Swiss Arabian vs Lattafa: Which Arabian Perfume Brand Is Right for You?
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Swiss Arabian and Lattafa are two of the biggest Arabian perfume houses, and both are based in the UAE. If you are new to Arabian perfume, you have probably seen both names. So how are they different, and which one should you start with?
Here is how the two brands compare, with three popular picks from each.
The short answer
Lattafa is best known for affordable sprays that often take inspiration from famous designer and niche perfumes, like Khamrah and Yara. Swiss Arabian is the older house, known for traditional perfume oils and ouds, such as the Shaghaf and Layali lines. Choose Lattafa for big, modern sprays on a budget. Choose Swiss Arabian for concentrated oils and a more traditional Arabian style.
The two brands at a glance
- Swiss Arabian: founded in the UAE in 1974 by Hussein Adam Ali, in partnership with Givaudan. The brand says it has more than 110 stores across the GCC and makes over 35 million perfumes a year. Known for perfume oils, ouds and the Shaghaf, Layali, Dehn El Oud and Malaki lines.
- Lattafa: a Dubai house founded by Shaikh Shahid Ahmed, who moved to Dubai from Pakistan around four decades ago. Gulf News reports it sells in more than 60 countries. Known for viral sprays such as Khamrah, Yara and Asad.
Popular Swiss Arabian picks
1. Shaghaf Oud Azraq: honey, oud and leather
Unisex | Perfume Oil
Top: Honey, Agarwood (Oud) · Heart: Cinnamon, Amber, Vanilla · Base: Patchouli, Leather
A warm, spicy oud oil for evenings and cold weather.
2. Layali Rouge: tropical fruit and rose
Unisex | Perfume Oil
Top: Hibiscus, Sandalwood, Coconut · Heart: Rose, Peach · Base: Floral Notes, Mango, Pineapple, Papaya, Lemon
A sunny fruity perfume oil in an ornate gold bottle.
3. Shaghaf Oud Marine: fresh oud spray
Unisex | Eau de Parfum
Top: Marine Notes, Bergamot, Black Pepper · Heart: Mahonial, Floral Notes, Geranium, Rose · Base: Akigalawood, Oud, Cypriol, Amber
A fresher oud with marine notes and black pepper, sold as an Eau de Parfum.
Popular Lattafa picks
4. Lattafa Khamrah: dates, praline and spice
Unisex | Launched 2022 | Eau de Parfum | Long-lasting per reviewers
Top: Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Bergamot · Heart: Dates, Praline, Tuberose, Mahonial · Base: Vanilla, Tonka Bean, Amberwood, Benzoin, Myrrh, Akigalawood
A warm, boozy gourmand that went viral.
5. Lattafa Yara: creamy and fruity
Marketed for women | Launched 2020 | Eau de Parfum | Moderate (Parfumo community 6.8/10)
Top: Heliotrope, Orchid, Tangerine · Heart: Gourmand Accord, Tropical Fruits · Base: Vanilla, Musk, Sandalwood
A soft, creamy gourmand with heliotrope, orchid and tropical fruits.
6. Lattafa Oud for Glory: an easy oud spray
Unisex | Launched 2020 | Eau de Parfum
Top: Saffron, Nutmeg, Lavender · Heart: Oud, Patchouli · Base: Oud, Patchouli, Musk
Saffron, nutmeg and lavender over oud and patchouli.
Oils or sprays?
Many Swiss Arabian favourites are concentrated perfume oils. You dab a small amount on the skin, the scent stays close, and a small bottle goes a long way. Lattafa’s best sellers are Eau de Parfum sprays, which are easy to apply and fill a room more. Swiss Arabian makes sprays too, like Shaghaf Oud Marine, so you can try both styles from either brand.
Which brand should you choose?
Start with Lattafa if you want a modern, sweet spray at a low price, or an alternative to a famous designer scent. Start with Swiss Arabian if you want to try traditional perfume oils and oud. Many fans own both. See our guides to the best Swiss Arabian perfumes and the best Lattafa perfumes.
FAQ
Is Swiss Arabian better than Lattafa?
Neither is simply better. Swiss Arabian is known for perfume oils and traditional ouds, while Lattafa is known for affordable modern sprays. It depends on the style you like.
Which is older, Swiss Arabian or Lattafa?
Swiss Arabian, founded in 1974. Lattafa’s founder started the brand after years in his family’s perfume trade in Dubai.
Are Swiss Arabian and Lattafa from the same country?
Yes. Both are perfume houses based in the United Arab Emirates.
