Blog
What Makes Al Fakher One of the Most Popular Shisha Brands?
Introduction
In the United Arab Emirates, shisha is more than a pastime — it’s a culturally rooted aspect of everyday life and socializing. Shisha is about community, whether that’s in a family’s majlis, a late-night cafe in Dubai or a random gathering on a terrace in Abu Dhabi.
A brand that plays a key role in these times, is Al Fakher. Founded over 20 years ago, Al Fakher’s shisha tobacco brand has become a household name in the hookah community with fans all over the world for its consistent, flavorful line of tobaccos that stand out in a class of their own. But what is it that has made this UAE-born brand so enduringly popular?
This comprehensive guide breaks it down for you: from its Emirati heritage and dedication to quality, to the largest flavour selection to date, its trusted community standing, and top tips to get the most from every session. Continue reading to find out why so many shishas (shisha smokers) — from novice to seasoned hookah heads — continue to choose Al Fakher.
A Brief History of Al Fakher
UAE Roots Since 1999
Al Fakher was launched in the United Arab Emirates in 1999, when there were very few manufacturers of shisha in the market. Their vision was to produce the best quality shisha tobacco and their fruit flavoured shisha is well renown for their great taste. Most shisha brands were imported at the time, and quality could be hit or miss. With a focus on quality over quantity, Al Fakher soon gained widespread popularity in the UAE market.
Local Favourite to Global Leader
The growth of Al Fakher then further grew to become more than a small regional company, but rather, a leading shisha manufacturer on the world stage. Nowadays, the brand can be found in more than 100 countries; it is one of the most famous shaisha brand in the world. This growth was driven by:
- A comprehensive local-based customer following in the UAE
- Collaborations with overseas distributors and lounges
- Consistent Quality In Every Pack
Staying True to Its Heritage
As the brand expanded abroad, Al Fakher never strayed from its ties with Emirati customs. Across the UAE, its familiar flavours still pulse through the smoke in almost every shisha café, from the high-rise terraces of Dubai to neighbourhood majlis gatherings in Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah. The brand’s insistence on remaining cool for its locality has been key to its longevity in the long race.
Commitment to Quality
A major part of Al Fakher’s success has been its role as a stickler for quality at every touch point.
Premium Virginia Tobacco
Every pouch begins with premium Virginia tobacco leaves, which are celebrated for their naturally sweet hint with a smooth burn. The cut of this tobacco is taken with the utmost precision for effortless packing and uniform burning.
Natural Flavouring and Freshness
Al Fakher mixes its tobacco with molasses or honey, natural fruit extracts and whatever flavour you want so you’re left with nothing but true and strong flavours with no chemical aftertaste. Correct packaging — the tobacco is sealed in pouches and boxes — ensures that the tobacco is kept fresh, particularly in the UAE’s hot weather.
Rigorous Quality Control
From leaf selection to packaging, every batch is rigorously tasted to ensure the highest quality. It will taste and smoke the same to smokers, regardless of whether they purchase it from a small corner shop in Ras Al Khaimah, a small emirate, or from a large supermarket in Dubai.
Smooth Smoke Experience
What makes Al Fakher a fan favorite is not only the taste, but how smooth and effortless the session is.
Easy to Pack
The small dice is one anyone can make a bowl from, whether they are beginners who can barely make the cut, or lounge staff who make dozens every night.
Balanced Moisture Content
Having the perfect level of moisture allows the tobacco to ignite properly — in turn, the clouds will be full without a throaty hit.
Mild to Medium Strength
Containing a mild to moderate nicotine level, Al Fakher Shisha tobacco is developed to give you a full flavoured smoke while ensuring you are not left with a buzz that is too overpowering which may leave you nursing your pipe rather than smoking it with your friends for a long session.
Why It Works for Everyone
This makes Al Fakher a great choice for casual smokers and shisha café regulars, and even connoisseurs who like to dabble in blends.
Wide Variety of Flavours
Al Fakher has an excellent selection of flavors — arguably the best collection of anyone in the game, as there’s something for everyone.
Traditional Classics
Favorites such as Al Fakher Two Apples (Red and Green Apples), Al Fakher Mint, and Al Fakher Grape are present since day one and are one of the most favorite flavors in the UAE.
Fruity and Exotic Options
For younger smokers or for those who are looking to try something different, often go for its sweet blueberry, sweet watermelon, or sweet kiwi flavours for a distinctive and refreshing taste.
Popular Mixes
A few of their other favourite combinations are:
- Al Fakher Grape with Mint (grape/mint)
- Al Fakher Gum and Gum and Mint
- Al Fakher Orange and Orange + Mint
- Al Fakher Super Lemon Mint (lemon and mint)
Limited Editions and Seasonal Blends
Every once in a while, Al Fakher also adds limited edition flavors, or regional favorites to the mix, to keep the line interesting, even for people who have been smoking for years.
Why Variety Builds Loyalty
The variety that Al Fakher offers is so diverse and enables every hookah smoker to become as creative as they please with flavour combinations while they continuously enjoy the beautifully crafted flavours from Al Fakher.
Global Availability and Strong Distribution
Widely Accessible in the UAE
One of the reasons Al Fakher is a big name to begin with is because they are available everywhere. From little corner shops in Fujairah to fancy cafes in Downtown Dubai, you are never more than a few metres away from a fresh pack.
Reliable Supply Chains
Strong relationships with reliable distributors mean that Al Fakher’s partners always have fresh product in the pipeline, allowing cafés and lounges to stock enough to meet demand without ever running out.
A Local Café and Lounge Favourite
As it’s such a trustable name among customers, many shisha cafés feature Al Fakher flavours predominantly on their menus – it’s guaranteed to please, time after time.
Strong Brand Reputation
In a market as competitive as shisha, reputation counts — and Al Fakher has one of the strongest.
Smokers and Lounges’ Choice
Most of the shisha café owners say that Al Fakher is a must-have because it is what draws customers back, with its flavours and smoke quality and other brands simply do not hold the same draw.
Positive Word-of-Mouth
Online forums, WhatsApp groups and local hookah communities suggest Al Fakher all the time to those new in the game. Trust by word-of-mouth is doubly strong in the UAE.
An Active Community
Adding to the discoverable nature of the product is that fans share tips, custom mixes and favorite set-ups, on platforms like social media and in-person, keeping the brand relevant and tied to new generations.
Innovation and Adaptability
And Al Fakher doesn’t rest on the success of its old favourites — it remains in step with trends and customer tastes.
Regular Flavour Launches
The company comes out with new blends all the time based on feedback & reviews, so the selection is always new and fresh every time you come back.
Better Packaging for Freshness
Better airtight pouches also allow the tobacco to remain moist longer, which is important for UAE smokers who must keep shisha in hot weather.
Staying Compliant with UAE Regulations
Al Fakher continues to apply high quality tobacco crafted in the heart of the Middle Eastern soil combined with the art of shisha to bring to live the product that has brought joy for decades.
Al Fakher Versus Other Brands
| Brand | Flavour Style | Nicotine Strength | Price Range | Cut Type | Packaging Quality | Availability in UAE | Ideal For |
| Al Fakher | Classic, fruity, minty | Mild to Medium | Affordable | Fine cut | Sealed, airtight | Widely available | Beginners & all experience levels |
| Starbuzz | Bold, sweet, modern | Medium to Strong | Premium | Medium cut | Premium tin/jar | Available in select stores | Experienced smokers & flavour chasers |
| Fumari | Juicy, exotic, trendy | Medium | Mid to Premium | Chunky cut | Resealable pouch | Limited availability | Adventurous smokers |
| Nakhla | Traditional, molasses-heavy | Strong | Affordable | Coarse cut | Basic foil packaging | Widely available | Traditional & hardcore smokers |
Summary:
It’s the perfect combination of cheap and great quality with extensive availability. The top 10 list of all time, Al Fakher is relied upon by many smokers in the UAE to offer a session that is smooth, delicious and easy. Starbuzz and Fumari are more premium, more adventurous, and Nakhla is stronger tighter flavours, suitors anyone who might love an old-fashioned twist to things.
5 Tips To Get The Most Out Of Al Fakher Shisha
Here are some practical tips for the optimal experience:
Proper Storage
- Always bag your tobacco in an airtight bag after using it.
- Keep it away from the sun in a cool and dry place.
Packing the Bowl
- Avoid overpacking. Ideally, use a fluffy pack for optimal airflow.
- Loosen tobacco with a fork or toothpick.
Heat Management
- For even heat, natural coconut coals are best.
- Begin with three chunks, alternate them around, and don’t let them burn the tobacco directly.
Experiment with Mixes
Try local favourites like:
- Double Apple and Mint
- Grape and Berry
- Watermelon and Mint
Al Fakher Disposable vs. Traditional Shisha: What’s Better for You?
Beginner vs. Expert Favourites
One thing that is special about Al Fakher is that there is something for everyone – whether you are a beginner, or someone who has enjoyed shisha for a long time, wanting to try something new by mixing flavours.
Beginner-Friendly Flavours
If you’re new to shisha, consider these simple, crowd-pleasing smokers:
- Double Apple – classic and nothing to overthink about it
- Mint — refreshing and pairs nicely with flavoured lube
- Grape — sweet and smooth
For More Experienced Smokers
Regulars like to play with the custom blends. Popular combinations include:
- Blueberry Mint and Lemon — sweet, tangy
- Guava and Watermelon – crisp and tropical
- Double Apple with Mint or Cinnamon for a stronger kick
Experimenting with different combos is all part of the fun — and a reason why Al Fakher’s massive flavour range keeps loyal smokers entertained.
Sustainability & Corporate Responsibility
Al Fakher hasn’t actively publicized big green commitments, but there are a few things worth noting:
- The company gets its Virginia tobacco from fair trade farms with ethical labor practices.
- Like the food itself, new packaging ideas to reduce waste and retain freshness are saving spoilage costs.
- Local Distribution: Through local distribution in the UAE, Al Fakher is providing job opportunities and investing in the economic growth of the area.
This part of the story is still unfolding — so stay tuned for more updates as consumers continue to demand more transparency from tobacco corporations.
How to Identify Fake Al Fakher Products
Fake tobacco is a lot more common than you’d think – how to spot the real deal:
- Inspect to see if the package comes in a holographic seal and a clear printing.
- The pouches must be airtight and in the original form.
- If available, search for a batch code or a QR code.
- If the price seems too good, it probably is.
Where to Purchase: For Shops & Web Stores
When you are placing an order for Al Fakher in UAE, then it is a good practice to buy from our online Al Fakher Dubai shop to ensure your own safety and convenience.
We offer:
- Original, genuine Al Fakher shisha tobacco in original packaging
- Variety of top and exclusive flavours
- Quick delivery to all parts of Dubai as well as the rest of UAE
- Payment method and customer support via contact form
Purchasing through our official website guarantees you an authentic, non-counterfeited product; allowing you to take advantage of the wealth of benefits of the highest quality ingredients.
Conclusion
Thanks to its dedication to faithfully recreating the same great products it has been producing for years, Al Fakher is still a firm favourite across the UAE and worldwide and for good reason; you always get the same great, smooth and enjoyable smoke every time. With its extensive flavour selection, reliable stock and strong community support, it’s a brand you can rely on whether you’re new to shisha or you’re a seasoned enthusiast.
Which Al Fakher flavour do you like the most? Let us know what your go-to mixes or top tips are in the comments — and keep the tradition going next time you gather.
FAQs About Al Fakher
Is Al Fakher good for beginners?
Yes. With a mellow to medium body and a short easy cut for packing, it’s a great place to start for beginners.
What are the most used flavours?
Double Apple, Mint, as well as Grape are among the best-selling in the whole UAE.
Does it contain nicotine?
Al Fakher shisha is, as I have said, real tobacco leaves and does have nicotine in.
How do I keep it fresh?
Transfer it to a cool, dark spot, where it will keep sealed away. Tobacco retains its moisture for as long as two years if stored correctly.
Can I mix flavours?
 Absolutely. Some fans make their own blends tailored to their taste.