Where to Find the Best Arabian Perfumes on a budget in Dubai!

Dubai has earned its reputation as the perfume capital of the Middle East, where the ancient art of Arabian perfumery meets modern luxury. If you're on a budget but still want to experience the rich, captivating scents of the region, you'll be delighted to know that perfume shopping in Dubai offers exceptional value, especially when you know where to look. Whether you're drawn to the deep, woody notes of oud, the sweet warmth of amber, or delicate floral blends, the city has countless options for finding authentic Arabian fragrances under 200 AED per bottle.

The Best Places for Affordable Arabian Perfumes

Deira Perfume Souk stands as the heart of traditional perfume shopping in Dubai. Located in one of the city's oldest districts, this vibrant marketplace houses over 200 shops selling everything from concentrated perfume oils to designer fragrances. The souk's narrow alleys are filled with the intoxicating aroma of oud, musk, amber, and saffron. Prices typically start at around 100 AED for large bottles, and bargaining is not just accepted—it's expected. Shoppers can often negotiate 25 percent off the initial asking price, and some vendors may offer even better deals if you act like you're leaving without making a purchase. The souk operates from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM Saturday through Thursday, with limited hours on Friday.​

For those who prefer fixed prices and air-conditioned comfort, Swiss Arabian offers exceptional value with outlets across Dubai's major malls, including Arabian Centre, Dubai Mall, and Dubai Outlet Mall. This homegrown brand has been crafting perfumes since 1974, blending Arabian heritage with modern appeal. Their concentrated perfume oils and Dehn el Oud collections are particularly popular, with many options available well under 200 AED. Swiss Arabian Shaghaf, Edge, and several fragrances from their Oud line deliver long-lasting scents at affordable prices.​

Ajmal Perfumes, another iconic Dubai brand launched in 1951, provides multiple shopping options throughout the city, from the Gold Souk to Mall of Emirates. The brand is renowned for creating bespoke fragrances and offers an extensive selection under 200 AED. Popular affordable choices include Ajmal Silver Shade (100ml), Blu Homme, Rain Drops, Wisal Dahab (50ml), and Sacrifice for Her. Their stores in Bin Sougat Centre and the Gold Souk are particularly worth visiting for travelers seeking authentic Arabian scents.​

Elegant Arabian perfume bottles showcasing traditional oud fragrances in a Dubai souk

Budget-Friendly Brands Worth Exploring

Lattafa Perfumes has become a sensation among fragrance enthusiasts for offering luxurious scents at incredibly affordable prices. Their viral hits like Raghba and Oud Mood combine sweet oud and vanilla notes that rival much more expensive perfumes. Most Lattafa fragrances are priced well under 200 AED and can be found at Carrefour, Noon, and dedicated perfume retailers throughout Dubai. The brand's long-lasting formulas make them perfect for Dubai's warm climate.​

Rasasi Perfumes represents another excellent option for perfume shopping in Dubai on a budget. Founded in 1979, this Dubai-based brand is celebrated for high-quality blends with exceptional longevity. Rasasi Shuhrah, priced around 55-60 AED for 90ml, is frequently mentioned as one of the best long-lasting fragrances under 100 AED. Other affordable favorites include Rasasi Hawas (around 79 AED for 100ml) and La Yuqawam, which features warm leather, amber, and cinnamon notes. Their boutiques can be found in Deira Gold Souk and malls across the city.​

Ard Al Zaafaran stores, particularly the one near Khay Hotel in Deira Gold Souk, have earned a reputation as treasure troves for budget perfume hunters. Despite the name, these shops carry multiple brands including Lattafa and Maison Al Hambra, with prices that are notably lower than other retailers. Their Al Dirgham Special Edition can be found for as little as 40 AED, making it an exceptional deal. The shopkeepers are known for being helpful rather than pushy, and bulk purchases often lead to additional discounts.​

Shopping Tips for the Best Deals

When engaging in perfume shopping in Dubai, timing can significantly impact your savings. The city hosts major shopping festivals throughout the year, particularly Dubai Shopping Festival and Dubai Summer Surprises, when retailers offer substantial discounts on perfumes. These events can bring prices on already affordable Arabian fragrances down even further.​

Don't limit yourself to specialty perfume stores. Department stores like Carrefour and Lulu Hypermarket maintain respectable perfume sections featuring many Middle Eastern brands at competitive prices. Carrefour, in particular, offers regular promotions on brands like Lattafa, Swiss Arabian, and Rasasi, with some items discounted by up to 56 percent.​

For those visiting the souks, especially Deira Perfume Souk, bring cash as many smaller shops don't accept cards. Take your time sampling fragrances, as vendors genuinely enjoy sharing their knowledge about ingredients, history, and proper application. Testing how a scent develops on your skin over several hours is crucial before committing to a purchase, particularly in Dubai's heat.​

Many shops offer custom perfume blending services, allowing you to create a personalized scent using your favorite ingredients like oud, musk, amber, saffron, or rose. This unique experience often costs less than purchasing pre-made luxury fragrances and results in a truly one-of-a-kind perfume.​

When shopping at multiple stores, consider purchasing in bulk. Many retailers, particularly in Deira, offer "buy two, get one free" deals or 50 percent off additional bottles. This approach works especially well when shopping for gifts or stocking up on daily wear fragrances.​

Understanding Arabian Perfume Value

The reason perfume shopping in Dubai offers such incredible value lies in the region's perfumery heritage. Arabian perfumes emphasize concentration and longevity, with many using alcohol-free oil-based formulas that adhere to the skin for extended periods. A small bottle of concentrated perfume oil can last significantly longer than a larger eau de toilette from Western brands, making the per-wear cost remarkably low.​

Traditional Arabian ingredients like genuine oud (agarwood), amber, musk, and rare florals are locally sourced and traditionally processed in the region, reducing costs compared to importing these materials elsewhere. This direct access to premium ingredients means Dubai perfume houses can offer authentic oud perfumes under 200 AED that would cost three to four times more in Western markets.​

The cultural significance of perfume in the UAE also drives competitive pricing. Since fragrance is considered essential rather than luxury, the market caters to daily use rather than special occasions only, encouraging affordability across all price points.​

Whether you wander through the atmospheric lanes of Deira Perfume Souk, explore the polished boutiques in Dubai Mall, or browse the shelves at Carrefour, perfume shopping in Dubai under 200 AED opens up a world of olfactory delights. From time-honored brands like Ajmal and Swiss Arabian to contemporary favorites like Lattafa and Rasasi, the city offers an unmatched selection of authentic Arabian fragrances that deliver luxury without the premium price tag. The key is knowing where to look, being willing to negotiate when appropriate, and taking time to discover the scent that truly speaks to your style.