Heidi Norton
Arabian Oud is a prestigious fragrance brand specialising in luxury scents, particularly those featuring Oud, a prized aromatic resin that has been central to Middle Eastern perfumery for centuries. Established in 1982 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Arabian Oud has grown to become one of the largest fragrance manufacturers and retailers in the world, with over 3,700 employees, 900 branches, and more than 400 unique luxurious fragrances, including both Oriental and Western styles. The brand's perfumes are crafted with high-quality, carefully sourced ingredients, blending traditional oud with fresh perfumes to create captivating and sophisticated aromas that embody a fusion of heritage and modernity.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year of Establishment | 1982 |
| Number of Employees | 3700 |
| Number of Branches | 900-1200 |
| Number of Products | 400 |
| Number of Stores | 1200 |
| Number of Countries | 37 |
| Type of fragrances | Oriental and Western |
| Type of products | Perfumes, oil perfumes, dehn Oud, incense, hair mists, gift sets |
| Type of scents | Floral, woody, oriental |
| Sourcing of ingredients | From dense forests and remote landscapes |
| Type of ingredients | Agarwood, floral scents, woody perfumes |
| Target audience | Luxury consumers, fashion-forward individuals |
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What You'll Learn
History of Arabian Oud
The oud is a stringed instrument with ancient origins, believed to date back to ancient Persia. It is thought that the oud spread to the Arab world during the Islamic Golden Age and has since become a significant part of Arabic and Middle Eastern music. The oud is often referred to as the prototype of the modern guitar, with a distinct pear-shaped body and a short neck. The name "oud" is derived from the Arabic word "al-ʿud", meaning "the wood", in reference to the material from which the instrument is made.
The history of the oud is rich and varied, with Persian legend attributing its creation to Lamech, the sixth descendant of Adam. According to this legend, Lamech suspended the body of his deceased son from a tree, and the first oud was crafted in the shape of the skeleton. This morbid tale is depicted in ancient clay tablets and papyrus paper found in museums worldwide. The oud has been a prominent instrument in Mesopotamian history and ancient Egypt, as well as in the ancient civilisations around the Mediterranean and the Middle East.
In terms of its construction, the oud typically has six strings, but variations exist with additional strings to create a deeper, more complex sound. The soundboard of the oud is often made from a blend of wood types, influencing the instrument's unique tone. The Iraqi oud, Egyptian oud, and Syrian oud are usually grouped under the term "Arabian oud" due to their similarities, although local differences do exist, particularly with the Iraqi oud. Arabian ouds are generally larger than their Turkish and Persian counterparts, resulting in a fuller, deeper sound.
Today, the oud continues to be an essential instrument in Arabic music, featuring in various genres from folk to classical and pop. Its popularity has also spread to the Western world, with many modern Western musicians incorporating the Arabian oud into their compositions, including contemporary rock, pop, and jazz. In addition to its musical significance, the term "Arabian oud" is also associated with fragrances. While the oud instrument is deeply rooted in Arabic culture, Arabian oud fragrances may not always originate from the Arab world, as pure oud or agarwood is typically sourced from Southeast Asia, particularly Vietnam.
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The distillation process
Oud oil can be distilled from agarwood using steam. The total yield of oil for 70 kg of wood will not exceed 20 ml. The composition of agarwood oil is complex, with more than 150 chemical compounds identified. At least 70 of these are terpenoids which come in the form of sesquiterpenes and chromones. Other common classes of compounds include agarofurans, cadinanes, eudesmanes, valencanes, and eremophilanes. The exact balance of these materials will vary depending on the age and species of the tree, as well as the details of the oil extraction process.
There are two standard distillation methods: water or hydro-distillation and forced steam distillation. Water distillation is commonly used in India, Thailand, and Cambodia, while forced steam distillation is more common in Indonesia. These techniques help extract distinct aromas from the final oud oils.
The soft agarwood chips are then placed in a distillation apparatus, where steam is passed through them to extract the oil. The steam helps to draw out the complex aromas of the agarwood, resulting in a pure oud oil that can be used to create exquisite perfumes.
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Sourcing ingredients
Arabian Oud is a prestigious fragrance brand specialising in luxury scents, particularly those featuring Oud, a prized aromatic resin central to Middle Eastern perfumery. The brand was established in 1982 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and has since grown to become one of the largest fragrance houses in the Middle East with a global presence in 37 countries.
As a brand committed to using only the finest oils and ingredients, Arabian Oud is meticulous in its sourcing of raw materials. The company understands that the quality of its perfumes is dependent on the excellence of its ingredients, and thus, it adheres to stringent standards when selecting its suppliers and harvesters.
For their signature ingredient, Oud, they carefully select the sourcing regions and work closely with experienced oud harvesters. These harvesters are skilled in identifying trees of the genus Aquilaria that produce the precious resin, ensuring that only the finest oud wood is selected for their perfumes.
In addition to their oud sourcing, Arabian Oud also sources a diverse range of other ingredients to create their unique fragrances. They travel the world to find rare fragrances, blending oriental elements with modern sensibilities. This fusion of East and West is a key characteristic of their perfumes, combining the charm and traditions of the East with the creativity and contemporary luxury of the West.
Arabian Oud is also committed to sustainability and ensuring the availability of oud for future generations. They have initiatives in place, such as planting over 75,000 oud-producing trees annually, to preserve this age-old traditional fragrance.
Through their meticulous sourcing of ingredients and their dedication to creating authentic, high-quality fragrances, Arabian Oud has established itself as a prominent and trusted name in the perfume industry. Their perfumes are crafted with attention to detail, combining carefully selected ingredients to offer their customers an immersive sensory experience.
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Fusion of tradition and modernity
The fusion of tradition and modernity is at the heart of Arabian Oud perfumes. The brand was established in 1982 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with the aim of sourcing one of the rarest scents in the world, Oud, which has been used in Middle Eastern perfumery for centuries.
Oud, also known as agarwood, is a highly prized aromatic resin that holds a special place in Arabian culture. It is used in religious rituals, social gatherings, and to welcome guests, embodying tradition, luxury, and hospitality. The unique extraction process, involving steam distillation, creates a precious oil that is considered "liquid gold" in the perfume industry.
Arabian Oud has successfully blended this traditional ingredient with fresh, modern perfumes to create luxurious and captivating aromas. The brand's collection of over 400 fragrances combines the charm and heritage of the East with the creativity and sophistication of the West. This fusion brings a rich historical context into the present, appealing to fashion-forward individuals who seek unique and complex scents.
The process of crafting Arabian Oud perfumes involves a meticulous selection of high-quality ingredients sourced from around the world. Each essence is carefully chosen to create a symphony of aromas that pay homage to centuries-old traditions while offering a contemporary olfactory experience. The result is a range of sophisticated, award-winning fragrances that echo the brand's understanding of and respect for the art of perfumery.
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Arabian Oud today
Arabian Oud is a prestigious fragrance brand established in 1982 in the traditional Souk al-Azal marketplace in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. With over 40 years of expertise, it has grown to become the largest fragrance manufacturer and retailer in the world, specialising in incense, oriental perfumes, and oil perfumes. The brand has over 3,700 employees and 1,200 stores spread across 37 countries, offering more than 400 unique luxurious fragrances that blend Oriental and Western styles.
The key to Arabian Oud's success lies in its relentless pursuit of high-quality ingredients sourced from reputable suppliers worldwide. The distillation process is crucial, using steam to extract intricate aromas from agarwood, the heart of oud perfume. This technique ensures that each oil drop captures the pure essence of nature, resulting in luxurious aromas that captivate wearers globally.
Arabian Oud's collection of sophisticated formulations reflects its deep understanding of oud and its fusion of traditional and modern practices. The brand's oud resin creates a signature fragrance that greets customers in its stores, combining olfactory power with a unique natural fragrance. Each Arabian Oud scent is a journey, evoking memory, mood, occasion, and palate, and serving as an expression of the Middle East.
The brand's perfumes, such as Zumorod, blend oriental elements with modern sensibilities. Zumorod opens with frankincense and cardamom, followed by a heart of caramel and orange flower, and ends with Madagascar vanilla and musk. Other notable offerings include Solid Black, Arabian Knight, Woody, Majestic, Rosewood, and Kalemat.
Today, Arabian Oud continues to expand its global presence, sharing its rich heritage and Arabian culture with the world through its exquisite fragrances. With its dedication to quality, sophistication, and excellence, Arabian Oud has established itself as a prominent and trusted name in the perfume industry.
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Frequently asked questions
Arabian Oud is a prestigious fragrance brand specialising in luxury scents, particularly those featuring Oud, a prized aromatic resin central to Middle Eastern perfumery.
Oud is a rare and expensive ingredient often called 'liquid gold'. It is derived from agarwood and is central to Middle Eastern perfumery and culture, embodying tradition, luxury, and hospitality.
Arabian Oud offers a diverse range of over 400 unique luxurious fragrances, including both Oriental and Western styles. They have fragrances tailored for men, women, and unisex use.
Arabian Oud has several notable perfumes, including Solid Black, Arabian Knight, Woody, Majestic, Rosewood, Aseel Special Edition, and Kalemat. They also offer oil perfumes, dehn Oud, incense, hair mists, and gift sets.
Arabian Oud has a global presence with over 1200 stores in 37 countries, including major cities such as London and Paris. You can also purchase their perfumes online through their website and authorised retailers.
