Perfume Shops & Luxury Retail in Amman, Jordan: A Blog-Style Guide
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Omar Haddad
- . October 14, 2025
- . Update: October 14, 2025 9:21 pm
Amman is one of those cities where scent sits quietly in the background, until it doesn’t. Step into Al-Balad (Downtown) and you’ll catch threads of oud, rose, and amber drifting from tiny boutiques; drive ten minutes to Abdali or Abdoun, and you’re in glassy malls with global beauty counters and limited-edition flacons. If you’re planning a shopping afternoon, here’s how I like to map it.
Start old-school: Al-Balad’s oil bars
Begin in Al-Balad, the city’s historic core. Here you’ll find traditional houses, think Arabian Oud, Ajmal, Abdul Samad Al Qurashi, Rasasi, Swiss Arabian, plus independent ateliers that will blend on the spot. Ask for:
- Pure oud oils (dab only; they bloom over hours).
- Mukhallats (layered mixes of oud, rose, amber, musk).
- Bakhoor chips and burners if you want your hotel room (or suitcase!) to smell like Amman.
Try-before-you-buy tip: Oils evolve. Test on skin, wander for 30–60 minutes, then decide. Most shops are generous with strips and mini dabs, use them.
Level up: Abdali Boulevard & Taj Mall
When you’re ready for polished retail, head to Abdali Boulevard (and Abdali Mall) or Taj Mall in Abdoun. You’ll get:
- Designer counters (Chanel, Dior, Tom Ford, YSL) with full lines and seasonal gift sets.
- Multi-brand beauty stores that stock the latest flankers and travel exclusives.
- Attentive staff who can walk you through concentrations (EDT vs EDP vs extrait) and help you layer a signature.
If you love discovery sets, ask, Amman’s counters often have curated minis that stretch your dinar and suitcase space.
For value hunters: City Mall & Mecca Mall
Not as glossy, but very practical: City Mall and Mecca Mall. You’ll find dependable pricing, frequent promos, and family-friendly food courts when you need a reset. It’s also where I check for bundle deals (full bottle + body lotion + travel spray).
What to buy (and when)
- Summer days: Citrus-aromatics and airy woods (think bergamot, neroli, vetiver).
- Cooler nights: Resinous ouds, ambers, and spice, Amman’s evening breeze loves them.
- Gifts: Oud oil + bakhoor + burner is a crowd-pleaser; ask for boxed sets with Arabic/English labeling and batch codes.
Authenticity & etiquette
Stick to brand boutiques or reputable counters; check cellophane, batch codes, and clear labeling. Haggling is uncommon in malls, but in small Al-Balad shops, polite negotiation on oils (not designer bottles) can be acceptable,smile, ask, and don’t press if the answer is no.
Airport last call
Flying out of Queen Alia International Airport? Duty free has the usual suspects and convenient travel sizes. Prices are fair, selection is tighter, and it’s perfect for a last-minute gift.
Amman rewards both the connoisseur and the curious: heritage oils in Al-Balad, luxe counters at Abdali and Taj, and knowledgeable staff across the board. Take your time, let the oils unfold, and leave room in your bag,you’ll want to bring a little of the city home with you.
