Full Biography & Complete Digital Resource Guide — the visionary founder & master perfumer of Khadlaj Perfumes, one of the UAE’s most celebrated luxury fragrance houses.
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Mohamed Iqbal Abdul Sattar is the visionary founder and master perfumer of Khadlaj Perfumes, one of the UAE’s most celebrated luxury fragrance houses. With over 45 years of experience in the perfumery industry, he built Khadlaj from the ground up out of a deep, personal passion for authentic, handcrafted fragrance rooted in Middle Eastern traditions.
His expertise spans both exquisite natural essences and meticulously crafted synthetic compounds. He is known for his ardent passion for ingredients such as Musk, Ruh Gulaab, Oud and Vetiver — the building blocks of authentic Arabian perfumery.
Mohamed Iqbal started hands-on, learning deeply from the rich perfumery traditions of the Gulf and surrounding region, before channelling that knowledge into building a lasting brand.
His commitment to in-house quality control has never wavered — every fragrance is conceived, created, developed and manufactured in the Khadlaj factory, ensuring artisanal integrity at industrial scale.
“Khadlaj started out as a passion and a dream — to create unique and unforgettable fragrances that cater to all preferences and diverse fragrance cultures globally.” — Mohamed Iqbal Abdul Sattar, Founder
Mohamed Iqbal officially founded Khadlaj in January 1997 in the UAE, making it a fully family-owned establishment from day one. He envisioned a brand that could cater to all fragrance preferences and diverse fragrance cultures globally — a blend of Arabic and French perfume artistry under one house.
Headquartered at Industrial Area 11, Sharjah, with a second retail address in Deira, Dubai (Al Khaiyam Hotel Building, Sikkat Al Khail Road), the brand has grown over nearly three decades while keeping its artisanal, family-run identity intact. The Sharjah factory was strategically located in the heart of Dubai’s oldest perfume souq, Souq Murshid, serving both wholesale and retail customers.
Mohamed Iqbal’s expertise spans both exquisite natural essences and meticulously crafted synthetic compounds. Four ingredients form the heart of his Arabian perfumery practice:
The deep, sensual foundation of authentic Arabian perfumery — warmth, longevity, intimacy.
Pure rose attar — the signature floral of the Mughal-Arabian tradition. Hand-distilled, intensely concentrated.
The crown jewel of Arabian fragrance. Mohamed Iqbal’s Oud Pure has become an iconic Khadlaj signature.
Smoky, grounding, masculine — the green-earth counterpoint that anchors the heritage compositions.
From a single passion for handcrafted Arabian fragrance to a global catalogue — Mohamed Iqbal’s most iconic creations have become cultural touchpoints across the GCC, South Asia, Europe and the Americas.
The fragrance that became a viral global sensation — a defining moment for Khadlaj’s reach into a new generation of fragrance lovers worldwide.
Khadlaj’s signature incense blend — a Gulf household tradition reimagined with master-perfumer precision.
The purest expression of Mohamed Iqbal’s craft — an unblended celebration of the most coveted note in Arabian perfumery.
An ode to musk in its truest form — the foundational base note Mohamed Iqbal has championed for forty-five years.
Carrying the legacy forward is Asif Mohamed Iqbal Katchi (also known as Asif Iqbal), Mohamed Iqbal’s son and the current Managing Director / CEO of Khadlaj Perfumes. With over 18 years of experience, Asif has led the brand’s global expansion and digital transformation.
Under his leadership, Khadlaj expanded to more than 103 countries, built 20 luxury showrooms across the UAE and Oman, and developed a thriving social media presence with over 230,000 followers across Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Facebook.
Khadlaj has remained a fully family-owned establishment from day one — an artisanal identity preserved through nearly three decades of growth.
The brand is also a Platinum Sponsor at Beautyworld Middle East and a regular exhibitor at international fragrance trade shows — a testament to the bridge built between father’s craft and son’s reach.
Khadlaj Perfumes is present in 103+ countries, with its strongest footprint in the GCC, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Europe and the USA. The brand holds trademarks across most continents and its manufacturing plant in Ras Al Khaimah produces up to 15 million units annually across spray, bakhoor, deodorant, air freshener, lotion and roll-on product lines.
Selected coverage across Gulf News, Tribune India, ANI, The Print and major UAE / international outlets. Every card links to the published source.
A walk inside the Khadlaj manufacturing plant — plus founder & MD interviews from YouTube, TikTok and Instagram.
Official websites, social handles, marketplaces & LinkedIn profiles — the full digital map for introductions, media, and commercial enquiries.