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Ms Faridah F Ajmal
Founder & Director – Faridah Ajmal Perfumes LLc, Dubai
Email: info@faridah.com
Insta: faridahperfume
Faridah F Ajmal: The UAE’s Emerging Asian Woman Entrepreneur
The UAE, second-largest and most vibrant economy in the Arab world, has seen women entrepreneurs make significant strides in the business landscape. Among these trailblazers is Faridah F Ajmal, an Indian expatriate who has emerged as a prominent Asian businesswoman in the traditional perfume industry.
Faridah Ajmal wears many hats—she is a wife, mother, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and now a “Perfumer.” Nurturing her passion since childhood, she launched her flagship store & brand “FARIDAH,” in 2024 on Al Wasl, Jumeirah (Dubai), marking her entry into the ever-evolving but, predominantly male-dominated perfume industry.
Having lived in the UAE for over three decades, Faridah Ajmal’s business journey has been shaped by the opportunities and challenges offered by the country’s unique cultural and economic environment. Her vision blends traditional elements with contemporary style, creating luxury perfume collections designed to be both intimate gifts and memorable experiences, evoking emotions and nostalgia.
Her deep involvement in perfumery was influenced by her husband, Fakhruddin Ajmal, who has passionately led the ‘Ajmal Perfumes’ brand for nearly half a century. In the early stages of her fascination with the craft, Faridah Ajmal was not drawn to Dahn Al Oudh, an expensive and essential ingredient in Oriental perfumes. However, over time, she developed a passion for the complex distillation process of resin-embedded agarwood, a prized component of high-quality perfumes. What began as a hobby soon became a serious business, as Faridah initially set up her own private lab at home, where she experimented with and blended exclusive fragrances that quickly gained attention.
In 2023 and 2024, her brand was invited as a “Gifting Partner” for the prestigious International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards in Abu Dhabi, granting her perfumes global visibility. The soothing Oriental & French fragrances were appreciated by celebrities and VIPs, elevating her brand’s recognition on an international platform.
Beyond her professional achievements, Faridah Ajmal plays a pivotal role within her family. She balances her responsibilities as a mother to two daughters, while also supporting her husband at every step. Additionally, she is a dedicated supporter of People of determination and actively contributes to institutions for children with Special needs, both in the UAE and India.
Faridah Ajmal’s accomplishments in business and her contributions to society exemplify her as a “Woman of Substance,” characterized by her knowledge, strength, and ability to inspire others. Her entrepreneurial journey is a testament to her resilience and business acumen. Despite the challenges faced by many women in business—such as limited industry representation, societal expectations, and the balancing act between family and entrepreneurship—Faridah Ajmal has become a powerful force for change. At a time when many in the perfume industry are hesitant to innovate, she has boldly taken the initiative to carve her own path.
Her success reflects the broader impact of women in entrepreneurship. When women lead, innovation thrives, creativity expands, and the economy grows. Although only a third of entrepreneurial ventures globally are led by women, Faridah Ajmal is an inspiring figure, paving the way for future generations of women entrepreneurs.
