Khaliji

As I live in Dubai, UAE, I have had more of a chance than most to see the Al Rehab fragrances in their local cultural setting. I am altogether aware that the vast majority of people who buy Al Rehab perfumes in the West will have had them supplied from online retailers, but I would like to share with you something about purchasing these fragrances here before I give my short review. For a start, buying an Al Rehab fragrance in Dubai will mean in all likelihood that you will need to visit the Perfume Souk area in the city near to the famous Gold Souk of Dubai. This is because Al Rehab is not stocked in any of the major or minor retail outlets and - unlike Rasasi, Arabian Oud, Swiss Arabian or the other local brands - does not have an outlet based in a mall. This also means that you will have to take a route through one of the older parts of the city, by the side of the Creek, along past the shops selling all sorts of knick-knacks, past the Asian cyclists carrying stacks of cardboard on the backs of bikes, past the East Africans trading with Afghans, past the shwarma and juice stalls, until you come to the Perfume Souk area. Here you find the Al Rehab shop at the end of a busy, crowded, furiously neon-lit street.... Now when you enter this shop, you will truly wonder how it is that some of these fragrances are so well recognised as being very credible dupes of some of the fragrances from the most admired houses internationally. Creed? Montale?.....Surely not. The Al Rehab shop is staffed by some very friendly elderly local Arab gentlemen. Very nice, and a Salaam Aleikum and a few words of Arabic goes a long way. But yet, the shop. My, my, my....More like a hardware store than a fragrance shop, it is not unusual for your total to be worked out on the back of an envelope and change to be plucked out of wooden drawer. Last time I went there I wondered if I could pick up a hammer and a box of masonry nails while I was at it!...Suffice to say that this is nothing like the image of sparkling, shiny Dubai portrayed around the world. Yet, there is charm in this as well - and most definitely value for money if this is a consideration at all. (As an aside, buying these 6 ml CPO vials costs me 4 UAE dirhams each, about $1.10, ie they are practically giving the stuff away.) So what are their fragrances actually like..... Khaliji is a fragrance that carries a lot of interest for me. Although it been commented that this is a simple fragrance, I find that there is much more to it if given enough time. The fact that it is often compared - rightly - to Rose 31 by Le Labo suggests that there is more to this than is obvious from its note breakdown. To me much of this will hinge on how you feel about cumin. But the real mastery evident here is the contradictory feel of cumin being shot through with a minty musk and lime combination which to my mind has very niche-like qualities. It is immensely alluring and like the best of such fragrances it walks a knife edge of contradiction. I would go so far as to say that even in the best unisex tradition of Arabian perfumery, this is one of the greatest such fragrances : it is unquestionably a fragrance both for a man and a woman. It will definitely keep you sniffing yourself, trying to figure it out. Al-Rehab Khaliji is a highly recommended fragrance from me and is clearly one of the better fragrances from this house. It deserves greater acclaim as a wonderful, long-lasting fragrance, perfect for a Spring evening, with a lot of individuality in its depths.

Beautiful fragrance smells like a mix of Eau d'Orange Verte Hermès and Cartier Declaration or better yet a cumin spiced lemon meringue pie that's been doused in menthol lit aflame until it melts into some sort of snow water opens with sharp citrus green florals the cumin and musk adds to its creamy base the spicy notes help to balance the gender bending in this one this edges on masculine to my nose but can be worn by a woman the cumin is hidden until the basenotes open and settle about few hours after applied I get no body odor smell as other reviews have stated it's actually one of the more western friendly scents from this house and for the price the quality is unbeatable this can easily be sold as a 100$ fragrance it's not a super complex profile you get a citrus powdery orange opening that slowly transitions once the middle notes start opening i get some bright green musk as the middle starts to settle the amber and green florals make there appearance unlike verte hermes this is more Oriental then Mediterranean once the base settles i get a beautiful green musky incense with little pops of powdery citrus the cumin is blended perfectly that it mixes with the spice notes which pulls the base to a strong masculine closing.. I wouldn't call this a masterpiece since it is very similar to hermes and cartier but for 3$ usd it can give niche houses a run for there money if you like citrus orientals this is a safe blind buy also can be worn as a winter scent due to its sharpness 9.2 / 10

There is something so utterly natural about so many of these Al-Rehabs. I know others call them synthetic, but I think it's because the carrier oils they use are less refined. To me, these are refreshing and realistic like Demeter, but they last SO long! I used the rollerball, and just a touch on my wrist. I have been craving green scents, and this hits it on the head. There's not a more refreshing scent you could use in the summer, I don't think. The opening is citrus and herbs. I could swear this has mint, or at least parsley in it! Unfortunately the notes listed keep us guessing. The lemongrass is dominant, but I think there's something more... I detect vetiver. That deep, bright, sparkly, Woody, cooling essence is unmistakable. I'm not a citrus lover, because citrus is so often synthetic. This is as if you picked a bergamot right off the tree and cut it open. Happily, this dries down to something softer, sweeter, and more refined. I love the balance the musk and sandalwood bring. And the orange breaks away from the tartness of the other citrus. This is definitely a score for hot weather. One to keep on me for freshening up. If it wasn't for the fact that I have a bunch of oil rollerballs, and might get several more, I'd pick up more of this one.

Surprisingly good, love it. Long lasting clean, citrus summer freshie... First am not exactly a citrus guy being fond of heavier notes but this is something I have come to love. There is a very noticeable cumin note - dry roasted, powdered cumin! Here the citrus is more of a lime / lemon kind rather than orange variety. This lime, lemon and cumin combines together to resemble two popular summer refreshing drinks in India. One is the “jaljeera” which is basically a blend of sugar, lime, dry roasted powdered cumin, salt, water and mint along with ice cubes. The other is “soda shikanji” where instead of water, whisky soda or any fizzy drink like Coke is used as the base to amp up the taste. Base has sweetened florals and white musks and helps prop up the citrus. Surprisingly long las lasting up-to 6 hrs or more and when applied on clothes lasts for 8-10 hours which is unbelievable for a citrus and oil.

Lots of good comments but none mention the woodiness of this, possibly because the pencil-type cedar, and the sandalwood, blend perfectly with the "clean" cumin to form the backbone accord. The lemongrass plus orange accord is a nice twist to the standard lemon/bergamot, and the interplay of the cumin/wood and citrus profiles is 80% of this one. There is definitely a minty element (enough to cool your skin and sinuses), black pepper, a decent hit of oakmoss, and an unlisted herbal element (sage? oregano?) that gives a savory vibe. I don't get The Dreamer, Pasha or Declaration at all from this. To my mind, it is its own fragrance, which is pretty dang impressive for an incredibly inexpensive attar.

A citrus fresh fragrance with an interesting lime top note, evolves into something in between Cartier Declaration and Voyage d'Hermes. It has a soft cumin note which I enjoy but I can see this is not for everyone, but no pencil shavings such as in Declaration. Perfect for me. Interestingly, if you prefer the freshness of Khaliji you may go against my usual advice for Al Rehabs and (instead of rubbing in this attar) apply it in a more concentrated way directly on your skin on pulse points etc. I have noticed that by doing so, the cumin is less prominent and the scent stays more citrus-y. All in all, one of the best Al Rehabs I have come across.

I just got this perfume the other day and I haven't stopped wearing it. Its an amazing fresh spicy scent you really get the pepper and cumin notes. Then it fades into a lovely lemongrass and floraly note. My only gripe with this scent is the longevity and the projection when you first put it on your radiate a beautiful scent then after 10 minutes it just sticks to your skin which is fine but I like a bit more projection. definitely will buy again but I would say this is not a safe blind buy unless you like fresh spicy.

I recently bought this as one of a four bottle (spray) Al-Rehab blind buy. At first try, it's my favorite of the bunch. I must start out by saying that I don't get the "sweaty" vibe from it at all. On me, it's a well balanced citrus/spicy scent that's just right for daytime in warmer weather. In fact, I like it a lot better than some of the much more expensive perfumes I've tried. I will be wearing it often.

Very fruity in a good sense! I prefer the pocket spray version over the roll-on, since the oil one has a slightly more artificial smell in the first minutes, which some may find disturbing, but in the long run they are the same. I can also smell some grapes (in the form of raisins), but maybe it's only my imagination. All-in-all I found it an ideal companion for the sunshiny days.

A very cool aspect of fragrance is that while you may not be bowled over by one fragrance, they could be layered with another and then become a wicked combination. Khaliji is a great example, as I recently purchased the Khaliji and Dakar 6ml oils. While I do like Khaliji and would wear it by itself, it creates a fantastic new scent when layered with Dakar.

A funny, light, simple and straighforward fragrance. It is soft and fresh with its opening notes of cumin, lemongrass and citruses, that give a distinct 'sparkling' quality that I find very pleasant. Amber, musk and sandal actively contribute in giving this composition a 'clean and bright' feature that I find particularly agreeable.

I got the oil version. So far, I like it. My favorite part is the mint. It makes it uplifting and refreshing. It's nice scent for me when I want a break from the too feminine and flowery scents. I am suprised from the quality of such a cheap perfume oil. I will definitely look for more perfumes of this type.

First try today, oil 6ml version, just a touch on my wrist. After ca 1.5h citrus, flowers, vetiver (!), a bit of sandalwood, musk and spices, definitely no BO impressions. Fresh, invigorating, clean. Masculine, but not offensive. As for a cheapie - great blind buy.

A mix of lemongrass floor cleaner, some musk and a heavy dose of cumin. There's definitely a hint of sweat from the cumin but it's very manly and not off-putting. I've nothing else like this; some will hate it but it works very well on me.

This is lovely and has an unusual spicy/cumin note in there with citruses. Not too potent but has a nice silage and is cheap. The dry-down is gorgeous! Well worth the low price.

I have the spray and can detect no cumin at all. It is a lovely feminine light lemongrass/verbena white musk for me. Love it.

Blindbuy worthy Cumin with aquatic vibe Not arabic like other perfumes of this house. Similar to PASHA but its less subtle.

I also have the rollerball version of Khaliji, and find it to be a satisfying, if simple, scent. To begin with, there is a juicy lemon - lime smell, more LIME than lemon. This is neither a gourmand nor a sour smell. Just pleasantly sweet, like good limeade.... But underneath there is a touch of musk, and a decided whiff of CUMIN. Much as I love it, CUMIN can be a dealbreaker for some! This controversial spice may be bothersome to many who would otherwise enjoy a simple and refreshing citrus. I personally find it a bit challenging, while simultaneously the saving grace of a rather linear fragrance. While fragrance - especially Arabians - do not have a gender, Khaliji strikes me as more masculine in construction than womanly. This is entirely a matter of personal preference, however, as I'm well aware it could be unisex niche in a blind test. I don't find any of Khaliji's elements - Lime, Lemon, Musk, or Cumin - to be disturbing or unbearable. Neither do I consider this pleasing little citrus to be anything complex or devastatingly impressive! It's what I would call 'simply good'. We all need a simple, good fragrance in our lives from time to time. Khaliji is not necessarily for those who take their perfumes seriously. Fortunately, I view fragrance as largely a matter of serendipity. And I am glad to have met Khaliji! Three Stars Update - At an online Arabian oils shop, I found a description of Khaliji that includes the note of APRICOT. Yes! THAT'S the indefinable something extra I have not been able to pin down. :) How many men's fragrances can say they contain Apricot? Win-WIN.

I have the oil rollerball. For me, this radiates a powerful cloud of sweaty cumin when it is first applied, and goes on that way for some time. Like all oils, it progresses in slow motion, so it's a good two or three hours before the initial sharp body-odour spices shift into a more creamy balance - perhaps reminding me of a curry with plenty of coconut in the mix. As the spices die down over time, the green and citrus notes are more easily identifiable, but it still requires a little effort to notice them consciously. I was interested to see that other reviewers compare it to Rose 31 (which I haven't smelled). That's got me wondering - as I don't really detect rose in Khaliji, what would it be like layered with Al-Rehab's Aseel (which I do have)? Aseel is a little too rosy for my taste, so maybe balancing the heavy spice with the floral will result in something interesting... I do quite like this attar though, despite it making me nervous that I'm being judged by society to be nothing other than a perspiratious curry-fiend!

Super fresh bright lemongrass accompanied by spices, ESPECIALLY cumin. "Ohh B.O. this B.O. that" no. Like the legendary DaBarefootBombshell said, if B.O. smelled like this I would go around sniffing armpits. It's a wonderful freshie for any time of the day, year, AND it's like twelve cents anywhere on the internet. Haven't tried the roll on, the spray is good, and has an absolutely wild atomizer. Every says oh, it's obviously just like pasha de Cartier, it's obviously Versace the dreamer, oh no, it's sedley! NO! You are all WRONG! Any real knower would recognize this smells incredibly similar to Quorum Silver! It's near identical, except swap out the nutmeg in quorum for cumin. I don't think it's a dupe though. Solid longevity for a workday, solid projection.