Nabeel: history, bestsellers and everything about the perfume house from Yemen and the Emirates
Nabeel is one of the older Arabic perfume houses you can find in Europe today. According to its own story, the brand started in 1969 as a small perfume shop in Aden, Yemen, and is now based in the United Arab Emirates. Nabeel makes eau de parfums, perfume oils, bakhour and air fresheners with a clearly oriental character. At Arabmusk, the Ghawi bakhour tablet, Habibi Daeeman and Arab Tradition are the most popular. In this article you will learn where Nabeel comes from, which brands belong to the group, who the fragrances are made for and which Nabeel products are bought most often.
Nabeel at a glance
| Origin | Founded in Aden, Yemen; now based in the United Arab Emirates |
| Founded | 1969 (according to the brand) |
| Founder | Asghar Adam Ali |
| Parent company | Nabeel Perfumes Group (Nabeel Perfume Industries) |
| Sister brands | The Spirit of Dubai, Chris Adams and Nuvo |
| Known for | Oriental eau de parfums, perfume oils and bakhour |
| Style | Warm and oriental: oud, saffron, amber, musk and frankincense |
| Price range | Affordable to mid-range |
| Popular in | Gulf region, Middle East and beyond (according to the brand, more than 110 countries) |
| At Arabmusk | All Nabeel products |
The history of Nabeel
The story of Nabeel begins in 1969 in Aden, in the south of Yemen. According to sources close to the company, Asghar Adam Ali, then a teenager from a family of perfume traders, opened a small perfume shop there. In Arabic, the name Nabeel means ‘noble’.
Because of political unrest in Yemen, the family later moved to the United Arab Emirates. Nabeel was relaunched there around 1990. According to the company, it grew from a small warehouse into a large, automated factory. The founder is still chairman; his son Mustafa Adam Ali plays a leading role in the company.
A notable moment came in 2019. That year the group launched Shumukh, a perfume that, according to the brand, set two Guinness records as the world’s most expensive perfume. That is a prestige project; the regular Nabeel fragrances are actually affordable.
Where does Nabeel come from?
Nabeel has Yemeni roots and is now an Emirati brand. You can tell from the fragrances. Many Nabeel perfumes revolve around saffron, oud, amber, frankincense and musk. The brand is also strong in bakhour: scented tablets or wood chips that you heat on a charcoal or electric burner. Nabeel also makes air fresheners for the home.
Parent company and sister brands
Nabeel is the main brand of the Nabeel Perfumes Group. According to the company, it includes four brands:
- Nabeel: oriental perfumes, perfume oils, bakhour and air fresheners.
- The Spirit of Dubai: the niche line, with modern oriental fragrances. According to sources close to the company, launched in 2015.
- Chris Adams: an affordable line with a Western, ‘French’ profile.
- Nuvo: a mass-market line.
At Arabmusk you will currently find mainly products of the Nabeel brand itself.
Where is Nabeel popular?
Nabeel is best known in the Gulf states. The brand has its own shops there and can also be found in airport duty-free stores, such as Dubai Duty Free. According to the brand, its products are available in more than 110 countries. In the Netherlands and Belgium, you will mainly find Nabeel in specialist Arabic perfume shops and online.
Who is Nabeel for?
- Lovers of classic oriental fragrances. Arab Tradition and Ya Ghali are warm, spicy and full.
- Anyone who likes sweet musk. Habibi Daeeman has a soft, chocolatey musk base.
- Anyone who wants their home to smell nice. The bakhour tablets and air fresheners are popular for the home.
- Anyone who likes to test first. Some fragrances are also sold as small sample bottles.
Most Nabeel perfumes are unisex or are worn by both men and women.
The most popular Nabeel products
These are the Nabeel products bought most often at Arabmusk.
1. Nabeel Ghawi bakhour tablet
Nabeel Ghawi bakhour tablet
Scented tablet for the home: saffron and lemon, a heart of labdanum, lavender and elemi, and a base of sandalwood, guaiac wood and caramel.
2. Nabeel Habibi Daeeman
Nabeel Habibi Daeeman eau de parfum
Warm and sweet, with a soft choco musk and spicy, oriental notes.
3. Nabeel eau de parfum
Nabeel eau de parfum
The fragrance that bears the house name: a fresh opening, a warm heart and a soft base. Also available as a 2 ml sample.
4. Nabeel Arab Tradition
Nabeel Arab Tradition eau de parfum
Unisex: thyme, saffron and raspberry, a heart of jasmine, and a base of frankincense, leather, amber and woody notes.
5. Nabeel Khamis al Uns
Nabeel Khamis al Uns eau de parfum
A rich, warm fragrance in the tradition of Arabic perfumery.
Other well-loved Nabeel products include Ya Ghali, Royal Noire, Gold 24K and the air freshener Al Ghadeer.
Overview: which Nabeel product suits you?
| Product | Character | Key notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ghawi bakhour | Warm, woody (for the home) | Saffron, labdanum, sandalwood |
| Habibi Daeeman | Sweet, warm | Choco musk, spices |
| Nabeel | Balanced, versatile | Fresh top, warm base |
| Arab Tradition | Spicy, smoky | Saffron, frankincense, leather |
| Ya Ghali | Sweet, oriental | Saffron, rose, benzoin |
Nabeel at Arabmusk
- All Nabeel products: eau de parfums, bakhour and air fresheners.
- Some fragrances, such as Nabeel, are also sold as samples.
Tips for using Nabeel
- Spray on pulse points. Wrists and neck give the best diffusion.
- Go easy with heavy fragrances. Arab Tradition and Ya Ghali are full; one or two sprays is often enough.
- Burn bakhour safely. Use a suitable burner, place it on a heat-resistant surface and ventilate the room.
How a fragrance smells and how long it lasts varies from skin to skin.
Frequently asked questions about Nabeel
Where does Nabeel come from?
According to the brand, Nabeel was founded in 1969 in Aden, Yemen. The company is now based in the United Arab Emirates.
What does Nabeel mean?
Nabeel (نبيل) means ‘noble’ in Arabic.
Does The Spirit of Dubai belong to Nabeel?
Yes. According to the company, The Spirit of Dubai is the niche line of the Nabeel Perfumes Group.
What is bakhour?
Bakhour is scented material, such as tablets or wood chips, that you heat to perfume your home or clothes.
Which Nabeel product is the most popular?
At Arabmusk it is the Ghawi bakhour tablet, followed by Habibi Daeeman and the Nabeel eau de parfum.