UAE’s Top Young Fragrance Noses Announced – Finale of the World’s First ever “Young Perfumer” Talent Hunt by
Ajmal Perfumes
Revered panelists and distinguished guests gathered to witness the crowing of the Young Perfumer for 2013.
Dubai: The winner of the world’s first “Young Perfumer Talent Hunt” was announced at a scintillating ceremony attended by over 500 invitees including VIP’s at The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marine.
A culmination of two months of roadshows through which Ajmal gathered potential contestants from select UAE Universities and select Ajmal Showrooms, the event was a test of potential and promise.
These 20 contestants that appeared for the competition today were shortlisted from over 2500 entries that Ajmal received from aspiring perfumers across the United Arab Emirates. To equip them with the necessary understanding of perfume creation, these 20 contestants were put through an intensive one day training program which taught them the basics of perfumery both the theoretical aspect as well as practical experience of creating their own experiments under the guidance of staff from Ajmal and perfumer partners, Firmenich.
The contestants were given 90 minutes to create a fragrance that would be their representation of a ‘French Mukhallat’ fragrance theme from the 16 ingredients provided to them. Each one of them was provided with their own perfumery workstations to allow for freedom to work and express their creativity.
These references were judged by an esteemed panel of Judges and after much deliberation Jihad Badran was crowned the Title Winner of Ajmal Young Perfumer Talent Hunt. Sakina Sawan, Mohamed Ali Al Hamadi, Ziad Awwad and Maitha Mohamed Salem were named as 1st/2nd/3rd and 4th runner ups and awarded for their creative renditions as well.
“I am truly privileged to have received the winning title of the ‘Ajmal Young Perfumer Talent Hunt’ of 2013. I consider this recognition and opportunity a profitable return of efforts of Ajmal Perfumes. This first of its kind competition was a thrilling experience to me and my fellow contestants where we were able to apply our creativity and receive valuable training in perfume making. I regard this award an honor to all youth as it has established our creative and cognitive capabilities that assist in opening unrestrained perspectives in the fragrance industry” said Jihad Badran.
Proud to be the first in the World to initiate such a genuine competition, the prominent event’s Judges panel included Mr. Abdulla Ajmal; General Manager of Ajmal Perfumes, Mr. Saleh Al Braik, Founder of Thinkup.ae, Mr, Hamid Kashani; Perfumer at Firmenich in addition to Ms. Laila Suhail; CEO of Dubai Events & Promotions, Karen Jones; Editor of Friday Magazine and Mr. Ali Mostafa; the renowned Feature Film Director.
“When we started this talent hunt, we knew that we had a great idea on our hands, but were left amazed at the interest generated by local as well as expat youngsters across the United Arab Emirates. I would like to thank each and every candidate who registered and all our partners for their sincerest of efforts to make this event a success. Congratulations to the winners, commiserations to those who didn’t make it, I wish you nothing but the best for the future. This is a program that will continue and InshAllah come 2014, it will be bigger and better”, said Abdulla Ajmal.
About Ajmal:
Ajmal, in its over 62 year history of creating fragrances, has mastered the art of perfume making and occupies a unique niche in the world of perfumery in the Middle East. Today, Ajmal is a regional corporate entity with a vast portfolio of the finest and most captivating fragrances available in the region. Ajmal has established a strong retail presence with over 150 exclusive retail outlets across the GCC including one flagship outlet in Kuala Lumpur and five stand-alone locations across Malaysia. AJMAL also exports to over 30 countries across the globe.