There is something endlessly captivating about the art of Arabic perfume making — the way scents tell stories, evoke memories, and celebrate tradition. Across the Gulf, the craft of perfumery continues to thrive, and a new wave of immersive perfume-making workshops in Dubai and Riyadh invites locals and travellers alike to step behind the counter and mix their own blends. Whether you are drawn to oud, amber or rose, these workshops offer the perfect balance of creativity, heritage and indulgence. From a perfume experience in Dubai Mall to a professional course in Riyadh and Arabic attar workshops, here are some of the most unforgettable places to explore traditional perfume making in the Gulf.

If you have ever wanted to make your own perfume in Dubai, The Perfume Bar is the place to start. Located right inside the glittering Dubai Mall, this boutique perfume-making workshop in Dubai blends Arabic and French traditions with a modern twist. You can choose from pre-made scent bases or dive straight into creating your own signature mix — complete with your name on the bottle.

The team will guide you through the process of selecting base, heart and top notes, while explaining how Arabic perfume workshops draw on regional ingredients like oud, amber, and rose. It is an experience that feels both luxurious and surprisingly personal. As a bonus, the final bottle makes an excellent custom perfume gift experience in Dubai, whether for yourself or a loved one.

For those curious about traditional perfume making in the Gulf, Al Beqsha offers a deep dive into the UAE’s rich scent heritage. Their Arabic perfume workshop introduces participants to the history of perfumery through a cultural lens — think incense-filled majlis, family traditions, and the symbolic importance of fragrance in daily life.

You’ll learn about scent layering, oil concentration, and the regional favourites that define local perfumery. Then, you’ll get to create your own Arabic perfume, name it, and take it home. It is an ideal pick for anyone wanting a meaningful perfume experience in Dubai that blends artistry with cultural storytelling.

An institution among fragrance connoisseurs, Yusuf Bhai is known for bespoke perfumes crafted by artisans with decades of expertise. But beyond their signature blends, the brand occasionally hosts Arabic perfume workshops where visitors can quite literally learn from the masters.

These sessions take you behind the scenes of scent composition, teaching how individual notes interact and evolve over time. You’ll experience hands-on blending and explore the creative process behind the brand’s most iconic fragrances. The workshops are announced via the brand’s website, so staying tuned is key. For anyone seeking an insider’s journey into the luxury world of perfumery, this is one perfume-making workshop in Dubai worth keeping an eye on.

In Saudi Arabia, Studio Resa takes things to the next level with a professional perfume-making Riyadh course led by Dr Reem Saleh. Over two days, you’ll get a crash course in the science and art of perfumery — from understanding the aromatic pyramid to learning about sourcing high-quality oils and tools.

This immersive fragrance workshop in Riyadh is designed for both men and women, combining technical expertise with practical experience where participants create a personal fragrance. The fact that the course concludes with an accredited certificate from the Technical and Vocational Training Centre makes it not just fun, but a valuable addition for anyone considering perfumery more seriously.

If you have ever dreamed of transforming your love for fragrance into a creative skill, this perfume-making course in Riyadh is a must-try.

Set against a serene seascape, the Arabic perfume workshop at Anantara Hotels & Resorts blends luxury and culture in one unforgettable afternoon. Guided by an expert perfumer, guests embark on an aromatic journey through the classic elements of Arabic scents — oud, musk, amber, and rose.

This oud perfume workshop includes an introduction to traditional fragrance techniques, followed by a hands-on blending session where you’ll craft a bespoke perfume to take home. The setting, coupled with the hotel’s tranquil atmosphere, makes it a truly sensory escape. If you are after a workshop that feels as indulgent as a spa treatment, this one is for you.

For something deeply traditional yet delightfully sensory, the oud perfume class in Dubai at Dusit Hotel focuses on the ancient art of Bukhoor. Bukhoor refers to incense made from wood chips soaked in fragrant oils, burned to release rich, smoky notes that linger for hours.

During this private two-hour session, you’ll learn how to mix and shape Bukhoor using perfumed oils and oud wood. The result? Your very own Dukhoon — a fragrant disc that embodies centuries of Arabic olfactory tradition. This experience stands out among perfume-making workshops in Dubai for its authenticity and attention to cultural detail.

Whether you are blending oud in a luxury resort or learning the science behind scent in a Riyadh studio, each Arabic perfume workshop offers a unique way to connect with the region’s deep-rooted fragrance traditions. From the indulgent perfume-making workshops in Dubai to the professional fragrance workshops in Riyadh, there is something for every nose — beginner or expert alike.

So next time you are in the Gulf, don’t just shop for perfume — make it.