In the ever-evolving landscape of luxury perfumery, Amna Al Habtoor has carved out a unique niche with Arcadia, a brand that seamlessly blends tradition with contemporary artistry. Born and bred in the UAE, Arcadia is more than just a fragrance house; it is an evocative journey where memories intertwine with scent, and nostalgia takes form in the delicate embrace of perfume.
Amna Al Habtoor’s path to perfumery is as captivating as the fragrances she crafts. A graduate in Visual Communication and Graphic Design, she began her career in the corporate realm, serving as Executive Director of Marketing and Communications at Al Habtoor Motors. There, she played a pivotal role in securing prestigious partnerships with brands such as Bugatti, Bentley, and McLaren. Yet, her entrepreneurial spirit and passion for olfactory artistry led her in a new direction.
In 2014, she founded Mash Concepts, an endeavor that set the stage for her future in perfumery. With a deep-seated love for scents and their emotional resonance, she pursued a perfumery course, igniting a vision that would later manifest as Arcadia. Inspired by the idea of transforming scent into an experience—an invisible yet powerful bridge to the past—she sought to redefine fragrance culture in the Middle East.
Arcadia: A Modern Take on Middle Eastern Perfumery
From its inception, Arcadia has been a trailblazer in the niche perfumery space, offering a contemporary and experiential approach to scent. Unlike traditional Arabian perfumery, which often relies on deep, resinous blends, Arcadia’s creations are fresh, modern, and innovative, yet remain deeply rooted in the region’s love affair with fragrance.
Each scent within the Arcadia collection is a carefully crafted narrative, designed to evoke emotions and awaken memories. The brand’s commitment to sustainability is equally remarkable—eschewing parabens, harsh chemicals, and animal testing in favor of ethical, environmentally responsible practices. The result is a line of perfumes and candles that are as pure as they are luxurious.
Beyond Perfume: The ‘Out of the Darkness’ Collection
Amna’s artistic vision extends beyond traditional perfumery. Arcadia’s ‘Out of the Darkness’ candle collection embodies the brand’s avant-garde spirit, offering a multisensory experience through evocative scent compositions. Each candle tells its own story, mirroring the depth and intricacy found in Arcadia’s perfume line. More than just a fragrance brand, Arcadia has become synonymous with olfactory storytelling, where each product carries a deeper meaning beyond its scent.
Sustainability and Ethical Luxury
Arcadia’s ethos is deeply intertwined with a commitment to sustainability. The brand strives to reduce its ecological footprint through various initiatives, ensuring that luxury and environmental responsibility go hand in hand:
Predominantly Recyclable Packaging – Every perfume is housed in a sustainable pouch made of natural fabrics, designed to be repurposed. Arcadia also uses the same perfume bottles across all productions to minimize waste.
Locally Sourced Craftsmanship – By collaborating with Emirati artisans, Arcadia ensures that its candles, bakhoor, and midkhan are handmade using recycled materials such as cement and steel, fostering both sustainability and local economic growth.
Cruelty-Free Commitment – Dedicated to ethical production, Arcadia ensures that its perfumes and candles are free from animal products and have never been tested on animals. Each creation undergoes rigorous safety testing in-house, using only the highest quality ingredients.
A Legacy in the Making
Under the visionary leadership of Amna Al Habtoor, Arcadia continues to flourish as a beacon of innovation in Middle Eastern perfumery. By blending nostalgia with modern craftsmanship, the brand has successfully redefined the way fragrance is perceived and experienced in the region. Through sustainable practices, artistic expression, and a passion for storytelling, Arcadia is not just a perfume brand—it is an invitation to relive cherished memories and create new ones, one exquisite scent at a time.
