Short answer: Desert Storm by D&E Fragrances is our Extrait de Parfum take on Roja Dove Kingdom of Bahrain, from £14.99 to £44.95, compared with the luxury price of the original. Shop Desert Storm here.
- Smells like: fresh citrus and pink pepper turning warm, spicy and woody.
- Best for: people who want a fragrance that changes through the day.
- Honest note: it is inspired by Kingdom of Bahrain, not an exact copy.
Kingdom of Bahrain, released in 2017 by Roja Parfums, is inspired by the waters around Bahrain. Roja's fragrances carry some of the highest price tags in perfumery, so many people look for a Kingdom of Bahrain dupe in the UK before committing. This guide covers what the original smells like and how Desert Storm compares.
What does Kingdom of Bahrain actually smell like?
It is a unisex scent that opens fresh and turns spicy-warm. Published notes for the opening include lemon, lime, bergamot and pink pepper. The wider list is long, with clary sage, jasmine, rose, violet, ambergris, cypress, saffron, oud, cashmeran, cedarwood, leather, tonka bean, vanilla and patchouli. Because the list is so large, different people pick out different things, but the general arc is a bright citrus start that deepens into a spicy, woody, slightly salty-warm base.
Why people look for a Kingdom of Bahrain dupe
The cost is the obvious reason. Roja Parfums sit firmly in the luxury bracket, and a full bottle is a serious purchase. A dupe is a way to find out whether the fresh-to-spicy style suits you, or simply to enjoy something similar day to day without worrying about using up an expensive bottle.
Kingdom of Bahrain vs Desert Storm at a glance
| Roja Dove Kingdom of Bahrain | D&E Desert Storm | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Luxury pricing | From £14.99 (5ml) to £44.95 (50ml) |
| Style | Fresh citrus turning spicy, woody and warm | Lemon, lime, bergamot, pink pepper, saffron, oud, cedarwood, leather, tonka, vanilla |
| Format | Parfum house | Extrait de Parfum |
| Sizes | See retailer | 5ml, 12ml oil roller, 15ml, 30ml, 50ml |
Introducing Desert Storm
Desert Storm is our original composition inspired by the style of Kingdom of Bahrain. It starts with a crisp burst of lemon, lime, bergamot and pink pepper, then builds through jasmine, rose and saffron into a warm base of oud, cedarwood, leather, tonka bean, vanilla and patchouli. It is hand-blended in the UK, vegan and cruelty-free. Try Desert Storm from £14.99.
Being upfront about the comparison
Desert Storm is not identical to the Roja Parfums original, and we would never claim it is. Roja's blend is very complex and uses its own materials. Ours captures the overall idea of a fresh opening drifting into spice and wood, but the details will differ. For the genuine article, go to an authorised Roja retailer.
Longevity and projection
As an Extrait de Parfum, Desert Storm is designed to last around 8 to 10 hours on skin. Individual results vary with skin chemistry, climate and application. Apply to pulse points after moisturising for the best performance.
The verdict
If the citrus-to-spice style of Kingdom of Bahrain appeals but the price does not, Desert Storm is an easy and affordable way to explore it. Try the 5ml sample first. Shop Desert Storm now.
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D&E Fragrances is not affiliated with Roja Dove or Roja Parfums. Desert Storm is our own original composition, inspired by the style of the fragrance named. All trademarks belong to their respective owners.