The perfume market is one of the biggest in the Middle East, with revenue worth over four billion dollars and growing annually. The UAE Perfume market alone was valued at around 643.35 million USD in 2023 and is projected to reach 1456.24 million USD by 2032.
The importance of fragrance in Arab culture and tradition is a significant factor in the industry’s success in the region. When I was a child visiting Dubai for the first time, one of the first things I noticed was the beautiful fragrances I smelt as I walked around in malls. Sure, it is mostly perfume shops that burn bakhoor to attract you to their stores, but it goes beyond that.
Scents like oud, musk, and rose play a significant role in religious and social rituals and have done so for decades in the region, so you see it all around you in the UAE. These scents symbolize hospitality and luxury, two values held highly in Arab communities.
Perfumes are worn to reflect your identity. Wearing Arabic perfume reflects a long history of culture, refinement, and elegance. It is an essential part of personal identity. This cultural regard has driven Dubai’s growing fragrance industry, where traditional and modern scents come together in a marketplace like no other in the world.
If you were to ask me about Arabic fragrances, I’d say no one makes them better than local brands from the region. But that is not to say that no international brands have ever succeeded at creating magnificent Arabian-inspired fragrances. Here are some of the best Arabic fragrances by Arab and International brands.
For Her:
1. Arabian Eagle No-010 Extrait De Parfum
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Arabian Eagle |
| Best for | Women |
| Fragrance Family | Floral Amber |
| Notes | Top: Orange Blossom, Green Mandarin, and Bitter Orange Middle: Tuberose and Neroli Base: Bourbon Vanilla and White Musk |
| Release year | – |
| Longevity | Over 10 hours |
| Projection | Moderate |
| Perfumer | Arabian Eagle |
Citrus scents remind me a lot of the Levant. The mandarin, orange, and orange blossom in the opening of No-010 by Arabian Eagle makes me feel like I am a child running free through the gardens of the cities of the Levant.
It doesn’t end there. The heart of tuberose and neroli, alongside the bourbon vanilla and white musk in the base, will transport you from the Levant to North Africa and finally to Dubai. This long-lasting women’s fragrance will give you the full Arabian experience with every single note.
2. Van Cleef Precious Oud EDP
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Van Cleef |
| Best for | Women |
| Fragrance Family | Floral Amber |
| Notes | Top: Pink Pepper and Bergamot Middle: Tuberose, Incense, and Jasmine Base: Agarwood (Oud), Sandalwood, Patchouli, Ambergris, and Vetiver |
| Release year | 2011 |
| Longevity | Over 8 hours |
| Projection | Moderate |
| Perfumer | Amandine Clerc-Marie |
Van Cleef and Arpels combine the fresh scents of the Levant with warm and luxurious notes of the Gulf in Precious Oud. The spicy notes mixed with sweet, citrusy bergamot represent a blend that you would only find in the Gulf region. The note of patchouli at the base adds depth alongside oud, sandalwood, ambergris, and vetiver.
I am typically drawn to Arabic perfumes that are created by Arabian brands but this fragrance by Van Cleef and Arpels is one of the few exceptions you will find on this list.
For Him:
1. Rasasi Hawas EDP
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Rasasi |
| Best for | Men |
| Fragrance Family | Aromatic Aquatic |
| Notes | Top: Apple, Bergamot, Lemon, and Cinnamon Middle: Watery Notes, Plum, Orange Blossom, and Cardamon Base: Ambergris, Musk, Patchouli, and Driftwood |
| Release year | 2015 |
| Longevity | Over 8 hours |
| Projection | Moderate |
| Perfumer | Rasasi |
I wonder if the perfume developers at Rasasi realized they were creating an iconic scent when they put together Hawas in 2015, that almost 10 years later, it will still be talked about and loved.
This fragrance is fresh, warm, aquatic, and decadent all at once. It’s an ideal option for a man looking for an affordable scent to wear everyday.
2. Tom Ford Noir Extreme EDP
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Tom Ford |
| Best for | Men |
| Fragrance Family | Amber Woody |
| Notes | Top: Cardamom, Nutmeg, Saffron, Mandarin Orange, and Neroli Middle: Kulfi, Rose, Mastic or Lentisque, Jasmine, and Orange Blossoms Base: Vanilla, Amber, Woody Notes, and Sandalwood |
| Release year | 2015 |
| Longevity | Over 8 hours |
| Projection | Moderate |
| Perfumer | Sonia Constant |
Tom Ford makes luxury fragrances like no other brand, and Nour Extreme is no exception. Extreme Noir is one of the best Arabian-inspired fragrances for men, blending rich, exotic notes that are sensual and sophisticated.
This fragrance combines traditional Arabian scents with modernity, with a mix of woody spices, romantic florals, and warm notes. This bold scent is perfect for men who want a fragrance best suited for evening wear.
For Unisex:
1. Lattafa Ajwad EDP
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Lattafa |
| Best for | Unisex |
| Fragrance Family | Woody Aromatic |
| Notes | Top: Fruity Notes Middle: Rose and Jasmine Base: Vanilla, Musk, Amber, and Cedar |
| Release year | 2021 |
| Longevity | Over 8 hours |
| Projection | Moderate |
| Perfumer | Lattafa |
Ajwad by Lattafa is a scent that I am obsessed with. It is a warm and cozy fragrance that I love wearing during fall and winter. It is also made in the UAE.
With a blend of sweet fruits, florals, creamy vanilla, and rich musk, amber, and cedar, it achieves the perfect balance between softness and depth. This combination makes it suitable for any occasion. Although this is a relatively new fragrance, I can see it being a very popular choice for fragrance lovers for years to come.
2. Faiz Niche Collection Leather F9990 Extrait De Parfum
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Faiz Niche |
| Best for | Unisex |
| Fragrance Family | Amber Leather |
| Notes | Top: Cardamom Middle: Leather and Jasmine Sambac Base: Amber, Moss, and Patchouli |
| Release year | 2014 |
| Longevity | Over 10 hours |
| Projection | Moderate |
| Perfumer | Faizal CP |
Collection F9990 is a unisex fragrance by Faiz Niche designed for office wear and important meetings. To me, at least, this fragrance means business.
With an inviting cardamom opening—a spice essential in Arabic coffee and cuisine—a heart of sophisticated leather and elegant jasmine, and a base of deep, rich notes of amber, moss, and patchouli, this fragrance is pure luxury at an affordable price.
Visit V Perfumes for more Arabian fragrances and many more. Don’t miss out on offers that you won’t find anywhere else in the UAE.
