the Middle Eastern market.
Heritage
Founded in 2018 in the United Arab Emirates, Kayali—meaning 'my imagination' in Arabic—represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of regional perfumery. The house was established by Mona Kattan, a prominent figure in the beauty industry whose deep-rooted connection to the Gulf’s fragrance culture serves as the brand’s heartbeat. While the brand operates with a global perspective, its DNA is firmly planted in the traditions of the Middle East, where scent is not merely an accessory but a fundamental language of hospitality and personal expression.
Kayali emerged from a desire to bridge the gap between traditional Middle Eastern perfumery and the modern, experimental sensibilities of the global market. The brand draws heavily from the Kattan family’s heritage, where the ritual of layering—mixing oils, attars, and sprays—is a daily practice passed down through generations. By formalizing this art form, Kayali has successfully translated the complexity of the majlis experience into a contemporary format. Since its inception, the house has grown rapidly, maintaining a rigorous standard for quality while consistently honoring the olfactory preferences of the Gulf, from the deep, resinous profiles of traditional oud to the lighter, more playful compositions that define the modern Emirati lifestyle. With 31 fragrances currently in our catalog, the house stands as a testament to the enduring power of regional storytelling on a global stage.
House style
Kayali is defined by its mastery of the 'layering' philosophy, a concept ingrained in the Gulf’s fragrance culture. The house style is characterized by a sophisticated balance between Western gourmand accessibility and the heavy, opulent notes traditionally favored in the Middle East. You will often find the brand playing with contrasts: the sharpness of crisp fruits meeting the depth of warm, resinous woods. This versatility is what makes their catalog so adaptable to the varied climate of the UAE.
Their signature approach relies on high-quality raw materials that provide excellent thabat (longevity) and intishar (sillage), essential requirements for the Gulf market. The house frequently utilizes high-grade oud, vanilla, and musk, blending them in ways that feel both nostalgic and avant-garde. For instance, Oudgasm Tobacco Oud | 04 showcases the house’s ability to handle intense, smoky ingredients with a refined touch, while demonstrates their expertise in bright, effervescent top notes that cut through the heat. Meanwhile, highlights the brand’s penchant for creamy, skin-scent textures that linger beautifully in the air of a private majlis. Each fragrance is designed not just to stand alone, but to act as a foundation for further olfactory exploration.
Oudgasm Tobacco Oud | 04 is a masterclass in intensity and depth. It captures the essence of a traditional evening gathering, where the air is thick with the scent of burning wood and rich, aromatic tobacco. It is a bold, masculine-leaning composition that commands attention, offering a level of intishar that is perfectly suited for formal events or outdoor winter gatherings in the desert. It is the ultimate statement piece for those who appreciate the darker, more mysterious side of oud.
Oudgasm Chocolate Oud | 11 bridges the gap between the gourmand and the traditional. It is a decadent, rich fragrance that feels like a modern interpretation of the hospitality offered in a luxury Gulf home. The sweetness of the chocolate is tempered by the raw, earthy power of oud, creating a scent that is both comforting and sophisticated. It performs exceptionally well in cooler weather, providing a long-lasting thabat that stays on the skin and fabric for hours.
The Wedding Silk Santal | 36 is the embodiment of elegance and grace. Designed for the most special occasions, it features a creamy, sandalwood-forward profile that feels like a soft veil. It is less aggressive than the oud-based scents, making it ideal for daytime weddings or formal daytime functions where a lighter, more ethereal presence is required. It captures the spirit of celebration and purity, making it a staple for those who prefer a refined, minimalist olfactory signature.
Vacay in a Bottle Maldives in a Bottle Ylang Coco | 20 offers a refreshing departure from the heavier profiles. It is the perfect choice for the humid summer months in the Gulf, providing a tropical, airy brightness that feels clean and uplifting. It is an excellent example of how the house balances its portfolio, ensuring that even within a brand known for depth, there is room for light, vacation-inspired compositions that thrive in the heat.
How to wear in the Gulf
In the Gulf, the climate dictates the fragrance wardrobe. During the sweltering summer months, Kayali’s lighter, fruit-forward scents like their 'Vacay' collection are ideal for daily use, providing a clean, refreshing aura. As the temperature drops in winter, the house’s heavier oud compositions come into their own, performing beautifully in the cool desert air.
For the majlis, layering is the key. Start with a base of a lighter, musk-heavy Kayali scent, then apply a more potent oud-based fragrance to the pulse points. This creates a complex, evolving scent profile that respects the tradition of layering while utilizing modern, high-performance formulations. For religious occasions like Eid or during Ramadan, the deeper, more resinous scents provide a sense of gravitas and tradition. Always ensure your skin is well-moisturized before application to maximize the thabat of these fragrances, especially when dealing with the high-intensity notes of the Oudgasm line.
Where it fits in the catalog
Kayali occupies a unique middle ground in our catalog. It sits comfortably between traditional Arab houses that focus exclusively on pure oils and Western-centric houses that lean toward lighter, floral compositions. By positioning itself as a 'bridge' brand, Kayali appeals to a younger generation of perfume lovers in the Gulf who want the longevity and richness of traditional oud but crave the creativity and accessibility of modern, global perfume design. It shares a similar spirit of innovation with sister brands like Huda Beauty, maintaining a high-fashion, trend-conscious aesthetic while remaining deeply respectful of the olfactory heritage that defines the Middle Eastern market.
