What Is DUA Baniqia a Dupe Of?

DUA Baniqia is a clone of Xerjoff Najaf (Zanzibar). DUA names that fragrance as its inspiration, so it’s the bottle to sample alongside this one if you’re interested in how the scent was interpreted.

What makes these worth comparing?

Baniqia takes its inspiration from Xerjoff Najaf, which is listed in our catalog as Zanzibar (Najaf). DUA’s notes pair tobacco and osmanthus with oud, sandalwood, patchouli and cedar, followed by musk, tonka and vanilla. That tobacco and floral combination is a useful place to start. We’d compare how sweet it feels alongside the woods before deciding whether it’s the version you want.

What notes should you look for?

DUA lists Tobacco, Osmanthus, Agarwood, Sandalwood, Patchouli, Cedar Wood, Green Notes and Musk.

How would we compare samples?

If you have samples, give each its own wrist and let the first spray settle. Come back once the notes you enjoy most are easier to pick out. Smelling them twice gives you a better idea of whether the opening is what drew you in or whether the finish is the part you want to wear. Check both on a day when you can keep the rest of your routine unscented. Use a blotter for a first impression if you’re sampling several scents at once. Save a skin test for the two you’re choosing between.

Which one would we try first?

We’d try DUA Baniqia if the notes above sound like what you want from this scent. If you’ve already worn Xerjoff Najaf (Zanzibar) and have a particular part of it in mind, start with a small sample so you can compare that detail before buying. Check the size and format shown on the retailer page, and use the delivered price for the bottle you’d actually order. That’s especially helpful when one listing is for a travel size or sample and another is for a full bottle.