Walk into almost any home in the Gulf and the first thing you notice is the scent of bakhoor. It welcomes guests, perfumes clothes before an occasion and gives the house its identity. This guide explains what bakhoor is and how to use it well.
What is bakhoor?
Bakhoor (also written bukhoor, and called dukhoon in parts of the Gulf) is a traditional Arabian incense. It is usually made from wood chips, often agarwood (oud), soaked in fragrant oils and blended with ingredients such as amber, musk, sandalwood, rose or spices. When heated, it releases a rich, long-lasting smoke that perfumes rooms, fabrics and hair.
How to burn bakhoor
With charcoal (traditional)
- Light a quick-light charcoal disc and place it in a heat-proof mabkhara (incense burner).
- Wait until the charcoal turns grey and stops sparking.
- Place a small piece of bakhoor on top. A piece the size of a fingernail is usually enough for a room.
- Let the smoke rise, then move the mabkhara around the room or past your clothing.
With an electric burner
Electric burners are cleaner and easier for daily use. Switch it on, wait for it to heat, add a small piece of bakhoor and adjust the temperature so it releases scent without burning too fast.
Ways to use bakhoor
- Welcoming guests: burn bakhoor in the majlis before visitors arrive and pass the mabkhara around at the end of a visit.
- Perfuming clothes: hold the mabkhara under a kandura, abaya or shayla for a few seconds, or hang clothes in a closed room with bakhoor burning.
- Hair: a light pass of smoke under long hair leaves a soft, lasting scent.
- Layering: perfume your clothes with bakhoor first, then apply oud oil and perfume. The scents build on each other. See our guide to making perfume last longer.
How to choose a bakhoor blend
| If you like… | Try |
|---|---|
| Deep, classic oud | Oud Bakhoor, Al Asalah |
| Warm and sweet | Amber Bakhoor, Saffron Bakhoor |
| Clean and soft | Musk Bakhoor, Sandal Bakhoor |
| Warm and spicy | Quranfal (clove) |
| A blend for occasions | Mukhalat Malaki, Sheikh Zayed Dukhoon |
Browse the full bakhoor and dukhoon collection.
Safety tips
- Always use a heat-proof burner on a stable surface, away from curtains and children.
- Keep the room ventilated, and never leave burning charcoal unattended.
- Let charcoal cool completely before throwing it away.
Shop online or visit us: browse the full Anfas Al Khaleej collection and Antonio Dmetri perfumes, or try them in person at our boutiques in Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates and Sharjah Airport Duty Free. Delivery is free in the UAE on orders over AED 200 (AED 30 below that), cash on delivery is available inside the UAE, and we ship worldwide; customs fees may apply in some countries.
Frequently asked questions
Oud is the resinous agarwood itself. Bakhoor is a prepared incense, usually wood chips soaked in perfumed oils, that may contain oud along with amber, musk, sandalwood or other ingredients.
In a room, the scent usually lingers for several hours. On fabric, it can last a day or more, which is why bakhoor is used to perfume clothes before occasions.
Yes. An electric bakhoor burner heats the incense without charcoal and is cleaner and easier for daily use.
A small piece, about the size of a fingernail, is enough for a normal room. Add more only if the room is large.