The Story
Why it exists.
The beginning
Rimal was part of The Spirit of Dubai collection, the niche arm of Nabeel Perfumes founded by perfumer Asghar Adam Ali. The fragrance opens with warming spices, saffron, nutmeg, cinnamon, brightened by bergamot and tempered by vanilla and white flowers. As the initial brightness settles, the composition shifts to reveal golden, warm spice notes that develop alongside the floral softness. The heart introduces patchouli, ylang-ylang, and incense, their sweetness building beneath the surface as the opening notes recede. The base anchors the composition with leather, agarwood, sandalwood, and a caramel warmth that settles close to the skin. The overall structure balances richness and depth, combining elements of opulence with those of tradition in a layered, cohesive whole.
The saffron in Rimal carries a honeyed, slightly metallic warmth that most perfumers use sparingly. Here, it opens the composition with intention. The oud in the base provides the foundation, dark and resinous in character. Balanced against smooth sandalwood and warm amber, the caramel and leather create a sweetness that works with the material rather than against it. The interaction between these core ingredients creates a foundation that feels both luxurious and grounded.
The evolution
The opening hits immediately, saffron and warm spices including nutmeg, cinnamon, and bergamot create a rich sweetness that commands attention. Within the first hour, the patchouli and ylang-ylang emerge, their sweetness building as the initial spice settles. The leather arrives by the mid-stage, smooth, dark, and commanding. Caramel and amber provide warmth beneath it. The drydown is where the composition establishes its lasting character. Oud, sandalwood, and vetiver create a dark, intimate foundation that lingers close to the skin for hours. The fragrance opens with a bold presence, then settles into something more personal as the hours progress.
Cultural impact
Rimal arrived alongside a growing interest in Middle Eastern niche fragrance houses that incorporated regional materials including oud, saffron, and incense into their compositions. The Spirit of Dubai emerged as a presence in this space, offering fragrances that connected to cultural themes beyond simple fragrance creation. Rimal remains one of the house's notable releases for those exploring regional perfumery and its distinctive approach to material selection and composition.
