Scents of Tradition: Oud and Bakhoor
Key takeaways
Entering a room in Dubai, you may be accosted initially by a smell, a sultry, smoldering aroma of bakhoor or the viscous, resinous amber of oud. The smell of these products has been synonymous with hospitality, luxury, and spirituality in the everyday life of the Arabian Peninsula over the centuries. This guide takes a look at what oud is? What is bakhoor? What is the cultural context of the rich craftsmanship and where one can find the best of it in Dubai- and how to make the most of your fragrance outing by making it stylish?
What is Oud?
Agarwood or oud, is a very dark resinous aromatic material found in the heartwood of the Aquilaria tree. As enchanting as liquid gold, it is formed when the tree reacts to a fungal attack to create its much-loved aromatic resin. This resin can be distilled into oil arabic perfume or formed into chips for burning.
Pure oud oil evokes a web of scents in our minds, evoking the warmth of the skin, the rich smoke of the wood, the pleasant floral aromas, and the spicy, earthy smokiness. It is prized for these qualities: its complexity and longevity make it a jewel and a feature of the luxurious culture perfume in the Middle East.
What is Bakhoor?
In contrast to the acute strong odor of oud, bakhoor is mild and friendly. It consists of wood chips that are dipped in perfumed oil and resin, and hung to dry. When placed in a fancy burner, and flared, the chips give off smoke which percolates into houses and corridors, and warms the air.
The majlis’ traditions revolve around Bakhoor. It is lit as a sign of welcoming guests, celebration, and sanitizing rooms. Bakhoor can vary to suit any event since it usually contains flower, spice, or musk. In the morning you can light one as a sign of starting the day at ease, or in the evening to feel relaxed and in tune.
A Historical Journey of Arabian Fragrances
The use of fragrances in Arabian life dates back to millennia ago. Frankincense, myrrh, and agarwood were some of the products that were traded in Early trade routes that extended from East Africa and South Asia to the Arabian shores. The territory developed these materials into a culture of perfume rituals, they burnt incense in the morning, they perfumed bridal dresses, they perfumed valuables and they perfumed clothes with layers of perfumes.
In the course of time, these customs were combined with the Islamic traditions and court customs. Fragrance was associated with religion and patriotism. Monarchs employed scent to develop their own unique impressions, and traders exchanged scented gifts between continents.
Nowadays, when the Western corporate scents have become widespread, Dubai still remains attached to these perfumed origins. Most brands are currently mixing oud and bakhoor with modern molecules, although traditionalists continue to prefer regionally produced and aged oils and woodchips.
The Traditional Craft of Arabic Perfume
The Traditional Craft of Perfume in Arabic blends art and patience. Small-scale perfumers, often in family workshops, create bespoke blends for clientele. Techniques vary: soaking woodchips with oils, layering scented waxes, and aging oud in clay jars.
Every batch reflects the perfumer’s intuition, knowing how much agarwood, how long to age, when to add floral essences or resin. Ritual is key: certain perfumes are made on special days or for seasonal needs. For example, heavier bakhoor is crafted for winter while light oud oils are reserved for humid summer nights.
Burners are handcrafted too, copper censers for majlis use, ceramic burners for modern flats. Consumption methods also vary: some may mix oud oil with moisturizer, others soak incense and waft it through fabric folds scented with memory.
Where Can You Buy the Best Oud and Bakhoor in Dubai?
It is interesting to locate fragrance stores in Dubai because one gets into the past and into the work of deft hands. However, how you arrive really matters. Travel through Old Dubai and Spice Souk and up to date malls with assurance and that too with flair. Take a luxury car and drive around. Trinity Rental is a company with more than 80 vehicles, among which are the latest 2024 models of such makes as Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Ferrari, and Range Rover. The tour of visiting your scent is straightforward and trouble free with direct booking, door to door service, insurance, tolls, full fuel and no deposit. Following are the best shops selling bakhoor oud in the city.
To add elegance to your fragrance exploration, consider scheduling your route and choosing the perfect ride. With Trinity’s options, you can craft an entire scent tour: begin at the Souk in Deira with oud hunting, then glide to Mirdif for bakhoor shopping, finishing in the upscale malls, all with style and comfort, backed by Trinity’s 24/7 personal manager.
Ajmal Perfumes
- Locations: Dubai Mall, Deira Centre, Mirdif
- Hours: 10 AM–10 PM
- Contact: +971 4 294 2288
A brand name recognized in the entire world through oud oils and incense burners. At the custom perfume bar, a chance is presented to you to develop your own Arabic perfume by creating it.
Swiss Arabian
- Locations: Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Deira
- Hours: 10 AM–11 PM
- Contact: +971 4 295 6666
Bakhoor oud and modern twist of oud. They too sell hand-made resin-chips and fancy burners.
Oud Elite
- Location: Mall of the Emirates (Fashion Dome)
- Hours: 10 AM–11 PM
- Contact: +971 4 341 0727
Boutique experience: highly woodsy oud oils and collectors edition baked mixes of bakhoor.
Khaltat Blends of Love
- Location: Dubai Mall, Fashion Avenue
- Hours: 10 AM–Midnight
- Contact: +971 4 325 3544
Emotional perfumes in the story of fragrances. Perfume in Arabic packaging by elegant culture.
Al Haramain Perfumes
- Locations: Oud Metha, Marina Mall
- Hours: 9 AM–10 PM
- Contact: +971 4 335 6666
Oils used by people in aromatherapy are oil mixtures and bakhoor. These typically are sold in small bottles alongside incense burners and in majlis-style presentation gift boxes.
The Perfume Souk, Deira
- Location: Al Sabkha Road
- Hours: 10 AM–9 PM
Against anything having to deal with scented wood, there are raw pieces of agarwood, woodchips and locally blended bakhoor which can be grown and produced locally and are therefore negotiable.
Final Thoughts
The purchase of oud or bakhoor is not a purchase of a product. It is one of the cultural tales that allows you to experience comfort, luxury and local culture in one take. Not to miss this story, rent a luxury car in Trinity and you will have the possibility to come even to the most distant perfume stores and find your unique smell.
FAQ
What is oud and why is it so valued in the Middle East?
Oud is a rich aromatic resin of an agarwood tree. In the Middle East people appreciate its thick multi-layered scent. Oud is prestigious, spiritual and welcoming.
What is bakhoor and how is it used?
Bakhoor is a spiced chip mixture scent people may release by burning to perfume, purifying, or ritual. In Arabian ritual, majlis hospitable governance, and culture, the main focus is laid on bakhoor.
Where can I buy authentic oud and bakhoor in Dubai?
Authentic oud and bakhoor is available at Ajmal, Swiss Arabian, Al Haramain and the Deira Souk, in Dubai. It is very convenient to visit these places in a guided tour via a luxury car.