In the ever-vibrant beauty scene of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) — covering the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman and Kuwait — nail polish trends are evolving rapidly. As salons and nail technicians upgrade their services and clients expect fresh-on-trend results, staying ahead with colour and effect is vital. For professionals and home enthusiasts alike, Makear has become a go-to for premium gel polish technology and sensational colour collections.
In 2025, we’re seeing a bold mix of refined classics and futuristic pops — from neon gel accents to magnetic cat-eye finishes and glazed neons. Here’s a breakdown of the top nail colour trends you’ll want to offer (or try) in the GCC region — and how to do them right with Makear.
1. Elevated Neutrals with a Local Feel
While neon and high-drama options are striking, the GCC market still loves elegant neutrals — especially for everyday wear, business-friendly looks, and sophisticated events. In 2025 the trending neutral palette shifts to warm tones: mocha, latte, caramel, and soft brownie-nudes.
Why this matters in the GCC:
- Warm skin tones common in the region are accentuated by brown-beige tones.
- Air-conditioning and indoor lighting can make cooler neutrals look dull; warmer neutrals retain richness.
- Salons offering premium services can market: “luxury neutral manicure for Dubai evenings or Saudi galas”.
How to use Makear:
Choose Makear’s gel polish range in beige/nude shades (check the “Regular” collection) for this look. Two thin coats cured properly will deliver a flawless finish. Follow with cuticle oil for the refined edge.
2. Neon & Fluorescent Pops
Bright colours are making a major comeback — and in 2025 the neon palette isn’t just for festivals or beach resorts: it’s being adopted in urban salons for power manicures and trend-driven clients. Think vivid citrus, electric pinks, turquoise, neon greens.
Why the GCC will love it:
- Resort lifestyle in places like Dubai, Bahrain and Qatar invites bold nails.
- It complements dark contrasting abayas or eveningwear.
- Neon gel polishes are perfect for social media content — an important driver for salons in the region.
How to use Makear:
Makear’s Neon Gel Polish collection has a wide range (see N-series codes). Start with a white or light base coat to make the neon pop. Apply two thin coats, top with a high-gloss Makear top coat. Curate a dedicated neon-look menu in your salon. Offer express bright-pop manicures for younger clients or social-media-savvy consumers.
3. Cat-Eye & Magnetic Effects
One of the most talked-about finishes for 2025 is the cat-eye effect — a magnetic gel polish that creates a shifting line or shimmering “feline” sheen. It gives depth and elegance while staying wearable for everyday.
Why this works in the GCC:
- Adds luxury and intrigue in salon results without being overly flashy.
- Works for both shorter nails (popular in professional settings) and longer styles (for trend-focused clients).
- Easy to upsell as an “effect upgrade” on top of a classic colour.
How to use Makear:
Use Makear’s Cat-Eye Gel Polish or Rubber Base Cat-Eye series (check their effect collection). Apply base coat, then the cat¬-eye gel, and use a magnet tool to create the line. Cure as per instructions, then apply a top coat. Offer variations: subtle cat-eye for corporate clients, full magnetic shimmer for occasions.
4. Glazed & Chrome Finishes
Going into 2025 we’ll see more glazed finishes — almost translucent or sugar-glazed looks; and chrome accents (tips, edges or whole nail) for that high-shine, modern aesthetic.
GCC relevance:
- High-end salons in Dubai and Riyadh can market this as luxury manicure category.
- Perfect for weddings, celebrations, VIP clients where nails are part of the full glam-look.
- Reflects the region’s love for shine, metallic accents and glossy finishes.
How to use Makear:
Select Makear’s metallics and chrome effect gels. For a glazed base, use a sheer base colour and then apply chrome powder or top coat. Pair with LED/UV curing. Tempt clients by showing imagery of clean, glossy finishes. Position as premium add-on.
5. Classic Reds & Deep Berries
Timeless. Always relevant. The red manicure remains strong — and in 2025 it’s evolving into deeper berries, wine reds and rich burgundies.
Why GCC salons should stock it:
- Fits formal events, family gatherings, corporate functions.
- Works well with gold jewellery, darker hair tones and evening attire.
- A strong staple offering in every salon menu.
How to use Makear:
Pick Makear’s gel polish codes in the red/berry shade category. Use exact colour matching for clients who want a “signature” red. Promote “our red” as one of your most-requested shades. Two coats, top coat, and cuticle-oil finish will deliver a polished result.
6. Muted Metallic & Pearl Tones
Less about disco sparkle; more about subtle shimmer and luxe textures. Pearl, soft golds, champagne metallics are becoming favoured for a more refined aesthetic.
GCC appeal:
- Matches the region’s elegant interiors, fashion style, gold jewellery trends.
- Perfect for clients seeking a high-end finish that is still understated.
How to use Makear:
Use Makear’s glitter/metallic gel polish variants. Combine with neutral base, apply two thin coats, finish with no-wipe top coat for high gloss. Offer as “executive manicure” service in salons.
7. Minimalist & French Styles with a Twist
While colour trends dominate, there’s a strong counter-movement of minimalist nails — nude bases, soft pinks, negative space, thin lines of colour or neon tips. These looks are increasingly popular among working professionals in the GCC who want style without boldness.
Why this matters regionally:
- Many salons in the GCC cater to international professionals who prefer subtle elegancy.
- Provides an upsell opportunity: add a thin neon line or a tiny chrome accent to neutral nails.
How to use Makear:
Offer a base of Makear’s nude/pink shades, then add a fine line of neon or metallic as accent. Promote this as “stylish yet understated” for clients who travel, work or want low-maintenance glam.
8. Seasonal & Occasion-Driven Trends
In the GCC market, seasonality and cultural occasions influence nail colour choices — Ramadan & Eid, wedding season, summer resort holidays, and special events. For 2025: expect deeper jewel tones for winter/holiday, resort-bright for summer, and elegant metallics for festivities.
Tip for salons:
Prepare a mini-lookbook: “Eid Collection 2025”, “Summer Resort Nails”, “Bridal Gel Shades”. Leverage social media (Instagram, TikTok) to show trending Makear colours in those categories.
9. Considerations for Gel Polish Application in the GCC
Trend colours matter — but so do results. Here’s how Makear stands out and why using the right system matters:
- Professional quality & long wear: Makear Gel Polish is developed using advanced European technology, offering rich pigmentation, strong coverage and up to 3-4 weeks wear when applied correctly.
- Wide range of effects: From neons to cat-eye to metallic and regular collections – Makear offers over 300 shades and effects.
- Regional support & distributor presence: Makear serves the GCC region via authorised distributor, ensuring authenticity and timely delivery.
- Salons should emphasise using a full system (base, colour, top, correct curing) and training the team to offer trending colours with flawless finish.
10. Business & Marketing Tips for Salons in the GCC
To capitalise on these trends:
- Curate a “2025 Trend Colour Menu” featuring: warm neutrals, neon pops, cat-eye effect, glazed/chrome, deep reds.
- Use professional photography: clients in GCC are social-media-savvy and often share manicure results — make sure your Makear colours look Instagram-ready.
- Offer tiered pricing: Standard colour + Trend colour as premium. For instance, “Classic Nude” base price; “Neon/Chrome/Cat-Eye” at higher price.
- Share & promote seasonal collections: “Eid-Ready Nail Bar”, “Summer Resort Nails”, “Bridal Collection”.
- Educate clients: show them how trend colours work with their skin tone, wardrobe and lifestyle.
- Stock accessories: neon accents, magnets for cat-eye, chromes — cross-sell these with colour services.
11. Colour & Skin Tone Considerations in the GCC
Given the diversity in GCC — with skin tones ranging from fair to deep and many clients with mixed heritage — colour selection matters:
- Warm neutrals (caramel, mocha) complement medium to deep skin tones and look elegant under artificial lighting.
- Neon shades: pair with darker skin tones for contrast, or with pastel base for lighter skin tones.
- Deep reds/berries: universally flattering; gold accessories accentuate these shades beautifully.
- Chrome and metallic finishes: look especially luxe under LED lighting and compliment gold jewellery common in the region.
- Cat-eye/magnetic effect: elongates nails visually, ideal when nails are shorter (popular among professionals).
12. Conclusion & Call to Action
As 2025 unfolds, nail colour trends in the GCC are combining boldness with refinement — neons and effects meet luxe neutrals and metallics. For salons and nail techs using Makear, this is your moment to lead the market: showcase trend-forward manicures, use high-quality gel systems, and position your services as premium, stylish and lasting.
Whether you’re looking to stock the most sought-after shades of neon, launch a cat-eye collection, or build a sophisticated minimalist nail offering — Makear gives you the tools and the reputation to execute flawlessly. Clients in Dubai, Riyadh, Doha and beyond expect quality, variety and trend-leadership — now you can deliver.
Explore the full Makear Gel Polish range at makearme.com.
Upgrade your colour palette, elevate your salon service, and set the scene for 2025’s standout manicures.
About Makear
Makear is a professional European gel polish brand distributed across the GCC region by Arabesque Trading W.L.L. As a trusted partner to salons and nail technicians in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar and Bahrain, Makear provides high-quality gel polish, builder bases, effect collections and after-care solutions — designed for durability, elegance and performance.