The UAE is one of the best places in the world to discover Arabian perfumery. Gulf houses sit beside international brands in every major mall, and many have been here for decades.

Here are eight worth knowing, with where each began and a place to start.

How we wrote this: Facts come from each house's own website or press coverage, linked below where it matters. Where sources disagree, we say so. No brand paid to be included.

At a glance

House Founded Where it began Known for
Ajmal 1951 Hojai, Assam, India; in Dubai since 1976 Oud oils, mukhallat, bakhoor
Al Haramain 1970 Makkah, Saudi Arabia Wide range of sprays, oils and incense
Swiss Arabian 1974 UAE Arabian notes with Swiss technique
Rasasi 1979 Deira, Dubai Oud, oriental and Western-style lines
Arabian Oud 1982 Saudi Arabia Oud, incense and oriental perfumes
Amouage 1983 Oman Luxury high perfumery
Afnan 2007 UAE Modern sprays, the 9 AM / 9 PM lines
Lattafa Not confirmed by the brand UAE Affordable Arabic-style sprays

The houses

Ajmal Perfumes

The Ajmal family business began in oud in Hojai, Assam, India in 1951 and opened its first Middle East outlet in Murshid Bazaar, Deira, in 1976 (Gulf News). It's known for oud oils, mukhallat blends and bakhoor.

Start with: a mukhallat oil at the counter, or a soft musk spray if you're new to oud.

Al Haramain Perfumes

Founded in 1970 in Makkah, Saudi Arabia (Al Haramain), the house says it has created more than 1,000 fragrances, across sprays, oils and incense.

Start with: L'Aventure Femme, a fruity floral, if you prefer no oud.

Swiss Arabian

Founded in 1974 by Hussein Adam Ali, Swiss Arabian describes itself as the first perfume house in the UAE and blends Arabian notes with Swiss technique (Swiss Arabian).

Start with: Shaghaf Oud for oud lovers, or Rose 01 if you prefer florals.

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Start here (no oud)Swiss ArabianRose 01 Extrait de ParfumPerfume: Fruity roseKey notes: lychee, bergamot, pink pepper · Bulgarian rose, peony · vanilla, musk, cashmere wood

A lychee-bright rose on vanilla and musk, with no oud listed.

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Rasasi

Rasasi began in 1979 as a small perfume shop in Murshid Bazar, Deira, founded by Abdul Razzak Kalsekar, and opened its first factory in Jebel Ali Free Zone in 1986 (Rasasi, Jafza). It makes oud and oriental perfumes, bakhoor and Western-style lines such as Hawas, and calls Blue Lady its first leading Western label.

Start with: Hawas Pink if you like sweet florals.

Arabian Oud

Founded in 1982 in Saudi Arabia by Sheikh Abdulaziz Al Jasser (Arabian Oud). Oud sits at the heart of the brand, alongside incense, oils and home fragrance. Its stores are a familiar sight across the region.

Start with: Kalemat, a warm saffron, cinnamon and vanilla scent.

Amouage

Founded in 1983 in the Sultanate of Oman (Amouage), Amouage is the region's best-known luxury house, with bottles inspired by domes and the khanjar. Gold Woman is one of its classics: rose, lily of the valley and frankincense, a heart of myrrh, orris and jasmine, and a rich ambergris, musk and sandalwood base.

Start with: Blossom Love for a softer floral, or Guidance for a floral amber.

Afnan Perfumes

Founded in 2007 by Imran Fazlani, Afnan is a UAE house selling modern sprays in more than 120 countries (Afnan). It's best known for its 9 AM and 9 PM lines.

Start with: Souvenir Floral Bouquet or Mystique Bouquet for affordable, easy florals.

Lattafa Perfumes

A UAE house known for affordable Arabic-style perfumes, several of which went viral online, such as Yara and Khamrah. Sources disagree on its founding year and whether it's based in Dubai or Sharjah, so we haven't stated either.

Start with: Yara if you like fruity, creamy scents. Buy from the brand or an authorised seller, as popular perfumes are often faked.

Want a shortlist from Gulf houses? Choose 'Arabian and Gulf houses' in Melia's consultation.

Find my perfume

How to explore Gulf houses

  • Visit a mono-brand store. Staff can walk you through oils, sprays and bakhoor.
  • Try an oil and a spray side by side. They wear very differently.
  • Ask for samples. Many houses offer small sizes or discovery sets.
  • Buy from the house or authorised stockists. See how to buy authentic perfume online.

Explore more in our brand directory, or read Arabian vs. designer perfumes.

Questions

Which Arabian perfume house is the oldest?

Of the houses here, Ajmal traces its oud business to 1951 in India and Al Haramain to 1970 in Saudi Arabia. Swiss Arabian, founded in 1974, describes itself as the first perfume house in the UAE.

Are Arabian perfume houses expensive?

The range is wide. Amouage is a luxury house, while Afnan, Lattafa and many Rasasi and Swiss Arabian lines are affordable.

Does Ask Melia partner with these brands?

No. Listing a brand doesn't mean it partners with or pays Ask Melia.

Written with AI assistance from brand and retailer information, and edited by the Ask Melia team. We have not wear-tested these products. Spotted a mistake? Email hello@askmelia.com. Our editorial standards.