If you are a fragrance aficionado, then your visit in Dubai, or stay, just got ten times better. Why? Because here is where you can find the true best Arabic niche perfume market. With thousands of brands and scents to chose from, you will surely not be disappointed with any of your purchases.
Also because the pricing is extremely competitive with your mainstream designer bottles, you can afford to pack in your suitcases several bottles of Arabic elixir.
What makes Arabic perfumery so special?
The middle east is known to use a special not so secret ingredient in all perfumery products, from fragrance to oils, burning candles or sticks.
We are talking about the oud. The agarwood also called aloeswood, eaglewood, or gharuwood is a fragrant dark resinous wood. You can find it in specific trees like the aquilaria tree, right in the middle of the trunk once the tree becomes infected with a special kind of mold. Even if the definition does not seem very appealing, i guarantee the scent will change your spirits.
Not all Arabic fragrances have as a base note the oud, but because of the popularity and predisposition of Arabic population towards this aromatic wood, many designer brands have designed their popular fragrances also in a version containing oud.
If you are ready to swap your daily scent for something more Arabian like, you can try the below versions of your beloved Sephora finds:
- Gucci Guilty Oud– 620 AED
- Carolina Herrera Oud Couture– 990 AED
- Hugo Boss Boss Bottled Oud– 394 AED
- Valentino Noir Absolu Oud Essence– 595 AED
- Gucci Intense Oud– 678 AED
- Armani Eau de Nuit Oud Eau de Parfum– 465 AED
If you are not not interested in the same old brands, you will be happy knowing that Dubai also sells truly Arabic companies fragrances.
Arabic fragrance brands and where to find them
You might even have one or two of them in your collection without even knowing the provenience. Below you can find some high end and also some affordable brands that you must try once in Dubai.
- Ajmal: Price range 100-600 AED
The Dubai bases perfume manufacturer is in business since 1951. Locals are very fond of the brand especially when the price range is very affordable and the traditional ouds are used. You can find several boutiques throughout Dubai mostly in mall and shopping centers ( like Dubai mail or Mall of the Emirates).
- Ne’emah: Price range 100-500 AED
The company established in 1997 by the third generation of perfume makers. The goal of the brand is to create oriental fragrances for the modern world, and proportionally with the brand’s fans, it seems they are succeeding.
The brand is carried in UAE Sephora stores and also you can find boutiques in City Walk or Al Safa Street.
- Swiss Arabian: Price range 40-220 AED
The affordable brand is a cult favorite in the Arabic community. Many visitors once they get in contact with the brand become instantly enamored and in case they can not make up their minds, the price range will allow you to purchase quite the selection.
- Amouage: Price range above 1200 AED
Coming in at a niche perfumery level, the brand offers more than 25 scents for each of the sexes. The quality of the product that used natural ingredients is accompanied by the quality of the packaging. Each of the colorful bottles will add beauty to your vanity table. Find your preferred scent in Dubai Mall or Dubai Downtown.
- Khaltat: Price range 600-1400 AED
The Blends of Love boutique is another niche perfumery suited for perfume passionate. The brand is offering the richest quality of perfumes and oils using delicate elegant packaging. Stroll through the Mall of the Emirates for your personal bottle.
- Rasasi: Price range 40-70 AED
You need to check the Al Rasasi boutique if you get the change. The assortment is huge and the price unbeatable. Your Dubai souvenirs could be a bottle for each of your friends. Also the quality rivals some of your mainstream designer perfumes.
In the same category price and quality-wise, there are other worth mentioning brands like Lataffa or Afnan. Check them at your discretion and be prepared to be blown away.