Heritage, Origin & Brand
Founded in 1974 in the UAE by Yemeni perfumer Hussein Adam Ali, Swiss Arabian is widely cited as the first perfume manufacturing house in the UAE. The name reflects its long-standing collaboration with Givaudan, marrying Swiss perfumery expertise with Arabian tradition—“the perfect mix of East and West.” Today the brand operates at scale from the Emirates and remains family-led.
Where to find it in the UAE: Swiss Arabian runs an official online store with next-day delivery cut-offs and multiple boutiques, including Dubai Mall. Use the store locator for exact branches.
Notable & Best-Loved Scents
- Shaghaf Oud (EDP, 75ml): Saffron-rose-praline over rich oud and vanilla; a bold, cool-weather statement and the house bestseller line. Typical pricing ~AED 150.
- Casablanca (EDP, 100ml): A caramel-apple gourmand with amber/musk depth; often praised for “beast mode” longevity. ~AED 195.
- Layali (EDP, 50ml / CPO, 15ml): Fruity-floral with oud and amber in the base; very giftable entry price from AED 70.
- Shaghaf Oud Aswad / Abyad / Royale / Elixir: Flankers that extend the Shaghaf DNA from tamer office-friendly (Aswad) to sweeter, ambered or smokier interpretations. Most list at AED 150–220.
FAQs
1) Which Swiss Arabian perfume lasts long in UAE heat?
Shoppers frequently call Shaghaf Oud a high-projection, long-lasting option; Casablanca is also noted for strong longevity. Consider evening/AC settings for heavy gourmands and ouds.
2) What are popular men’s vs women’s choices?
Unisex: Shaghaf Oud, Casablanca. Leaning feminine: Layali, Shaghaf Oud Tonka. Leaning masculine: Shaghaf Oud Abyad/Royale (spicier/smokier).
3) Price range in the UAE?
Entry oils/EDPs start around AED 70 (Layali). Core EDPs like Shaghaf Oud retail near AED 150, while premium “Cities Collection” extraits (e.g., Essence of Casablanca) are ~AED 390.
4) Where to buy authentic bottles?
Shop the official UAE website or brand boutiques (e.g., Dubai Mall). The online store guarantees authenticity, offers free shipping over AED 250 and samples with orders.
5) Are there alcohol-free options (attars)?
Yes—Swiss Arabian sells concentrated perfume oils (CPOs) such as Layali Rouge (15ml). Check each product page for oil vs EDP.
Five Well-Regarded Reviews (with sources)
- Casablanca (EDP) — Fragrantica (Editorial Review)
“Vanilla dessert wine” vibes with fruity syrupy facets; “beast mode” dry-down and standout sweetness. - Shaghaf Oud (EDP) — Basenotes (User Review)
“Very strong… oud, saffron and rose… praline softens the edges… ‘If a fragrance was a texture, this is velvet.’“ - Shaghaf Oud (EDP) — Parfumo (User Review)
“Opens sweet, warm, spicy; dries to a vanilla-rose-oud that lasts all day and ‘fills a room’.” - Shaghaf Oud Aswad (EDP) — Basenotes (User Review)
“Similar to Shaghaf Oud but tamer; great value; suitable for office or night out.” - Shaghaf Oud Elixir (EDP) — Parfumo (User Review)
“More amber-oud, ~8–9 hours longevity; a ‘grown-up’ take on Shaghaf Oud.”
Quick UAE Shopping Tips
- Try the official site for bundles and new launches (e.g., Soul of Bali, Opulence of Dubai). Swiss Arabian UAE
- For gifts under AED 200, consider Layali (EDP/CPO) or Casablanca (EDP 100ml).