Arabic & Dubai Perfume FAQ

Answers to the questions South Africans ask most about Arabic and Dubai perfumes, from scent families and oud to delivery, returns and payment.

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, and strong projection, at affordable prices.

Are Arabic perfumes original or fake?

Arabic houses are real, registered brands that create their own fragrances and sell them under their own names.

How do I know which scent family I'll like?

Start with the notes. Oud, amber and vanilla are warm and rich; citrus, aquatic and green notes are fresh; sweet gourmand notes like caramel and coffee feel cosy. Product pages describe each scent and, where available, list its top, heart and base notes.

Why are Arabic perfumes so affordable?

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 is excellent value.

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.

Wearing tips

How long a perfume lasts: what affects it?

Most Arabic perfumes are Eau de Parfum or Extrait de Parfum, which contain more perfume oil than an Eau de Toilette. How long a scent lasts on you 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 Extrait de Parfum is the most concentrated.

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 should I apply and store my perfume?

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 Salvo 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 are most popular?

Our best sellers change often, so see the best sellers collection. Houses our customers love include Lattafa, Armaf, Afnan, Rasasi and Maison Alhambra.

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 Arabic perfumes in South Africa?

You can buy Arabic and Dubai perfumes online at Anointed Scents, with nationwide delivery. Every fragrance is sold sealed and new. We stock over 900 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 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

What is your order cut-off time?

Our order cut-off is 17:00 SAST, Monday to Friday. Orders placed before the cut-off are processed that business day. Orders placed after it, or on weekends and public holidays, are processed on the next business day.

How long does delivery take in South Africa?

Handling (processing) time is 1–2 business days and transit (delivery) time is 1–3 business days, so most orders arrive within 2–5 business days in total, 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. Express, locker and Pretoria local delivery options are shown at checkout where available, with the price shown before you pay.

Do you deliver outside South Africa?

Not at the moment. We currently deliver within South Africa only.

How can I pay?

You can pay securely by card or through PayFast. 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, items marked final sale, samples, gift cards and free gifts can't be returned. Return shipping is the customer's responsibility (except for faulty, damaged or incorrect items), and there is no restocking fee. Refunds go back to your original payment method within 7 working days of us receiving the item; delivery fees aren't refundable. Faulty or damaged items are covered separately in our Refund Policy.

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. You can ask to cancel before dispatch by contacting us; see our Refund Policy for the full terms.