Top 10 Arabian Perfume Brands You Must Give A Try
There is little doubt that American fragrance firms rule the perfume industry, but some gob-smacking Arabian fragrances are not far behind. While the modern technicalities of chemicals used in VS, Gucci, and CK are superb, so is the Arabian method of using the ‘oud’ ingredient in their perfume making.
The oud is the dreamy essence you experience in Arabian scents that bring about luxurious woody auras around you. These fragrances are deliciously capturing and now, finally, consumers have begun to realize just how amazing they are.
Key Characteristics of Arabian Perfumes
- Signature Ingredients: Heavily feature oud (agarwood), amber, musk, Taif rose, and saffron.
- Oil-Based Formulations: Many are concentrated, oil-based attars or alcohol-free perfumes, offering a different wear than Western sprays.
- Depth & Longevity: Known for complex, evolving scent profiles and impressive staying power on the skin.
- Cultural Heritage: Blends centuries-old perfumery traditions with modern craftsmanship.
What Makes Arabian Perfumes Unique?
Arabian fragrances stand apart in the global perfume industry. They are deeply rooted in the region’s culture and history, often centered around ingredients that have been traded and cherished for millennia[citation:2]. Unlike many Western perfumes, classic Arabian scents are frequently oil-based (known as attars) rather than alcohol-based, which can make them feel richer and wear closer to the skin. The process of creating these perfumes is often considered an art form, passed down through generations and refined over time
The most iconic note is undoubtedly oud. This precious resin from the agarwood tree provides a warm, woody, complex, and sometimes leathery scent that is the cornerstone of many luxury blends[citation:2]. Other hallmarks include the sweetness of amber, the sensuality of musk, and the delicate beauty of Taif rose
Top 3 Arabian Perfume Picks
Amani Designer Oil
A mesmerizing bliss of musk, ebony, and jasmine. Pure concentrated oil.
Al Haramain L’Aventure
A fresh, woody aromatic scent similar to Creed Aventus but at a fraction of the price.
Shaghaf Oud
A luxurious golden oud with sweet praline and vanilla notes. Long-lasting beast.
Most Popular Arabian Perfumes – Full Reviews
10. Rasasi Perfumes
Rasasi, a fragrance model from UAE, has been spreading its charms for a long time now. Its creativity entails taking musk-based and oud parts and merging them with samples of European scents to create something dreamily breathtaking.
- Affordable luxury
- Great blend of East and West
- Widely available
- Some scents can be synthetic
- Bottle designs vary in quality
9. Swiss Arabian Dehan Al Oud XX
Listed within the top 5 list of most luxurious fragrances of UAE for good reason. Their magic is that they mix the purity of Middle Eastern scents with the slight excellence of European fragrance labs. Fresh Bulgarian and French roses are added for perfection.
| Key Notes | Oud, Musk, Bulgarian Rose |
| Concentration | Concentrated Perfume Oil |
8. Al Haramain Attar Al Kaaba
Granted the award of Best Niche Fragrance by the Dubai Economic Department in 2004. Its brilliance depends on artistically playing with elements like agarwood (oud), sandalwood, amber, and Taif rose.
| Key Notes | Agarwood (Oud), Sandalwood, Amber, Taif Rose |
| Best For | Religious occasions, Winter |
7. Swiss Arabian Shaghaf Oud
Its genuine power depends on its technique of merging French fragrances with Arabian ones. This is a sweet, gourmand oud fragrance that has taken the world by storm. Notes of praline, vanilla, and oud create a long-lasting beast.
- Incredible longevity (12+ hours)
- Beautiful gold bottle
- Sweet and inviting oud
- Can be cloying in high heat
- Very strong projection (be careful)
6. Swiss Arabian Perfumes (Brand Overview)
Recognized not only as the first perfume company in UAE but for what it has evolved to be. Its mesmerizing power is in its use of sandalwood, amber, Spanish saffron, and Turkish rose. A circulation of magic into everyone’s lives.
5. Swiss Arabian Al-Amaken
Al-Amaken is just a breath of luxury and is a vibrant fruity floral magic. It has been created with rigorous effort and features base notes of passion fruit, bergamot, and black currants.
4. Swiss Arabian Sehr Al Sheila
Sehr Al Sheila features Rose, Amber, Patchouli, Sandalwood, and Vanilla. While its top notes are largely woody and amber-like, it fills one’s heart with luxurious bliss.
3. Alaia Paris Eau De Parfum
It largely features fruity parts in its notes, which later transforms into heat and mildness of rose and jasmine. Wood and musk are there for impeccability.
2. Al Haramain L’Aventure
Sandalwood, musk, cedar, and vanilla are its dynamic features. Often compared to Creed Aventus due to its pineapple and woody opening, it offers incredible value for money.
| Key Notes | Lemon, Bergamot, Elemi, Woody Notes |
| Concentration | Eau de Parfum |
1. Amani – Arabian Designer Essential Oil
Created with a mesmerizing bliss of musk, ebony, jasmine, and way more. This is a concentrated perfume oil, meaning it lasts significantly longer than sprays and stays closer to the skin.
Other Notable Houses
The landscape of Arabian perfumery is rich and diverse. Other major brands esteemed by connoisseurs include:
- Abdul Samad Al Qurashi: A historic, family-run business with over 150 years of experience, specializing in the finest oud, musk, and incense[
- Armaf: Known for elegant, high-quality fragrances that often draw inspiration from global luxury trends, offering sophistication for both men and women
- Afnan: Praised for creating a “miraculous mix” of scents, blending high-quality French components with traditional Arabian soul
How to Choose and Wear an Arabian Fragrance
Exploring Arabian perfumes can be a rewarding journey. Here is some guidance to get started
Start with Samples:
Given the potency and unique character of these scents, always try a sample on your skin first. The fragrance can evolve significantly over several hours.
Understand the Notes:
Familiarize yourself with key ingredients. If you are new to oud, try a blend where it is a supporting note rather than the main focus. For a universally appealing start, look for fragrances with amber, rose, or saffron
Experience the Luxury of the East
Arabian perfumes offer a depth and longevity that is hard to find in western fragrances. Whether you start with the sweet Shaghaf Oud or the fresh L’Aventure, you are in for a treat.
Our Top Recommendation:
The best entry point into Arabian Oud perfumes.
