Swiss Arabian's Shaghaf range is one of the most talked-about Arabian perfume collections in the world. The original Shaghaf Oud went viral on social media, and the newer versions are now just as popular. But with so many to choose from, which one is right for you?
In this Ireland guide we compare the five Shaghaf fragrances we stock at Dubai Oud: Shaghaf Oud, Oud Ahmar, Oud Elixir, Oud Tonka and Vanilla Toffee. We cover what each one smells like, who it suits, when to wear it and which famous scents it's often compared to.
About Swiss Arabian
Swiss Arabian is a perfume house based in the UAE that blends traditional Middle Eastern perfumery, with oud, saffron and amber at the heart of many of its scents, with modern Western styles. Shaghaf (شغف) means "passion" in Arabic, and the whole collection is built around rich, long-lasting, sweet oriental scents.
Shaghaf at a glance
| Perfume | Character | Sweetness | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shaghaf Oud | Saffron, rose, sweet oud | Sweet | First-time oud lovers | €55 (75ml) |
| Shaghaf Oud Ahmar | Fruity peach and amber oud | Fruity-sweet | Fans of fruity scents | €30 (25ml) / €65 (75ml) |
| Shaghaf Oud Elixir | Deep, spiced gourmand oud | Rich | Evenings and winter | €65 (75ml) |
| Shaghaf Oud Tonka | Almond, cinnamon, creamy tonka | Soft-sweet | Cosy everyday wear | €65 (75ml) |
| Shaghaf Vanilla Toffee | Toffee, coffee, vanilla dessert | Very sweet | Gourmand lovers | €65 (75ml) |
1. Swiss Arabian Shaghaf Oud: the original
This is the one that started it all. Shaghaf Oud is a modern oud with a sweet twist, which makes it a perfect introduction if you're new to oud.
Notes: saffron opens warm, oud and rose form a rich heart, and praline and vanilla leave a smooth, addictive finish.
Often compared to: buyers often liken it to Lancôme Oud Bouquet.
Wear it: autumn and winter, evenings, special occasions. It's very powerful, so start with one or two sprays.
Shop Swiss Arabian Shaghaf Oud EDP 75ml
2. Swiss Arabian Shaghaf Oud Ahmar: the fruity one
Ahmar ("red") is a brighter, fruitier take on the Shaghaf DNA. Many fragrance fans actually prefer it to the original.
Notes: peach, melon, bergamot, freesia and iris open juicy, apple, amber, rose and tonka add warmth, and vanilla, musk, sandalwood, cedar and oud finish it rich and smooth.
Often compared to: fragrance writers place it in the same fruity-amber family as Xerjoff Erba Pura, but darker and woodier because of the oud.
Wear it: all year round. The fruit keeps it lively even on milder days.
Shop Shaghaf Oud Ahmar 25ml · 75ml
3. Swiss Arabian Shaghaf Oud Elixir: the intense one
Elixir is a deeper, more intense version of Shaghaf Oud, for anyone who wants more richness and spice.
Notes: saffron, oud and pink pepper open warm and spiced, rose, praline, oud and sage form a rich heart, and oud, vanilla, amber and musk leave a long-lasting trail.
Wear it: cold winter nights, weddings and formal events.
Shop Swiss Arabian Shaghaf Oud Elixir EDP 75ml
4. Swiss Arabian Shaghaf Oud Tonka: the cosy one
Oud Tonka is the softest of the range: warm, nutty and creamy rather than smoky. A great choice if you find traditional oud too strong.
Notes: almond opens soft and nutty, Tunisian orange blossom, cinnamon and Turkish rose create a spiced floral heart, and tonka bean, vanilla and amberwood finish it creamy.
Wear it: everyday wear in autumn and winter, the office, a cosy weekend.
Shop Swiss Arabian Shaghaf Oud Tonka EDP 75ml
5. Swiss Arabian Shaghaf Vanilla Toffee: the dessert one
Vanilla Toffee swaps oud for coffee and caramel, making it the sweetest scent in the collection.
Notes: toffee and coffee open rich and sweet, walnut pastry, dates, cardamom and vanilla build an indulgent heart, and brown sugar, tonka, benzoin and musk keep it warm.
Often compared to: there's no exact match, but its coffee note leans towards Mancera Amore Caffè.
Wear it: cold evenings and date nights. It's a love-it-or-not scent, so we'd suggest trying it in store first.
Shop Swiss Arabian Shaghaf Vanilla Toffee EDP 75ml
Which Shaghaf should you buy?
- New to oud? Start with Shaghaf Oud or the gentler Oud Tonka.
- Love fruity scents? Go for Oud Ahmar.
- Want maximum richness? Choose Oud Elixir.
- Sweet tooth? Vanilla Toffee is your match.
- Buying a gift? Shaghaf Oud is the safest crowd-pleaser, and the Ahmar 25ml is a great stocking filler.
Shaghaf Oud vs Shaghaf Oud Ahmar
This is the most common question we get. Shaghaf Oud is warmer and more traditional, built on saffron, rose and praline. Ahmar is brighter and juicier, with peach and melon on top of the same sweet amber-oud base. If you prefer spice and rose, pick the original. If you prefer fruit, pick Ahmar.
More from Swiss Arabian
Explore the rest of the range in our Swiss Arabian collection, including the Heritage extraits Vanilla 01 and Tobacco 01, the rose-rich Enigma of Taif and the fruity-amber Casablanca.
Where to buy Swiss Arabian Shaghaf in Ireland
You can buy the full Shaghaf range online at dubaioud.ie with delivery across Ireland, or visit our Dubai Oud stores in Limerick and Cork to smell them in person and get a recommendation from our team.
Frequently asked questions
Is Shaghaf Oud long lasting?
Yes. Shaghaf Oud is known for strong longevity and projection, and many people can still smell it the next day on clothing. Results vary with skin type and weather.
Is Shaghaf Oud for men or women?
All five Shaghaf fragrances in this guide are unisex.
Which Shaghaf is the sweetest?
Vanilla Toffee is the sweetest, followed by Oud Tonka. Oud Elixir is the richest and most intense.
Is Swiss Arabian a Swiss brand?
No. Despite the name, Swiss Arabian is a perfume house based in the United Arab Emirates.
