The Heritage
The Story of Zimaya
Zimaya is a UAE-based fragrance house operating as a sub-brand of Afnan Perfumes. Founded in 2023 by Imran Fazlani, who serves as art director for the parent company, Zimaya specializes in Arabic perfumes that blend traditional Middle Eastern perfumery with contemporary accessibility. The brand debuted at Beautyworld Middle East 2023, occupying significant space on the Afnan stand. With a catalog exceeding 100 perfumes, Zimaya offers compositions spanning deep ouds, orientals, florals, woody, and gourmand profiles for men and women. The brand's portfolio includes collections such as Sharaf, Tiramisu, Mazaaj, Daiman, Infrad, Siada, Charisma, and Abadi.
Heritage
Imran Fazlani, who has served as art director for Afnan Perfumes, established Zimaya as a distinct creative outlet within the Afnan umbrella. The brand made its first public appearance in fall 2023 at Beautyworld Middle East, one of the region's largest beauty and fragrance trade events, where visitors immediately recognized stylistic connections to Afnan's established aesthetic. Fragrantica noted that industry observers identified the new line at the show, confirming the project originated from Afnan's creative team. While Afnan itself has operated for years as a prominent Middle Eastern fragrance house, Zimaya launched as a fresh venture targeting contemporary consumers. Sources indicate the earliest recorded Zimaya fragrance dates to 2020, predating the official brand launch, with releases continuing through 2026. The brand draws heavily from Dubai's fragrance culture and traditional Arabic perfumery traditions, positioning itself as part of the evolution of Gulf-based perfume houses into globally recognized names.
Craftsmanship
The brand formulates its perfumes as concentrated Eau de Parfums with reportedly high-concentration formulas designed for longevity and sillage. Zimaya's ingredient palette includes oud, described as the cornerstone of the brand's identity, along with rare musks, exotic florals, amber, and woody materials. The brand's pricing strategy emphasizes accessible positioning, with retailers noting the formulations compete with higher-priced niche offerings while remaining affordable for regular wear. The oud collection specifically offers ranges from raw and resinous interpretations to smooth, modern blends, accommodating consumers unfamiliar with traditional oud alongside experienced enthusiasts. Fragrance compositions like Sharaf Blend, noted for its vibrant floral character, Al Fouz with rich oriental notes, and Oscar featuring spicy and smoky accords, demonstrate the brand's range in construction approach.
Design Language
Zimaya's visual identity draws from Arabic luxury traditions while maintaining contemporary minimalism. The brand messaging emphasizes Dubai's scent culture, describing creations as bold, refined, and built to last. Bottle presentations and packaging reflect a premium appearance consistent with Middle Eastern fragrance house conventions, typically featuring geometric shapes and metallic accents in gold or black colorways. The brand name and overall aesthetic communicate heritage and elegance without ostentation, positioning the house as sophisticated yet approachable for international consumers discovering Arabic perfumery.
Philosophy
Zimaya approaches fragrance as storytelling through scent, crafting compositions intended to evoke emotion, confidence, and individuality. The brand explicitly targets accessibility alongside quality, offering what multiple retailers describe as budget-friendly alternatives to niche and designer fragrances. The philosophy centers on balancing heritage and innovation, drawing from traditional Arabic perfumery ingredients like oud, musk, and amber while maintaining contemporary wearability. According to available brand messaging, Zimaya designs fragrances for everyday luxury rather than special occasion exclusivity. The brand's collections reflect diverse scent profiles, from soft florals and fresh aquatics to rich orientals and gourmand compositions, suggesting a deliberate strategy to reach broad consumer appeal across gender preferences and taste spectrums.
Key Milestones
2020
First Zimaya fragrance released, predating the official brand launch
2023
Brand officially founded by Imran Fazlani; first public showcase at Beautyworld Middle East in fall
2023
Sharaf Blend launches, gaining attention as a fragrance reportedly drawing inspiration from By Kilian Angels' Share
2023
Retail availability expands through UK and international fragrance retailers
2025
Multiple releases including Sharaf Divine, Al Barari Shore, and Reverie Aqua expand portfolio
At a Glance
Brand profile snapshot
Origin
United Arab Emirates
Founded
2023
Heritage
3
Years active
Collection
1
Fragrances released
Avg Rating
4.4
Community sentiment