Answers to the questions South Africans ask most about Arabic and Dubai perfumes, from authenticity and longevity to delivery and returns.
About Arabic & Dubai perfumes
What are Arabic or Dubai perfumes?
Arabic (or Dubai) perfumes are fragrances made by perfume houses based in the UAE and the wider Middle East, such as Lattafa, Armaf, Afnan, Rasasi, Al Haramain, Maison Alhambra and French Avenue. They are known for rich ingredients like oud, amber, saffron, rose and vanilla, strong projection and long wear, at prices well below most designer perfumes.
Are Arabic perfumes original or fake?
The perfumes we sell are 100% authentic products from the brands named on the box. Arabic houses are real, registered brands that create their own fragrances. Some are inspired by famous designer scents, but they are sold under their own names, so they are not counterfeits.
What does "inspired by" mean on an Arabic perfume?
It means the perfume has a similar scent profile to a well-known designer or niche fragrance, created by the Arabic house under its own brand. For example, Fragrance World Barakkat Rouge 540 is inspired by Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540. It is not the same perfume and is not made by the original brand.
Why are Arabic perfumes cheaper than designer perfumes?
Arabic houses spend far less on celebrity advertising and luxury retail, produce at large scale in the region where many raw materials are sourced, and focus on the juice rather than the brand name. That is why a 100ml Eau de Parfum can cost a fraction of a designer bottle.
Is Lattafa an Arabic brand?
Yes. Lattafa is a perfume house from the United Arab Emirates and one of the best-known Arabic brands in South Africa, famous for scents like Khamrah, Asad, Yara and Angham. You can shop the full range in our Lattafa collection.
What does oud smell like?
Oud (agarwood) is a resin from the aquilaria tree. It smells deep, woody, smoky and slightly sweet or leathery, and it is the signature note of many Arabic perfumes. Modern blends often soften it with rose, vanilla or amber.
Longevity & wearing tips
Do Arabic perfumes last long?
Yes, most Arabic perfumes are Eau de Parfum or Extrait de Parfum, so they usually last longer than lighter Eau de Toilettes. Many of our product pages list the expected wear time, often 6 to 12 hours, but longevity always depends on your skin type, the weather and how much you apply.
What is the difference between EDP, EDT and Extrait de Parfum?
The difference is the concentration of perfume oil. Eau de Toilette (EDT) is the lightest, Eau de Parfum (EDP) is stronger and lasts longer, and Extrait de Parfum is the most concentrated and usually the longest lasting.
Do Arabic perfumes contain alcohol?
Most Arabic perfume sprays (EDP and Extrait) are alcohol-based, like almost all spray perfumes. Traditional perfume oils (attars) are usually alcohol-free. If you need an alcohol-free option, check the product description or ask us on WhatsApp before ordering.
How can I make my perfume last longer?
Apply to moisturised skin on pulse points (neck, wrists, behind the ears and the inner elbows), spray a little on clothing, and don't rub your wrists together. Store the bottle away from heat and direct sunlight to keep the scent fresh.
Choosing a perfume
What are the best Arabic perfumes for men in South Africa?
Popular choices with our customers include Lattafa Ramz Silver, Rasasi Hawas Black, Afnan Supremacy Collector's Edition and Maison Alhambra Alvo Elixir. Browse all men's perfumes.
What are the best Arabic perfumes for women?
Customer favourites include Lattafa Angham, Maison Alhambra La Voie, Paris Corner Marshmallow Blush and Khadlaj Sawaar Vanille Blanc. Browse all women's perfumes.
Which Arabic perfumes smell like popular designer fragrances?
Some well-known matches: Barakkat Rouge 540 (inspired by Baccarat Rouge 540), French Avenue Zenith Blue (inspired by Dior Sauvage), Maison Alhambra Kismet Magic (inspired by Kilian Angels' Share) and Nomad's Land (inspired by Louis Vuitton Ombre Nomad). Each product page tells you what it is inspired by.
Are Arabic perfumes unisex?
Many are. Oud, amber and gourmand scents are traditionally worn by everyone. Each product page says whether a perfume is for men, women or unisex, and you can shop our unisex collection.
Which Arabic perfume is best for summer or winter?
For hot South African summers, fresh citrus, aquatic and fruity scents work best, such as Rayhaan Aquatica. For winter and evenings, choose warmer oud, amber, vanilla and gourmand scents, such as Maison Asrar Vanilla Aura.
Do you sell perfume gift sets?
Yes. We stock gift sets and bundles from several Arabic brands, which make great birthday, anniversary and Eid gifts. See our current best sellers or search for "gift set".
Buying safely & avoiding fakes
How can I tell if an Arabic perfume is fake?
Buy from a trusted stockist, and check that the box is sealed and well printed with a batch code, that the bottle and cap feel solid, and that the price is realistic. A price that is far below other reputable stores is a warning sign.
Where can I buy authentic Arabic perfumes in South Africa?
You can buy authentic Arabic and Dubai perfumes online at Anointed Scents, with nationwide delivery. We stock over 700 fragrances from brands including Lattafa, Armaf, Afnan, French Avenue, Maison Alhambra, Fragrance World, Rasasi, Al Haramain, Khadlaj and Zimaya.
How much do Arabic perfumes cost in South Africa?
At Anointed Scents, prices start from around R295 for a full 100ml bottle, with premium and Extrait fragrances costing more. The exact price is shown on every product page, in Rand.
Orders, delivery & returns
How long does delivery take in South Africa?
Orders are dispatched within 24–48 hours (1–2 business days) and usually arrive within 2–5 business days, depending on your location. You'll receive a tracking number by email or SMS once your order ships.
How much is shipping, and is there free delivery?
Standard shipping in South Africa is R120, and it's free on orders over R1,200.
Do you deliver outside South Africa?
We ship to Namibia, Botswana, Eswatini and Lesotho (usually 5–10 business days) and to other African countries (usually 7–14 business days). Import duties or VAT, where they apply, are paid by the buyer. See shipping to neighbouring countries.
How can I pay?
You can pay securely by card or through PayFast, or split your payment with PayFlex. All payments are encrypted.
Can I return or exchange a perfume?
Yes, if it is unopened, unused and still sealed, within 14 days of purchase and with proof of purchase. Opened perfumes, sale items, samples, gift cards and free gifts can't be returned. Refunds go back to your original payment method within 5 working days of us receiving the item; delivery fees aren't refundable.
How do pre-orders work?
Pre-orders reserve stock of new or high-demand releases before they arrive. They're usually dispatched about 2–3 weeks after the launch date, and pre-orders are final, so they can't be cancelled or refunded.
How do I contact Anointed Scents?
WhatsApp or call us on 078 255 9811, or email support@annoitedscents.com. WhatsApp is the fastest way to reach us.