UAE businesses record spike in perfumes, confectionery sales as Eid approaches
UAE residents are gearing up for one of the biggest holidays of the year. As Eid Al Fitr draws closer retailers are witnessing a surge in orders for perfumes, dry fruits, confectioneries, and gift hampers.
This year, some trends have been spotted in the choices that buyers make. From oud to sweets, choosing the pistachio flavour has been popular among residents.
Take a look at what shoppers are purchasing, as they lean towards traditional treats and thoughtful gifts.
Fragrances in high demand
As the festive season approaches, perfumes become a popular gifting choice. Perfume retailers have said that oud, oil-based attars, and incense remain the most sought-after fragrances during Eid, in line with Islamic traditions.
'The consumption of oud and oil-based fragrances has risen during Ramadan. Those traveling for Eid often buy perfumes in bulk to gift their families and friends back home,' said Mahtabur Rahman, chairman of Al Haramain Group.
'Corporate entities have also embraced perfumes as part of their festive gifting culture. This year, we have seen double-digit growth in sales, with Ramadan and Eid being peak seasons,' added Rahman.
Faizal Changappalli, MD of V Perfumes, highlighted the preference for oriental scents. 'During Eid and Ramadan, people mostly buy tobacco, leather, and oud fragrances. Perfumes are popular for both personal use and gifting, especially among corporates and families. Online shoppers spend around Dh500 per order. Bukhoor and incense oud remain in high demand. Emiratis particularly prefer wooden chips for their traditional fragrance rituals,' he said.
'The starting price of oud chips is Dh200 for 12g and can go up to Dh2,000, depending on quality. Many also opt for attar, a concentrated perfume, during Eid.'
Sweet treats
No Eid celebration is complete without sweet treats and desserts. Bakeries and confectioners are witnessing a spike in advance orders, with a focus on gifting and sharing.
'Similar to every year, the volume of inquiries significantly increases in the last week of Ramadan,' said Tushar Fotedar, director at Mister Baker. 'Our Ramadan and Eid hampers are in high demand, and we have revamped our Arabic sweet collection, which is attracting attention, especially for bulk orders. This year, the trend is all about gifting, sharing desserts, and traditional flavours — especially pistachio.'
The demand for Lebanese sweets, pistachio baklava, and kunafa has also surged. 'As we approach Eid, orders are increasing, and our team has already begun preparations,' said Aboud Alshami from Shamsin Bakers. 'Pistachio Baklava, Pistachio Kunafa, and Chocolate Kunafa are among the top choices. We have also introduced new items like pistachio, nut, and chocolate buns, which are gaining popularity.'
Dry fruits
Dry fruits and nuts remain an Eid staple, with sales peaking towards the end of Ramadan. 'As Ramadan progresses, the demand for dry fruits and chocolates rises,' said Abdul Hadi, managing director of Yathrib Dry Fruits and Nuts.
'Traditional Egyptian and Emirati sweets are also in high demand, with many residents purchasing them in bulk. The minimum order value during Eid is Dh500, as families stock up for celebrations. Many expats traveling home make it a point to buy large quantities for their loved ones.'
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