If you’re a fragrance lover, you probably know the name Al Haramain. This is a house with a solid reputation for high-quality perfumes, rich Middle Eastern scent profiles, and some of the best value for money in the world of oud. In 2024, Al Haramain celebrated its 50th anniversary, and as you might expect, they decided to mark the occasion with something truly special—a pair of exclusive, limited edition releases: Golden Oud Eau de Parfum and Oudh Ma’al Bakhoor.
I had the chance to get my hands on both, and as a fan of the brand (and all things oud!), I couldn’t wait to share my unboxing experience and my first impressions of these two celebratory scents. Whether you’re new to oud or an old fan, read on for all the details about these special editions.
A Little Background: 50 Years of Al Haramain
Before we get into the scents, it’s worth acknowledging what 50 years means in the perfume business. Al Haramain was founded in 1970 in the Middle East, and over the decades, it’s become one of the best-known names for Middle Eastern perfumery worldwide. Their catalog is huge, ranging from classic attars to modern, Western-style eau de parfums, but what has always set them apart is their focus on quality, tradition, and value.
So, a 50th-anniversary release is not just another flanker. It’s a statement—and, judging by the presentation, they’ve pulled out all the stops.
Unboxing the Special Editions: A Feast for the Eyes
Right from the moment you get these special editions in your hands, you can tell you’re holding something luxurious. Al Haramain is known for going above and beyond with their packaging, and for these 50th Anniversary editions, they’ve taken it even further.
Golden Oud Eau de Parfum arrives in a stunning gold box. The design is ornate and unmistakably Eastern, with patterns and flourishes that evoke traditional Arabic artistry. There’s an outer sleeve, a second protective layer, and finally, the bottle itself—100ml of fragrance housed in a bottle that feels heavy, solid, and decorated with intricate Arabic designs. The cap is all metal, engraved with a unique “50 Years” emblem. Every detail, down to the weight of the bottle in your hand, screams celebration and quality.
Oudh Ma’al Bakhoor follows a similar visual theme but is presented as an oil-based oud, packaged in a decorative box with Middle Eastern flair. What really sets it apart, though, is the inclusion of a real piece of oud wood tucked inside the box—a beautiful little touch that feels almost ceremonial. If you love the ritual of fragrance, this is an absolute treat.
First Sniff: Golden Oud Eau de Parfum
Let’s talk juice. The Golden Oud Eau de Parfum is, as you’d expect, an oud-forward scent. Right off the bat, you get a robust, woody blast—the unmistakable signature of real oud. But there’s more going on here.
On first spray, I immediately picked up a rich, earthy vibe. Some would call it “barnyardy,” and yes, there’s a touch of that classic oud funk that fans love (and that makes oud, oud!). But here, it’s balanced and sophisticated, leaning more towards an earthy, resinous woodiness than anything overly animalic. If you’re new to oud, don’t be scared off—this is not a beast-mode barnyard. Instead, it’s nuanced and accessible.
As it settles, a sweetness begins to peek through. I suspect there’s amber or maybe even a hint of vanilla in the base, adding a soft, creamy undertone that beautifully supports the wood. A whiff of florals occasionally floats up, rounding out the scent and giving it a subtle, almost powdery touch.
The overall impression? Rich, resinous, and unashamedly woody—yet softened with sweetness and just a touch of floral. It feels traditional, yes, but also very wearable. Both men and women could rock this scent, especially for special occasions or cool evenings when you want something a bit mysterious and elegant.
Longevity and projection are as you’d expect from Al Haramain: excellent. A couple of sprays lasted all day on my skin, and the sillage is impressive without being overwhelming.
First Sniff: Oudh Ma’al Bakhoor (Oud Oil)
The Oudh Ma’al Bakhoor is a little different. This is a pure oud oil, designed for those who appreciate the more traditional, ritualistic side of perfumery. You can dab a little on your pulse points, or—if you’re feeling fancy—burn the included oud chip to fragrance a room or your clothes.
The scent of the raw oud wood is simply gorgeous. It’s earthy, woody, and softly floral, with a gentle sweetness that’s incredibly inviting. Unlike some oud oils, there’s almost no animalic note here—it’s very smooth and “friendly,” making it ideal for beginners who want to experience real oud without the usual intensity.
Wearing the oil feels like a personal, intimate experience. It’s closer to the skin, more subtle than the Eau de Parfum, and as it develops, the soft floral and woody tones blend in a way that feels calming and almost meditative.
Which Should You Choose?
Both Golden Oud Eau de Parfum and Oudh Ma’al Bakhoor are beautiful in their own right, but they offer slightly different experiences.
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Golden Oud EDP is perfect if you want a statement scent that will turn heads and last all day. The complexity, strength, and bottle presentation make it ideal as a gift or for special occasions. It’s a “dressy” oud—luxurious, polished, and rich.
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Oudh Ma’al Bakhoor is more about the ritual—the intimate pleasure of pure oud oil, whether worn directly or enjoyed as bakhoor. The included oud chip is a lovely touch, and the scent is softer, more meditative, and even beginner-friendly.
Final Thoughts
Al Haramain’s 50th Anniversary Special Editions are a love letter to their roots and their fans. From the jaw-dropping packaging to the scent profiles themselves, everything here screams craftsmanship and care. If you’re an oud lover, these are must-tries. If you’re a collector, these are must-haves.
In a world where mass-market releases can sometimes feel soulless, it’s refreshing to see a house celebrating their legacy with products that truly honor their history. Here’s to 50 more years of scent memories!
