In a city built on a rich history of captivating fragrances, from the deep, lingering scent of oud to the welcoming smoke of bakhoor, a beautiful home scent is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. Today, this tradition has gracefully evolved to embrace the art of the scented candle, making Dubai one of the most exciting places to discover both global luxury brands and unique local treasures.
But with so many options, where do you begin your search for the perfect flame? This guide will take you on a journey through Dubai’s vibrant candle scene, from the grand malls to the hidden gems, helping you find a signature scent that truly makes your house a home.
The Rise of Local Artisans: Scents of the Emirates
While international brands have long had a presence here, the real excitement is in the burgeoning scene of local and regional candle makers. These artisans pour their passion and local culture into every creation.
- For Lovers of Ethical Luxury: A perfect example is Studio Kinza. This Dubai-based brand has gained a following not only for its unique, nostalgic scents but also for its strong ethical focus. Using sustainable soy wax and eco-friendly packaging, they offer a range of captivating fragrances while also giving back to the community through their “Light is Life” project, which helps provide solar lights to villages without electricity.
- For The Modern Minimalist: A new wave of local makers focuses on clean, contemporary aesthetics. Using sustainable waxes, they create fresh and subtle scents perfect for modern living spaces. Look for fragrances like Sea Salt & Sage, White Tea & Ginger, or Fig & Neroli presented in simple, elegant glassware.
Where to Find Them: Keep an eye out for local brands at artisan markets like Ripe Market and ARTE, or browse the shelves of independent concept stores. Instagram is also a fantastic tool for discovering these homegrown brands and finding out about their regular hands-on workshops.
International Luxury: The Global Giants
Dubai’s spectacular malls are home to the world’s most prestigious candle and fragrance houses. If you’re looking to invest in a truly iconic scent, these are the places to go.
- Diptyque: The Parisian legend, famous for its iconic oval labels and complex, transportive scents. Baies (Berries) and Figuier (Fig Tree) are world-famous for a reason. Find their boutiques in The Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates.
- Jo Malone London: The epitome of British elegance. Known for their refined fragrances and the art of “scent combining.” Pomegranate Noir and Lime Basil & Mandarin are timeless classics.
- Baobab Collection: Instantly recognisable by their magnificent, hand-blown glass vessels, these are true statement pieces. Their scents are as bold and luxurious as their appearance, often inspired by African landscapes.
Your Ultimate Candle Shopping Directory
- The Grand Malls (The Dubai Mall & Mall of the Emirates): This is your one-stop destination for luxury. Head to department stores like Bloomingdale’s Home and Harvey Nichols to browse multiple brands at once, or visit the standalone boutiques of the major fragrance houses.
- Concept Stores and Boutiques: For something more unique, explore the curated collections at stores in City Walk, The Courtyard in Al Quoz, or Dubai Design District (d3). These shops often champion independent and regional designers.
- Online Homegrown Platforms: Websites and apps that focus on UAE-based brands and designers are a treasure trove for discovering new and exciting local candle makers without leaving your home.
What to Look For When Buying a Candle
- The Wax: Soy wax gives a cleaner, longer burn. Paraffin often provides a stronger scent throw. Coconut and rapeseed blends are excellent, sustainable alternatives.
- The Scent Throw: “Cold throw” is how the candle smells unlit, while “hot throw” is the fragrance it releases when burning. The hot throw is what really matters, so read reviews or ask for recommendations.
- The Wick: A good quality, centrally placed wick (usually made of cotton or wood) is crucial for an even burn and prevents “tunnelling” (where the wax only melts in the centre).
Whether you’re seeking the nostalgic aroma of traditional Oud or a fresh, modern scent to brighten your space, Dubai’s candle scene has a perfect match waiting for you. Happy scent hunting!
