Heritage
A house, in its own words
The brand traces its roots to Asghar Adam Ali (Al Attar), a Yemeni‑born perfumer who opened his first shop in Aden in 1969 at the age of sixteen. Decades later he became chairman of Nabeel Perfumes, a family‑run enterprise that supplies regional fragrance ingredients. In 2015 he launched The Spirit of Dubai as a distinct label within Nabeel’s portfolio. The inaugural collection comprised eight niche fragrances, each named after a facet of the city’s heritage. By 2024 the portfolio grew to fifteen scents, including Baz Cuir (2024), Diwan (2017), Abjar (2017), Meydan (2015), Turath (2019), Abjar Bois (2024), Aamal (2017), Haibah Oriental (2025), Fakhama (2016) and Rimal (2015). The brand has presented its creations at international trade shows such as Esxcent in Milan, gaining exposure among collectors and boutique retailers. Over the years The Spirit of Dubai has maintained a focus on regional storytelling, positioning itself as a bridge between Dubai’s historic perfume culture and the global niche market. The house treats fragrance as a narrative medium. Its creative brief asks perfumers to capture a specific element of Dubai—whether a spice market, a desert sunrise, or a glass‑clad tower—and translate that image into olfactory form. The brand values authenticity, so it sources raw materials from established Middle Eastern growers and respects traditional extraction methods for oud and amber. At the same time it embraces modern analytical tools to ensure consistency across batches. The Spirit of Dubai encourages personal connection; each scent is presented as a chapter that listeners can revisit, rather than a fleeting trend. This approach reflects the founder’s belief that perfume should be felt as much as it is worn.