Indian beauty major partners with Modist Global to accelerate GCC expansion, launching in UAE within 21 days
Swiss Beauty, one of India’s top-five beauty brands, has announced its international debut through a strategic partnership with Dubai-based cross-border D2C enablement firm Modist Global. The tie-up marks Swiss Beauty’s entry into the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), beginning with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), one of the world’s fastest-growing beauty markets valued at USD 10 billion.
The company said the UAE is a compelling first step in its global journey, given its sizeable South Asian diaspora — nearly 70 per cent of the 12 million population — which offers strong affinity and purchasing power for Indian-origin products.
Shanu Kheria, Head of International Growth at Swiss Beauty, said the partnership allows the brand to expand at speed and scale.
“We’re part of a new generation of Indian brands built for global consumers, and the GCC is a natural next step. With Modist Global’s infrastructure, we’re able to scale efficiently, stay compliant, and preserve our brand identity.”
Through Modist Global, Swiss Beauty will enter the UAE market within 21 days, significantly faster than traditional overseas expansion timelines that can stretch over several months. The platform enables brands to reduce setup costs by up to 40 per cent, offering integrated compliance, logistics, and distribution services while allowing complete control over pricing, assortment, and consumer experience.
Already a recognised player in India’s USD 6.9 billion cosmetics market, Swiss Beauty offers more than 400 SKUs across makeup, skincare, and tools. Its UAE debut will include hero products such as HD Matte Lipsticks, Ultra Blush Palette, and Liquid Eyeshadows. These will be available via leading e-commerce platforms including Amazon and Noon, as well as select offline stores and pharmacies.
Nikhil Agarwal, Co-founder & CEO, Modist Global, said the partnership underscores the global ambitions of India’s beauty ecosystem.
“Our goal is to make global expansion faster, compliant, and cost-effective for Indian brands. Swiss Beauty’s GCC launch reflects the confidence and maturity of India’s D2C market.”
Modist Global currently supports more than 1,200 brands across markets including the US, UK, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Acting as an importer of record, it manages compliance, logistics and operational workflows, helping D2C and retail brands compress entry timelines from months to weeks.
Rising global appetite for Indian beauty
Swiss Beauty’s expansion comes amid accelerating global demand for Indian beauty and personal care products. The GCC, with its established familiarity with Indian brands and strong retail ecosystem, offers a natural pathway for homegrown brands looking to scale.
The company said its GCC entry is part of a wider strategy to transform Indian D2C success stories into global contenders by leveraging cross-border infrastructure and digital commerce.
