Hamidi: history, bestsellers and everything about Sterling’s perfume oil brand
Hamidi is a perfume brand from the United Arab Emirates that focuses on traditional oriental perfumery: perfume oils in roll-on bottles, alcohol-free aqua parfums and bakhour. The brand belongs to Sterling Perfumes Industries, the company behind Armaf. In this article you will learn where Hamidi comes from, who is behind it, who the fragrances are made for and which Hamidi products are the most popular at Arabmusk.
Hamidi at a glance
| Origin | Dubai, United Arab Emirates |
| Active since | Around 2005 according to retailers (not officially confirmed) |
| Parent company | Sterling Perfumes Industries (Fakhruddin Holdings) |
| Sister brands | Armaf, Risala and Flavia |
| Known for | Perfume oils such as Khashab al Oud and Khashab al Aswad, aqua parfums and bakhour |
| Price range | Budget |
| At Arabmusk | All Hamidi products |
History of Hamidi
Hamidi was set up by Sterling Perfumes Industries, the perfume company of the Fakhruddin family. According to an American retailer of the brand, Hamidi was started by Ali Asgar Fakhruddin, the chairman of Sterling, inspired by his father Fakhruddin Ebrahimji. The brand itself does not publish an exact founding year. Retailers mention around 2005.
The name comes from the Arabic word hamid, meaning ‘praised’. Where Armaf mainly focuses on modern, Western-style fragrances, Hamidi stands for the classic side of Arabic perfumery: dehn al oud, mukhallat, alcohol-free perfume oils and incense for the home.
The range is broad. Besides perfume oils, Hamidi makes aqua parfums, body mists, lotions, shower gel, room sprays and bakhour. At Arabmusk the focus is on the perfume oils in roll-on bottles, such as the Khashab range (Arabic for ‘wood’), plus a small selection of aqua parfums and bakhour.
Where does Hamidi come from?
Hamidi comes from the United Arab Emirates. Sterling Perfumes Industries is based in Dubai. According to Gulf News, the company has a production and warehousing site of 1.2 million square feet. The barcodes of the Hamidi products at Arabmusk start with 629, the prefix issued in the Emirates.
Parent company and sister brands
Sterling Perfumes Industries is part of Fakhruddin Holdings, a family business that, according to a Hamidi retailer, started in 1963. Sterling’s best-known brand is Armaf, famous worldwide for the Club de Nuit series. Sterling also runs the perfume brands Risala and Flavia and the personal care brand Cosmo.
So Hamidi and Armaf come from the same house, but have a clearly different profile. If you love traditional Arabic fragrances, Hamidi is a good fit. You can read more about Arabic brand families in our article on Arabic perfume brands and sub-brands.
Where is Hamidi popular?
Hamidi is sold in the Gulf states and through distributors in Europe and the United States, among others, where it has its own American web shop. In Europe the brand is mainly found at web shops specialising in Arabic perfumes. The brand does not publish official figures on its markets.
Who is Hamidi for?
- Perfume oil lovers. Most of the range consists of concentrated, alcohol-free oils in a roll-on bottle.
- Anyone looking for an affordable introduction to Arabic fragrances. The prices are low.
- Anyone who does not want alcohol on their skin. Besides the oils, Hamidi has aqua parfums: water-based eau de parfums.
- Anyone who wants to scent their home. Hamidi also makes bakhour in tablets and chips.
The most popular Hamidi perfumes
These are the Hamidi fragrances that are bought most often at Arabmusk.
1. Hamidi Khashab al Oud
Hamidi Khashab al Oud perfume oil
Bergamot, peach and armoise, with vetiver and white woods in the heart and a soft base of amber, musk and orris.
2. Hamidi Khashab al Aswad
Hamidi Khashab al Aswad perfume oil
Lavender and citrus, a marine heart with cypriol, and a warm base of patchouli, amber and sandalwood.
3. Hamidi Salsabeel
Hamidi Salsabeel perfume oil
Sweet and warm, with musk and a touch of chocolate in the base.
4. Hamidi Red Intense
Hamidi Red Intense perfume oil
A rich, warm oil for women and men. Powerful and refined at the same time.
5. Hamidi Layla
Hamidi Layla perfume oil
Fresh and floral in the opening, with a soft base of wood and musk.
6. Hamidi Zahra
Hamidi Zahra perfume oil
Fruity and floral: peony, rose and lychee, on a sweet base of vanilla, caramel and patchouli.
Other Hamidi fragrances include Warda, Rooh al Oud, Aqeeq and Jasmine & Rose.
Overview: which Hamidi suits you?
| Fragrance | Character | Notable notes |
|---|---|---|
| Khashab al Oud | Woody, soft | Peach, vetiver, amber |
| Khashab al Aswad | Fresh, woody | Lavender, marine, sandalwood |
| Salsabeel | Sweet, warm | Musk, chocolate |
| Red Intense | Warm, intense | Rich, warm tones |
| Layla | Floral, soft | Flowers, wood, musk |
| Zahra | Fruity, sweet | Rose, lychee, caramel |
Hamidi at Arabmusk
- All Hamidi products: perfume oils, aqua parfums and bakhour.
- More choice in perfume oil and oudh.
- Bakhour by Hamidi, such as Sheikha and Al Azhar.
Tips for using Hamidi
- Apply perfume oil to warm spots. Wrists, behind the ears and on the neck. A few strokes are enough.
- Combine oil and bakhour. Scent your clothes or your home with bakhour and wear an oil with it.
How a fragrance smells and how long it lasts differs from skin to skin.
Frequently asked questions about Hamidi
Does Hamidi belong to Armaf?
They come from the same company: Sterling Perfumes Industries in Dubai. They are separate brands, each with its own style.
Do Hamidi perfume oils contain alcohol?
No, the perfume oils are oil-based. According to the brand, the aqua parfums are water-based instead of alcohol-based.
What is the most popular Hamidi fragrance?
At Arabmusk, Khashab al Oud and Khashab al Aswad are the best-selling perfume oils.