Rakaan
Rakaan scores 8/10 for longevity and performs best in Mild conditions.
Fragrance Notes
From the first impression to the lasting trail.
Top notes
The first impression
Heart notes
The character of the scent
Base notes
The lasting impression
Notes unfold and overlap differently on every skin.
Occasions & Seasons
Climate Performance
Avg 6.4 / 10Expert Analysis
A masculine blend of sharp citruses and rich woods, particularly a prominent oud, creating a sophisticated and intriguing aura.
Its citrusy opening keeps it fresh for warmer days, while the woody and oud base gives it depth for cooler evenings, making it quite versatile in the region.
A more accessible take on a citrus-oud combination, differing from typical Western designer offerings.
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Swiss Arabian Rakaan: What You Need to Know
Some fragrances become dominant because they deserve to be. Rakaan by Swiss Arabian is that kind of fragrance — an EDP whose Woody, Citrus, Fresh Spicy, Oud, Musky character, engineered by Internal Perfumer and launched in 2010, has earned its standing through consistent performance rather than marketing alone. This review provides the data to evaluate it properly: scores, climate results and pricing, not adjectives.
A masculine blend of sharp citruses and rich woods, particularly a prominent oud, creating a sophisticated and intriguing aura.
The Scent: Notes, Structure & Dry-Down
Rakaan opens with Grapefruit, Bergamot and Lime — an assertive first impression that carries across a room. Once that burns off, usually inside the first half hour, the heart turns to Agarwood (Oud), Cedar and Guaiac Wood. Hours in, what remains is the foundation: Musk, Amber and Sandalwood.
Strip it back to the bones and the profile reads Woody, Citrus, Fresh Spicy, Oud, Musky — easy to place and easy to wear.
Longevity & Projection: Rakaan on the Clock
Longevity (8/10): Rakaan delivers strong longevity for EDP. On most skin types expect 8–12 hours. A single morning application typically carries through well into the evening without reinforcement.
Sillage (7/10): Rakaan projects as a confident aura, detectable by those nearby. Application to pulse points — wrists, neck, and behind the ears — maximises projection without overwhelming the room.
Versatility (8/10): Rakaan is a genuine all-rounder — at ease at a wedding, a boardroom meeting, or a late-night dinner. From casual daytime to formal evening, it adapts without feeling out of place.
Value (8/10): At around $25, Rakaan delivers significantly more than its price tag suggests — one of the better value propositions in its category.
Climate Performance: Where Rakaan Works Best
Of the five climate zones we score, Rakaan does best in mild (Islamabad, San Francisco) at 8/10 — it keeps its shape there instead of turning sharp or fading fast.
Its citrusy opening keeps it fresh for warmer days, while the woody and oud base gives it depth for cooler evenings, making it quite versatile in the region.
Its average across all five zones is 6.4/10 — broad enough to wear most of the year without second-guessing the weather.
To see how it ranks against every other fragrance for your conditions, run the Climate Matcher.
Occasions & When to Wear
Rakaan is best suited to Daily, Office, Evening. Its projection is calibrated for the occasions listed — confident enough to register, controlled enough to remain appropriate in close quarters.
Seasonally, Rakaan performs best in Spring, Fall. The climate data supports this range, though performance at the extremes — deep cold or intense heat — may vary.
A more accessible take on a citrus-oud combination, differing from typical Western designer offerings.
What Rakaan Costs — and Whether It Is Worth It
Internationally, Rakaan sits at $25–$45. That is a genuinely accessible price point — a bottle that can be worn daily and repurchased without ceremony.
Regional pricing: PKR 5,000–8,000 in Pakistan, AED 80–150 in the UAE. The currency switcher at the top of this page converts every price on the site — EUR, GBP, SAR and more — using current rates.
Where to buy: Internationally: Amazon, Official Website. GCC/UAE: Swiss Arabian Boutiques, Online Retailers. Pakistan: Naheed, Chase Up, Online Retailers.
Verdict
Rakaan earns its place in the conversation through consistent performance, a clear identity, and data that backs the reputation.
An overall 7.4/10 puts Rakaan in solid-but-situational territory: strong where it is strong, ordinary elsewhere. Match it to the right season and occasion and it pays off.
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Still deciding? Put it head-to-head against anything else in the database — scores, notes and prices side by side.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Rakaan last?
Rakaan has a longevity score of 8/10. On average skin, expect 8–12 hours. Performance can vary with skin type, application method, and ambient temperature — heat accelerates diffusion while dry skin absorbs fragrance faster.
Is Rakaan worth the price?
At around $25, Rakaan by Swiss Arabian is an excellent value for its price category. Its performance scores, climate range, and composition quality make it a strong value proposition.
What does Rakaan smell like?
Rakaan is characterised by Woody, Citrus, Fresh Spicy, Oud, Musky accords. Opening with Grapefruit and Bergamot, the heart revolves around Agarwood (Oud) and Cedar, settling into a base of Musk and Amber.
Is Rakaan good for hot or humid weather?
Rakaan handles warm weather adequately (score: 6/10). It performs reliably through a typical hot season without requiring adjustment.
Is Rakaan for men or women?
Rakaan is marketed as a Masculine fragrance. Fragrance gender classifications are marketing constructs. Wear what you love.