Where to buy Arabic perfume in Dubai

Famed for its strong aromatic fragrance, Arabic perfume is a vital part of UAE culture. Compared to softer, citrusy scents from Europe and Asia, a lot of consumers prefer the aromatic oils of oud, sandalwood and other associated scents from the Gulf. For example, consider oud — used mostly in the Middle East in the form of body oils, wooden incense chips and fragrance. Its associated scent is synonymous with hospitality in the Middle East and is known for its spicy as well as woody undertones. Where can you find Arabic perfumes in Dubai? Let’s find out.

Arabian Oud 

Arabian Oud is first up on our picks for notable places for Arabic perfumes in Dubai. Established in 1982 with several branches in the rest of the UAE, the Dubai perfume brand is a hit with locals and visitors alike. With around 900 stores around the world, the award-winning brand is famed for introducing clients to unique fragrances.

As for its range of Arabic perfume, customers are spoilt for choice in terms of quality. Consider the Arabian Legend Gold with a scent that has a touch of saffron and mandarin orange tinged with a hint of rose and patchouli. For traditionalists, there is the Blue Oud, marketed as a “unique bundle of rare Indian Oud and blue musk scent.” So next time you visit the emirate, make sure you visit Arabian Oud in Dubai.

• Location: The Dubai Mall
• Contact: +971-4-339-8981

Swiss Arabian 

Another contender for best perfume shops in Dubai for Arabic perfume is Swiss Arabian which has been in the business for over 40 years and is considered a pioneer in the fragrance industry in the UAE. The brand produces more than 35 million perfumes annually which are also exported to stores in over 80 countries. 

Arabian fragrances here are available as bakhoors, or wood chips submerged in perfumed oil, and ouds. Customers may consider the Dehn El Oud — described as the “light of a setting sun in a bottle” the premier scent gives off a heady blend of Agarwood from Cambodia, Vietnam and India. Additionally, Swiss Arabian perfumes in Dubai are pretty popular with the locals too. 

• Location: The Dubai Mall
• Contact: +971-55-947-7921

Ajmal Perfumes

Over six decades in the perfume industry has earned Ajmal Perfumes a slew of loyal customers. Originally established in the 1950s, the brand has an impressive portfolio of over 300 fragrances and several exclusive retail outlets across the GCC. An innovator in the perfume manufacturing industry, Ajmal is also a great source for Arabic perfumes in Dubai. 

A leading retailer for oriental perfumes, Ajmal Perfumes is known for its Arabian scents too. Consider their Dahn Al Oudh Atheer — a scent worn by royals, noblemen and common folk over the centuries. Derived from the agarwood tree, the scent gives off warm woody tones with a hint of spice. 

• Location: Shop No. 222, Al Satwa Road – Dubai
• Contact: +971-4-344-1010

Ghawali 

Taking inspiration from the term Ghalia that literally translates to “precious”, Ghawali is next on our list of places with the best Arabian perfumes in Dubai. Bestsellers here include the Al Abiq, Al Azal, Al Barez and Al Atahl Perfume Oud. 

Priced at AED 745, the 75ml Al Abiq Perfume gives off warm notes of Taif rose and cloves with a hint of sandalwood and amber which enhances its impact on the senses.  Another customer favourite, the Al Barez Perfume Oud is available for AED 990 and contains floral notes of violet and jasmine. 

• Location: Dubai Festival City, Ghawali Store
• Contact: +971-4-224-5514

Rasasi 

This globally recognized brand may be renowned for its occidental scents, but it also earns props for its Arabic offerings too. Interested customers may consider its fusion Arabic French fragrances like the Dareej, Tasmeem, Kun Mukhthalifan and the Attar Al Mohabba — each of which has a version for male and female customers. For example, the Tasmeem for men fragrance has a top scent of mugwort, cardamom and cumin with a base of sandalwood, amber, musk and vanilla. 

• Location: Jebel Ali, Dubai
• Contact: +971-4-881-6655

Xpressions Style 

Those looking for Arabic perfumes in Dubai may also go to an Xpressions Style outlet. The brand is a favourite amongst perfume enthusiasts with specialities covering Arabian scents as well. For example, there is the Al Humaidi Arabic perfume for ladies — a 100ml bottle priced at AED 59 with top notes of juniper, cardamom and incense with a base of amber as well as vetiver. For customers unable to find certain products in nearby branches, we recommend the Xpressions Style website where products can be ordered online. 

• Location: Century Mall – Dubai
• Contact: +971-4-296-8894

Samawa 

Samawa has an impressive collection of affordable Arabic scents in its inventory. With scents available for as low as AED 18, those looking for cheap perfumes in Dubai will be spoilt for choice.

Arabic perfumes at Samawa are available as unisex, for men and women. For example, bargain hunters may consider the Swiss Arabian Arais Bakhoor for men and women, available for AED 18. Male customers looking for more qualitative choice can go for the Dunhill Signature Collection Arabian Desert, available for AED 320. Female patrons may consider the Afnan Supremacy Pink Perfume for women, priced at AED 99. 

• Location: Showroom No. 7, Ground floor, Bin Shabib Building 1, Umm Ramool
• Contact: +971-4-227-7995

Touch of Oud 

Also a place for the best oud in Dubai, interested patrons can find a selection of Arabic perfume at Touch of Oud. Fragrances here are a bit pricy but are well worth the buy considering the quality you are getting. 

Their best selling products are essential oils like Jala, Rajwan, Atheer, Maylaa and Manar. Atheer for example, is a steam-extracted essential oil made from vanilla, wood, rose and patchouli with top notes of rose, grey amber and saffron. Priced at AED 367, you can get a bottle of Atheer at Touch of Oud outlets in Dubai or the brand’s online store. In addition to being one of the best oud shops in Dubai, the brand also offers its products as part of gift packages. 

• Location: Etihad Mall, ground floor, Opposite Union Coop
• Contact: +971-54-308-4153

Al Jazeera Perfumes

Al Jazeera Perfumes wraps up our list of places for Arabic perfumes in Dubai. The brand is known for its scents and has a strong customer base in the GCC. The brand has an outlet The Dubai Mall, located on the ground floor.

• Location: The Dubai Mall, ground floor
• Contact: +971-4-325-3396

Perfume Souk

In addition to retail outlets that offer Arabic perfume in Dubai, a special shout-out goes to the Perfume Souk. A name given to a collection of perfume stores on Sikkat Al Khail Road in Deira, this souk is the first place visitors usually make a beeline for on their search for Arabian fragrances — especially when it comes to finding the best attar in Dubai. Located just east of the Gold Souk, the area features everything from traditional Arabic ittars to latest scents. Inexperienced shoppers confused on what to buy will find the helpfulness of the shopkeepers a welcome relief. The perfumes are well priced but you can buy several bottles if you know how to haggle. 

That’s all for our review of the best places for Arabic perfumes in Dubai. Planning to give your purchased perfume as a gift? Couple it with a special which you can find at souvenir shops in Dubai. Plan to spend the holiday season in Dubai? Looking to take your traditional shopping spree to the next level? Find the best abayas in our picks for abaya shops in Dubai. 

For more information on stores and souks in Dubai, stay tuned to MyBayut.