Al Fakhr: history, bestsellers and everything about the brand behind Sheikh Zayed Oud
Al Fakhr (also written as Al Fakhar) is a brand of affordable oriental fragrances: 100 ml eau de parfums, perfume oils, body mists and body lotions. The brand belongs to a large family business with roots in the Indian attar trade and a base in the United Arab Emirates. Well-known fragrances are Sheikh Zayed Oud, Lailat Khamis and the Badr al Oud series. In this article you will learn where Al Fakhr comes from, which brands belong to it, who the fragrances are for and which Al Fakhr perfumes are the most popular at Arabmusk.
Al Fakhr at a glance
| Origin | United Arab Emirates and India |
| Active since | Not officially known; one source mentions 2010 for the trading company. According to its own account, the family behind the brand has been active since 1925 |
| Parent company | Al Fakhar Perfumes & Cosmetics Trading (UAE), part of the Attarwala group |
| Sister brands | Including Riiffs, Nusuk, Manasik, Fariis and BN |
| Known for | Oud and musk fragrances, 100 ml eau de parfums, perfume oils, body mists and body lotions |
| Style | Classic oriental: oud, amber, musk, saffron and rose |
| Price range | Budget |
| Popular in | Gulf states, India, Europe and the United States |
| At Arabmusk | All Al Fakhr products |
The history of Al Fakhr
Al Fakhr is linked to the Attarwala family. According to the group itself, the story began in 1925, when the great-grandfather of the current generation sold attar and perfume in Mumbai. Own factories followed: Ultima Cosmetics (2000), Freedom Fragrances in Surat (2008) and ACO Perfumes & Cosmetics (2021). From Dubai, the group launched the Riiffs and Nusuk brands in 2018.
When exactly the Al Fakhr brand started is unclear. One web shop mentions 2010 as the founding year of the trading company Al Fakhar Perfumes & Cosmetics; we have not found an official confirmation of this. The perfume database Parfumo lists almost a hundred Al Fakhr fragrances.
Where does Al Fakhr come from?
Al Fakhr has a dual origin. The trading company Al Fakhar Perfumes & Cosmetics Trading is based in the United Arab Emirates. Part of the production takes place in India: Indian web shops state that Al Fakhar is made by ACO Perfumes & Cosmetics in Surat, part of the same family group. The name Al Fakhr means ‘the pride’ in Arabic.
Note: Al Fakhr is a different brand from the fragrance Fakhar by Lattafa. The names are similar, but they are different companies.
Parent company and sister brands
Al Fakhar Perfumes & Cosmetics Trading presents itself as a manufacturer and distributor with more than twenty own brands, sold in more than 85 countries. The website of the Freedom Fragrances factory lists Al Fakhr, BN, JD, Manasik and Riiffs as brands. At Arabmusk you will find this brand family together in the Freedom Fragrance collection.
- Nusuk and Riiffs: the brands the group launched from Dubai. Also read our articles about Nusuk and Riiffs.
- Manasik: classic oud and musk fragrances. More in our article about Manasik.
- Fariis: the youngest brand of the group, since 2023. More in our article about Fariis.
- Khususi and Fragrance Couture: related lines. Also read our articles about Khususi and Fragrance Couture.
Where is Al Fakhr popular?
According to retailers, Al Fakhr is especially popular in Saudi Arabia and the other Gulf states. The brand also sells well in India, where the group has traditionally been active. Through wholesalers, Al Fakhr is available in Europe, including the Netherlands and the Czech Republic. In the United States the company works with a dedicated distributor.
Who is Al Fakhr for?
- Lovers of oud and musk looking for a classic oriental fragrance at a low price.
- Anyone who wants a complete fragrance routine. Several fragrances also come as a body mist or body lotion.
- Anyone who likes wearing oil. The perfume oils are small and easy to carry.
- Beginners in Arabic perfumes who want to explore without spending much.
Most Al Fakhr fragrances are unisex. Lailat Khamis comes in a version for women and for men.
The most popular Al Fakhr perfumes
These are the Al Fakhr fragrances that are bought most often at Arabmusk.
1. Al Fakhr Sheikh Zayed Oud
Al Fakhr Sheikh Zayed Oud eau de parfum
Woody and lightly floral, with oud in the base. A unisex fragrance with an oriental character. There is also Sheikh Zayed Musk, a fresher, powdery variant, which is also available as a body mist.
2. Al Fakhr Lailat Khamis for Men
Al Fakhr Lailat Khamis for Men eau de parfum
The men's version of Lailat Khamis, in a black and gold bottle with Arabic calligraphy. A popular choice for anyone looking for an oriental men's fragrance.
3. Al Fakhr Badr al Oud Amethyst
Al Fakhr Badr al Oud Amethyst eau de parfum
Saffron and pink pepper, a heart of rose, jasmine and cinnamon, and a base of oud, amber and musk. Other fragrances in this series are Grace and Noble.
4. Al Fakhr Lailat Khamis for Women
Al Fakhr Lailat Khamis for Women eau de parfum
Spicy and balsamic: amber, wood and musk, a spicy heart and a soft vanilla base. Also available as a body lotion.
5. Al Fakhr Khail Malki
Al Fakhr Khail Malki eau de parfum
Spicy and woody, for women and men. There is also a variant with oud: Oud Khail Malki.
6. Al Fakhr Dukhoon al Oud
Al Fakhr Dukhoon al Oud eau de parfum
Saffron and rose, followed by oud and patchouli on a base of amber and musk. A warm, woody fragrance.
Other popular Al Fakhr products are Bint Hoorea, Black Afghan, Najoom and the Al Fakhr Oud perfume oil.
Overview: which Al Fakhr suits you?
| Fragrance | Character | Notable notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sheikh Zayed Oud | Woody, floral | Oud |
| Badr al Oud Amethyst | Woody, spicy | Saffron, rose, oud |
| Lailat Khamis for Women | Spicy, balsamic | Amber, musk, vanilla |
| Khail Malki | Spicy, woody | Spices, wood |
| Dukhoon al Oud | Warm, woody | Saffron, oud, patchouli |
| Najoom | Floral, fruity | Freesia, mandarin, musk |
Al Fakhr at Arabmusk
- Al Fakhr perfume sprays: the 100 ml eau de parfums.
- Perfume oils, such as Oud, Oud Cambodi and Musk Abiyad.
- Body mists and body lotions, such as Attar al Layal White body mist and Sheikh Zayed Musk body lotion.
- All Al Fakhr products.
- Freedom Fragrance: Al Fakhr together with the related brands.
Tips for wearing Al Fakhr
- Combine spray and body mist. A body mist or lotion with the same scent as your perfume creates a soft base layer.
- Go easy on oud fragrances. Fragrances such as Dukhoon al Oud and Sheikh Zayed Oud are rich. Start with one or two sprays.
- Use oil on the go. A small perfume oil fits in any bag.
How a fragrance smells and how long it lasts differs from skin to skin.
Frequently asked questions about Al Fakhr
Where does Al Fakhr come from?
The trading company behind Al Fakhr is based in the United Arab Emirates. The brand belongs to the Attarwala group, which has factories in India. Part of the products are made there.
Is Al Fakhr the same as Lattafa Fakhar?
No. Fakhar is a fragrance by Lattafa. Al Fakhr is a separate brand from a different company.
Is it Al Fakhr or Al Fakhar?
Both spellings are used. The company is called Al Fakhar Perfumes & Cosmetics Trading; many packages and web shops say Al Fakhr.
What is the most popular Al Fakhr fragrance?
At Arabmusk, Sheikh Zayed Oud is the best-selling Al Fakhr fragrance, followed by Lailat Khamis for Men and Badr al Oud Amethyst.
Are Al Fakhr perfume oils alcohol-free?
Perfume oils usually contain no alcohol. If in doubt, check the ingredient list on the packaging. The eau de parfums generally do contain alcohol.