UAE’s Local Perfume Culture: Scents That Define the Emirates

Thursday, 12 June 2025

The United Arab Emirates is known for many things—luxury, architecture, and innovation—but one of its most captivating aspects is its deep-rooted perfume culture. In the UAE, perfume isn’t just a finishing touch to an outfit; it’s an expression of identity, heritage, and hospitality. Local Emirati scents tell stories, evoke memories, and reflect centuries of tradition blended with modern elegance.

We take you through the essence of UAE’s perfume culture—what makes it unique, the key ingredients, how perfumes are used, and where to explore authentic local fragrances.

Table of Contents

• Why Perfume Matters in Emirati Culture
• Signature Scents of the UAE
• Top Local Arabic Perfume Brands
• Traditional Perfume Practices in the UAE
• Where to Experience Local Emirati Perfumes
• Modern Takes on Traditional Scents
• Frequently asked questions

Why Perfume Matters in Emirati Culture

In Emirati households, fragrance is more than a personal preference—it’s a daily ritual and a symbol of status and respect. Perfume is used not only for the body but also to scent clothes, homes, and even prayer areas. The act of perfuming is often a spiritual one, tied to concepts of cleanliness, hospitality, and celebration.

For generations, oud (agarwood) and bukhoor (incense) have played a central role in traditional gatherings, weddings, and religious events. From preparing for Friday prayers to welcoming guests, fragrance is an invisible but powerful part of Emirati life.

Signature Scents of the UAE

Here are some of the most iconic ingredients that define the UAE’s local perfume culture:

1. Oud (Agarwood)

Known as “liquid gold,” oud is the heart of Emirati perfumery. Extracted from the resinous wood of Aquilaria trees, oud has a deep, smoky, and woody aroma that lingers for hours. It is one of the most luxurious and expensive ingredients in the world.

2. Bukhoor

Bukhoor refers to wood chips soaked in perfume oils, which are then burned in a mabkhara (incense burner). The rising smoke is used to scent clothing and living spaces. The scent is warm, inviting, and often mixed with rose, sandalwood, or musk.

3. Rose (Especially Taif Rose)

Floral and fresh, rose adds a soft, romantic layer to many traditional Emirati fragrances. Taif rose, in particular, is prized for its rich, velvety scent.

4. Frankincense and Myrrh

These resins have been used for centuries in the Arabian Peninsula. They lend a sacred, earthy aroma and are often burned during religious occasions or blended into perfumed oils.

5. Musk and Amber

These ingredients add warmth, sensuality, and longevity to fragrances. They are often found as base notes, giving the perfume its depth and staying power.

Top Local Arabic Perfume Brands

Dubai is home to a vibrant community of perfume artisans who blend age-old ingredients with cutting-edge innovation. If you’re eager to explore authentic Emirati scents, here are the top local perfume brands to experience:

1. Ajmal Perfumes

Established in the UAE for decades, Ajmal has become synonymous with premium Arabic perfumery. The brand is lauded for its expert craftsmanship in oud and musk compositions.

What Sets It Apart:

Ajmal masterfully blends heritage with modern tastes, offering an expansive collection for men and women. Their scents are known for their depth, refinement, and lasting power.

2. Rasasi Perfumes

Rasasi is celebrated for its creative fusions of Arabic and Western fragrance elements. Its perfumes are bold, long-wearing, and constantly evolving.

Why It Stands Out:

With a forward-thinking approach and commitment to quality, Rasasi appeals to a global audience. Whether for daily wear or special occasions, their perfumes adapt to every lifestyle.

3. Al Haramain Perfumes

For those who crave authenticity and artistry, Al Haramain delivers. This family-operated brand has been crafting high-end fragrances rooted in classical Arabic traditions.

What Makes It Special:

Al Haramain’s signature lies in its exceptional longevity and intense oud-based scents. Their perfumes carry a spiritual, grounding aroma ideal for fragrance purists.

4. Swiss Arabian

Swiss Arabian creates a harmonious blend of Eastern and Western perfumery. From intense oud compositions to airy florals, their offerings are vast and versatile.

Why People Love It:

Swiss Arabian is favored for its refined musk perfumes and accessible luxury. Each fragrance is meticulously crafted with wide appeal in mind.

5. Ahmed Al Maghribi Perfumes

Emerging as a contemporary leader in the UAE’s perfume industry, Ahmed Al Maghribi crafts scents that fuse tradition with creative modernity. The brand has swiftly built a reputation for luxury and innovation.

What Sets It Apart:

• Versatility: Offers a broad selection—from bold ouds to delicate musks—catering to every mood and occasion.
• Staying Power: Their perfumes are formulated to last all day, earning praise from those who prefer impactful, enduring scents.
• Creative Excellence: The brand’s innovative approach ensures each fragrance is a unique sensory journey.
• Accessible Pricing: Luxury without compromise—Ahmed Al Maghribi delivers quality at various price points.

Traditional Perfume Practices in the UAE

Perfume in the UAE is worn in layers. Emiratis often apply oils directly to the skin, followed by spraying a perfume and finally walking through bukhoor smoke to scent their clothing. This multi-step process ensures that the scent lasts all day and becomes part of the wearer’s presence.

In Emirati weddings, perfuming is a ceremonial event. Guests are offered bukhoor as they enter, and the bride is often gifted with specially blended oils and perfumes as part of her dowry.

Where to Experience Local Emirati Perfumes

If you want to experience authentic UAE fragrances, here are some great places to explore:

1. Perfume Souks in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

These traditional markets are treasure troves of local perfumes. You can find custom blends, concentrated oils, and raw ingredients like oud chips and bukhoor.

2. Luxury Perfume Houses

Brands such as Ajmal, Rasasi, Swiss Arabian, and Hind Al Oud blend traditional ingredients with modern perfumery techniques. Many offer bespoke scent creation experiences.

3. Cultural Events & Festivals

Events like Global Village and Emirati Heritage Festivals often feature perfume stalls where artisans demonstrate traditional methods of perfume-making.

Modern Takes on Traditional Scents

In 2025, the Emirati perfume industry is seeing a blend of old and new. While traditional elements like oud remain central, modern perfumers are combining them with international notes—like citrus, vanilla, and leather—to appeal to younger, global audiences.

Unisex perfumes, niche labels, and sustainable ingredients are becoming more popular, yet the core identity of Emirati perfumery—deep, warm, and luxurious—remains unchanged.

Perfume in the UAE is not just a product—it’s a cultural signature. It connects generations, welcomes guests, and adds a layer of richness to everyday life. Whether you’re visiting the Emirates or living here, embracing the local perfume culture offers a deeper appreciation of the region’s identity and traditions.