Rasasi is one of the most respected Arabic fragrance houses in South Africa — a brand that consistently punches above its weight in quality, complexity, and longevity while remaining accessible in price. Founded in Dubai in 1979, Rasasi brings over 45 years of Arabic perfumery expertise to every bottle.
This guide covers everything South African buyers need to know about Rasasi perfumes — from the iconic Hawas range that's become a national favourite to lesser-known gems worth exploring in 2026.
About Rasasi Perfumes
Rasasi (pronounced Ra-SAH-si) is a Dubai-based fragrance house that has earned global recognition for producing genuinely high-quality Arabian perfumes at accessible prices. Unlike some Arabic brands that focus purely on oriental and oud compositions, Rasasi excels across multiple fragrance families — aquatics, orientals, woods, and florals — giving their range unusual versatility.
The brand is particularly respected for their Hawas range and their oud-based fragrances, which regularly appear on international fragrance community lists of the world's best value perfumes.
The Hawas Range — Rasasi's Crown Jewels
The Hawas line is Rasasi's most commercially successful creation and for good reason — it's a genuinely excellent marine-woody masculine EDP that works in virtually any context. Here's how the full Hawas range available in South Africa breaks down:
Hawas for Him — R999
Hawas for Him (R999) is the original and the best introduction to the range. A fresh, aquatic-woody masculine with bergamot and sea notes on the opening, driftwood and amber in the heart, and a clean sandalwood-musk base. Think of it as the Arabic equivalent of a high-end European eau fraiche — but with the longevity (8-10 hours) and complexity that Western houses struggle to achieve at this price point. This is the fragrance for the office, business meetings, formal events, and any situation requiring a confident, refined scent.
Hawas Kobra — R949
Hawas Kobra (R949) takes the Hawas DNA darker and more intense — adding a smoky, slightly animalic quality to the aquatic base that makes it more memorable and evening-appropriate. If the original Hawas is the day shift, Kobra is the night shift.
Hawas Elixir — R1,099
Hawas Elixir (R1,099) introduces a deeper oud and amber heart to the Hawas framework, creating the most luxurious version in the range. The "Elixir" designation is earned — this is richer, more complex, and feels genuinely premium. Recommended for special occasions and evenings.
Hawas Atlantis — R1,399
Hawas Atlantis (R1,399) is the most ambitious Hawas expression — a complex marine-oud fusion that uses the contrast between clean aquatics and dark, resinous oud to create something entirely unique. If you love both clean-fresh and oud-heavy fragrances, Atlantis does the impossible: it merges both successfully. Outstanding value at R1,399.
Hawas Lava Gold — R1,099
Hawas Lava Gold (R1,099) is the warmest Hawas variant — replacing the aquatic elements with a smoldering amber-gold accord that makes this the best Hawas for South African winter and cooler evening occasions.
Hawas London — R1,199
Hawas London (R1,199) brings a green, sophisticated British-inspired sensibility to the Hawas framework — vetiver, cedar, and a slight leather accord replacing the marine elements for a more land-based, urbane masculine. For men who love London's masculine fragrance aesthetic (Creed Green Irish Tweed, Jo Malone Wood Sage) but want Arabic quality and value.
Rasasi Beyond Hawas
Rasasi Al Wisam Day — available at Dubai Aroma
Rasasi Al Wisam is one of the brand's most loved oud-based masculines — a traditional Arabic construction that showcases Rasasi's oud expertise in a more classic framework than Hawas. Rich, warm, and deeply oriental.
Rasasi Aqua Allure Women — R249
Rasasi Aqua Allure Women (R249) demonstrates Rasasi's range — a light, fresh aquatic feminine that's completely different from their oriental expertise. Clean, easy-wearing, and outstanding value at R249 for daily use.
Which Rasasi Perfume Should You Buy First?
For men new to Rasasi: start with Hawas for Him (R999). It's Rasasi's best introduction — versatile, high-quality, and immediately impressive. Once you love it, the Hawas range offers multiple flankers to explore each at a different mood and occasion.
For those who want to explore Rasasi's oriental side: look at the Al Wisam range and their oud-based fragrances, which showcase the brand's 45-year heritage in traditional Arabic perfumery.
Rasasi vs Lattafa vs Afnan — How Do They Compare?
- Rasasi excels in clean, aquatic, and sophisticated masculine fragrances. Their Hawas range is unmatched in the Arabic perfume world for refined, Western-crossover appeal.
- Lattafa excels in oriental and oud fragrances — rich, complex, deeply Arabic in character. Their Khamrah, Raghba, and Yara are some of the best examples of their respective categories globally.
- Afnan excels in designer alternative masculines — particularly the 9PM range — and romantic feminines. Their strength is familiarity with a premium twist.
The sophisticated South African fragrance wardrobe uses all three: Rasasi for professional and refined occasions, Lattafa for evenings and oriental depth, Afnan for sweet gourmand and romantic moments.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rasasi Perfumes
Is Rasasi a good brand?
Yes — Rasasi is one of the most respected Arabic fragrance houses globally, with 45+ years of experience. Their Hawas range in particular has earned widespread acclaim from fragrance enthusiasts who compare it favourably to premium European fragrances at significantly lower prices.
What is the best Rasasi perfume for men in South Africa?
Hawas for Him (R999) is Rasasi's best-selling and most versatile men's fragrance in South Africa. For something more intense and evening-specific, Hawas Kobra (R949) or Hawas Elixir (R1,099) are excellent choices.
How long does Hawas by Rasasi last?
Hawas for Him consistently delivers 8-10 hours of longevity in South African conditions. The more concentrated Hawas variants (Elixir, Atlantis) can last 10-12 hours.
Is Rasasi available in South Africa?
Yes — Dubai Aroma stocks the full Rasasi Hawas range plus additional Rasasi fragrances. Browse the complete Rasasi collection at Dubai Aroma with free delivery on orders over R849.
What is Rasasi Hawas inspired by?
Hawas by Rasasi is an original creation — not explicitly inspired by a specific designer fragrance, though it occupies a similar olfactive space to premium fresh-woody masculines like Creed Himalaya and Acqua di Gio Profumo. The Hawas DNA is distinctly Rasasi's own.
Written by the Dubai Aroma Team — South Africa's specialist Arabic fragrance retailer since 2020.