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Dr Ali Asgar Fakhruddin

Chairman and CEO, Sterling Perfumes

Nilufer Najeeb
Nilufer Najeeb

08 July, 2025

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Dr Ali Asgar Fakhruddin is a visionary leader who has played a transformative role in turning a UAE-born company into one of the region’s most successful global beauty and fragrance powerhouses. As the youngest member of the Fakhruddin family, he began his business journey at just 17 — quickly immersing himself in the family’s operations and laying the groundwork for what would become a global empire.

With over 35 years of industry experience, Dr Fakhruddin has built and led some of the Middle East’s most recognisable fragrance and beauty brands, including ARMAF, Hamidi, Risala, Cosmo Cosmetics, and Armaf Beauté. Today, Sterling’s portfolio reaches consumers across more than 132 countries — carrying the signature of innovation, modernity, and quality rooted in
its origins.

At the heart of this success lies Dr Fakhruddin’s ability to anticipate trends and lead with purpose. His vision has propelled the group’s expansion into new markets, while ensuring each brand remains authentic, accessible, and globally relevant. From prestige perfumery to everyday essentials, his brands reflect a deep understanding of diverse consumer needs.

One of his driving ambitions is to see at least one Sterling product in every household around the world — a goal that continues to inspire the group’s innovation and global expansion.

In 2023, Sterling Group marked a major milestone: 25 years of growth, celebrated by unveiling the ‘World’s Largest Perfume Wall’, a symbol of the company’s scale and ambition. In 2024, Dr Fakhruddin earned a professional doctorate in International Business from European International University – Paris, recognising his global leadership in beauty.

While the scale is global, the vision remains rooted in homegrown values. Inspired by the legacy of his late father, Fakhruddin Ebrahimiji — founder of Fakhruddin Holdings — Dr Fakhruddin continues to champion innovation, family entrepreneurship, and regional pride. Alongside his brothers, he has built a business empire that blends heritage with a bold, forward-looking strategy.

Today, as Sterling Perfumes expands its global footprint, Dr Fakhruddin stands at the forefront of regional excellence, redefining what it means to build beauty brands from the UAE, for the world.

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