World’s most EXPENSIVE perfume is made after nearly 500 formulation attempts, costs over Rs 10 crore, name is…, available at…

Dubai has once again raised the bar on lavish indulgence, unveiling what is being touted as the most expensive perfume ever created. The fragrance, named Shumukh, carries an eye-popping price tag of USD 1.3 million which is roughly Rs. 10.8 crore. Developed by master perfumer Asghar Adam Ali, the founder of Nabeel Perfumes, Shumukh is the result of three years of work and nearly 500 formulation attempts, all aimed at capturing the spirit and extravagance of Dubai in a single scent.

But this is far from an ordinary bottle of perfume. Shumukh is housed in a stunning 3-liter Murano glass flacon, showcased inside a towering 1.97-meter display structure adorned with an astonishing level of artistry and opulence: 3,571 diamonds, 2.5 kg of 18-karat gold, 5.9 kg of pure silver, along with pearls and Swiss topaz for added sparkle.  It’s less a fragrance and more a statement piece which is a true symbol of Dubai’s love for luxury on a grand scale.

The Spirit of Dubai just launched #SHUMUKH the world’s most expensive perfume bottle and two times holder of @GWR for the most diamonds on a perfume bottle & tallest remote controlled fragrance sprayed bottle exclusively at #TheDubaiMall, Fashion Avenue as part of ART+ series. pic.twitter.com/zh7c8aHggt

— Dubai Mall by Emaar (@TheDubaiMall) March 14, 2019

What does the name ‘Shumukh’ mean?

The name Shumukh literally means “worthy of the highest,” and that description fits perfectly once you lay eyes on its extravagant design. The bottle is decorated with detailed symbols that celebrate Dubai’s heritage – from falcons and Arabian horses to roses, pearls, and even elements inspired by the city’s ultramodern skyline.

As for the fragrance, it’s a luxurious, unisex blend rooted in classic Middle Eastern notes: warm sandalwood, deep musk, smoky frankincense, rich agarwood, and amber, balanced with softer floral layers like Turkish rose and ylang-ylang.

But Shumukh isn’t making headlines for its aroma alone. It’s also the first perfume in the world to clinch two Guinness World Records – one for having the highest number of diamonds on a perfume bottle, and another for being the tallest perfume spray structure operated by remote control. In true Dubai style, it doesn’t just sit pretty, but it literally sprays itself.

Perfume culture in the Middle-East

In the Middle East, perfume isn’t just about fragrance, it’s part of daily life and cultural identity. From centuries-old traditions to Islamic teachings that emphasize personal fragrance, scents hold a special place in the region. It’s no surprise, that the Middle East and Africa’s fragrance market – valued at USD 6.1 billion in 2017 – continues to grow rapidly. And with demand soaring, the UAE has positioned itself at the forefront of ultra-premium perfumery.

Shumukh now sits at the top of that hierarchy, taking over previous record-setters like Clive Christian’s No.1 Imperial Majesty and DKNY’s Million Dollar Bottle — not just in cost, but in sheer extravagance.

While its buyer remains a mystery, Shumukh is currently showcased at the Dubai Mall, where creators say they’ve already received several “serious” expressions of interest.