Discover Qatar’s captivating signature scent – the distinctive aroma of oud. The aromatic essence comes from dark and fragrant agarwood, that holds a special place in the Arab traditions and culture.
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The origin of Oud in Qatar
Derived from the Southeast Asian agar (Aquilaria) tree, oud’s journey begins in the wood. When a tree is infected with a particular type of mould, it produces a mysterious, sweet resin called ‘liquid gold’ to protect itself. In older trees, the quality and cost of the resin can soar, with some oud requiring centuries of maturity to yield a profoundly fragrant resin. Oud in Qatar is sold and used in many forms, including bukhoor wood chips, oil-based oud and even carvings and prayer beads. Bukhoor powder serves as incense and oud is combined with other fragrances like Indian rose and orange flowers.
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$100,000
First-grade agarwood can cost as much as $100,000 per kilogram, making it a symbol of luxury.
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Dates back to 1400 B.C.E
Oud has been used for centuries for spiritual and medicinal purposes, plus aromatherapy and perfumery.
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Rarity
Experts say that only 2% of agarwood (also called eaglewood or heartwood) trees naturally produce oud resin.
Arabian culture of oud
Agarwood and its derivatives, oud and bukhoor, hold profound significance in Qatari culture. The scent is entwined in rituals, social gatherings and religious ceremonies. It’s known to purify the air, bring a sense of harmony and even cleanse the body.
Bukhoor traditions
Bukhoor is a perfumed wood chip (usually Agarwood) soaked in oil and burned in beautiful burners. It is said that prayers rise with the aromatic smoke.
Bukhoor is believed to create a tranquil ambience and connect people to their heritage. The age-old ritual of burning bukhoor brings sanctity to religious ceremonies and touches every part of life.
Oud in perfumery
Oud is an aromatic wood extract more expensive than gold and plays a key role in Middle Eastern perfumery. It’s coveted for its intricate scent, which evolves over hours to create a mysterious fragrance trail. Sweet, earthy notes are combined with musk and amber in a symphony of scent.
With its undeniable air of mystique, oud is used in the production of many perfumes, attesting to its global allure and enduring presence in the realm of luxury fragrance.
The story of oud
Unravel the mystery behind exquisite oud perfume in Qatar. Discover why its sweet aroma is valued so dearly in Doha and throughout the Arabian Peninsula.
Where to buy oud in Qatar
Oud perfume and incense are readily available throughout Qatar. For the most enriching and authentic shopping experience, look no further than the iconic Souq Waqif in the heart of Doha. This bustling market embodies the essence of Qatar’s cultural heritage and will present you with high-quality oud products in a traditional setting.
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