by Roja Dove
Kingdom of Bahrain by Roja Dove is a highly complex and evolving fragrance that begins with a vibrant, natural citrus burst of lime, bergamot, and lemon, enhanced by green herbal notes like clary sage and bay leaf. This fresh opening quickly transitions into a smooth woody and sweet-salty heart, featuring subtle cotton candy, ambergris, and leather notes, creating a rare blend that feels both gourmand and refined—never overly sweet or cloying. The base layers bring in tonka bean, cedar, cypress, and dusty vanilla, wrapped in a briny, oceanic ambergris accord that gives depth and longevity. The scent evolves significantly over time, transforming from a crisp citrus start to an intimate, aromatic dry down with a soft salinity and zero animalic notes, making it distinctly different from other heavy, resinous Gulf aouds. Despite its strong performance in initial olfactory impact and its rich, high-quality ingredients, the longevity is inconsistent—some users report it fading fast to a skin scent after 2–3 hours, while others note it lasting up to 9 hours, especially on clothes. It is best suited for spring and autumn, on lighter skin types or warm days, and offers moderate to strong sillage, especially in the first hours.