Kayali is a luxury fragrance brand founded in 2018 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The name Kayali comes from the Arabic word meaning “my imagination,” reflecting its focus on creative and expressive scents inspired by Middle Eastern perfumery traditions. The brand quickly gained a global following for its rich, layerable fragrances and distinctive aesthetic.
Originally launched under the umbrella of the successful cosmetics company Huda Beauty, Kayali has carved out its own identity in the fragrance market. The brand is known for its diverse collection of perfumes that encourage customers to mix and match scents to create personalized combinations.
Ownership Status of Kayali
As of 2025, Kayali is not owned by Huda Beauty anymore. In February 2025, Huda Beauty announced that it was selling its ownership stake in Kayali to allow the fragrance brand to operate as an independent company.
Current Ownership
| Owner / Entity | Role / Notes |
|---|---|
| Mona Kattan | Co-founder and current CEO of Kayali co-owner post sale alongside General Atlantic. |
| General Atlantic | Private equity firm partnering with Mona Kattan to support Kayali’s growth. |
Kayali now operates as a standalone company, separate from Huda Beauty.
About Mona Kattan
Mona Kattan is a Dubai-based entrepreneur, fragrance expert, and the co-founder and CEO of Kayali. She launched Kayali in 2018 alongside her sister Huda Kattan, with the vision of bringing Middle Eastern–inspired luxury fragrances to a global audience. Mona is widely recognized for popularizing the concept of fragrance layering, encouraging people to mix perfumes to create a scent that reflects their personality. Over the years, she has played a central role in Kayali’s creative direction, product development, and brand storytelling. Beyond Kayali, Mona is also known for her influence in the global beauty industry and for advocating self-expression and confidence through scent.
Mona Kattan Net Worth
As of 2025, Mona Kattan’s net worth is estimated to be between $50 million and $60 million. Her wealth primarily comes from her ownership stake in Kayali, her leadership role as CEO, and her earlier involvement in the success of Huda Beauty. The 2025 transition that made Kayali an independent brand—backed by General Atlantic—further strengthened Mona’s financial position, as she continues as a co-owner and chief executive of the company. In addition to business earnings, her net worth is supported by brand collaborations, speaking engagements, and her strong presence as a global beauty entrepreneur.
Background on Ownership Transition
Kayali was founded by sisters Huda and Mona Kattan in 2018. Initially part of Huda Beauty’s business portfolio, it became one of the most successful fragrance lines globally under the creative direction of Mona Kattan.
In early 2025, Huda Beauty announced it would sell its stake in Kayali. The goal of this move was to allow Kayali to grow independently with fresh investment and strategic expertise from General Atlantic, a global growth equity firm. Mona Kattan will continue leading the company as CEO and co-owner, while General Atlantic provides additional support for its expansion.
Huda Beauty also used this opportunity to reacquire its own ownership interests previously held by external investors, returning Huda Beauty to full founder ownership.
Key Ownership Highlights
- Founder and CEO – Mona Kattan: An entrepreneur and co-founder of Kayali, Mona has been the driving creative force behind the brand’s unique scent philosophy and global appeal.
- General Atlantic: This private equity investor now holds a significant ownership position alongside Mona Kattan, contributing financial backing and strategic resources to help Kayali scale globally.
FAQs
1. Who owns Kayali today?
Kayali is owned jointly by Mona Kattan and the private equity firm General Atlantic.
2. Did Huda Beauty used to own Kayali?
Yes. Kayali was originally part of Huda Beauty, co-founded by Huda and Mona Kattan in 2018. However, in 2025, Huda Beauty sold its ownership, and the brand became independent.
3. Who is Mona Kattan?
Mona Kattan is an American entrepreneur and the CEO and co-founder of Kayali. She previously co-founded Huda Beauty with her sister Huda Kattan.
4. Is Kayali still connected to Huda Beauty?
Not in terms of ownership. Kayali now operates as a separate company, although both brands share historical roots and family leadership.
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