Latest news with #Khaleeji
Khaleej Times
a day ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Fragrance revolution: The global bloom of Middle Eastern fragrance
For decades, the beauty and grooming world has been tightly held by iconic European and American perfume houses, with little room for disruption. Then came Korea's skincare wave, and now, it's the Middle East's turn to reshape the fragrance narrative. What was once a regional affair, steeped in ancient tradition and limited reach, has evolved into a global sensation. Today, Middle Eastern perfumery is not only gaining traction among fragrance lovers in the US, the UK, Europe, and even South America, but it's also challenging legacy brands with its distinctive notes, immersive storytelling, and standout presentation. These perfumes, once confined to Khaleeji traditions, have now become coveted collector's items and everyday luxuries for a global audience seeking something deeper, richer, and more rooted. Fragrances from the Middle East are gaining worldwide attention and favour with consumers, who are enamoured by their blends, versatility, mystique, and elaborate packaging. A look at into the recent history of perfumes reflects that Arabian perfumery despite a rich legacy dating back 4,000 years, lingered as a fringe phenomenon until recently. Modern perfume industry remained a strong bastion of brands established in late 19th century Europe and the US. While brands like Chanel, Guerlain and Dior rose to iconic status with many of their fragrances becoming cult classics, many modern designers and niche brands followed suit, creating a prominent space for themselves. With exception to Abdul Samad Qureshi established in 1850, that shares an almost parallel history with Guerlain (1828), and wide international retail presence, Middle Eastern fragrance houses in the region, remained either local or at best a regional phenomenon, catering to largely Gulf population across the region. Any exports were limited to countries with some degree of cultural semblance with the larger gulf region or Islamic culture. Rediscovering the oriental mystique In 1925, Guerlain launched the Shalimar, the first oriental fragrance by a western perfume house incorporating — sandalwood, tonka bean and frankincense — notes strongly associated with Arabic perfumery. Shalimar — 'Temple of Love' inspired by one of the gardens of Taj Mahal — a symbol of the eternal love story of Emperor Shahjahan and his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Despite the legendary success and the cult status of the fragrance, it was a one-off venture. It would take another 70 odd years for Arabian perfumes to make a mark. By late 90's, there was a major shift in the industry catalysed by the western brands need to tap the petro-dollar fuelled economies of the Gulf. The high disposable incomes of the Gulf countries and the prolific usage of perfumes made the region into one of the biggest and the fastest growing markets in the world. All the major fragrance brands started debuting fragrances with notes of oud, amber, rose, sandalwood and frankincense to woo the Middle Eastern customers. From YSL, Gucci, and Dior to newer designers like Tom Ford, fragrances infused with Arabian notes were positioned as the ultimate olfactory elixirs, drenched in the mystique of the Orient and crafted with exotic ingredients from antiquity, offering greater projection and sensuality. The enigmatic scent trail that followed Khaleeji fragrance patrons soon became a global fascination. At the heart of this lingering allure was a single, transformative ingredient that captured the world's imagination: Oud. Resurrecting 4,000 years of tradition One of the most potent tools deployed by global fragrance houses has been their ability to create resonance through adaptation and localisation. As part of this drive, the rich perfume heritage of the Middle East was rediscovered and reintroduced to the world. It soon became clear that Arabia holds one of the oldest perfume traditions in the world, dating back over 4,000 years. Influenced by Mesopotamian and Egyptian practices, perfumery flourished in the Arabian Peninsula, especially after the advent of Islam. The 9th-century Abbasid scientist Abu Yusuf Yaqub bin Ishaaq al-Kindi regarded as the father of Arabic perfumery documented over 100 recipes for fragrance oils in his seminal work, The Book of the Chemistry of Perfume and Distillations. Meanwhile, the pioneering distillation techniques of Jabir ibn Hayyan including methods of filtration and evaporation, continue to underpin the extraction of natural fragrance oils even today. Adding to this mystique is the romance of ancient caravans traversing over 2,000 kilometres of incense trade routes. This third-century BC network of land and sea passages carried frankincense, myrrh, spices, and luxury goods from Mediterranean ports through the Levant and Egypt, across Northeast Africa and Arabia, all the way to India and beyond. Many European perfume traditions, in fact, trace their roots to the Islamic rule of Constantinople during the Middle Ages, a testament to the enduring influence of Arabian perfumery. The wider international success While the international brands had intended to tap the Gulf markets, but unintentionally, they created a space and mainstream acceptance for notes and oud in populations that were earlier dismissive of Arabic notes as being too overwhelming and unwearable. The legend of the Arabian fragrances has grown, and people are fascinated by the opulence, richness, elegance and the longevity of fragrances. Little did the brands know that they were creating competition. Middle Eastern fragrances conquer the world While the international brands looked towards Middle East as a new market, the Middle East brands awoke to the possibility of reaching out to the world and global consumers. The Oud note, by now an international favourite, coveted for its complex scent that traversed through many deluges before settling into its lush bloom, was to become their ace to international success. After all, who could beat the Middle Eastern brands at the 'art of oud'. Unlike the synthetic oud note used in Western perfumes, the Middle Eastern houses used natural Oud oil, which is unmatched in its richness and splendour. However, the single largest factor that has truly disrupted the global perfume market has been the ability of the Arabian perfume brands to pack a punch without puncturing the pocket. The affordability factor has been instrumental in waking people to the possibility of 'Smelling Good while paying Less'. Arabian brands have consistently come up with compositions that have left the western counterparts pale in comparison. The UAE has emerged as Middle East's fragrance capital, leading in innovation, quality, diversity, and desirability. Brands like Arabiyat Prestige from the House of My Perfumes have been quick to adapt the international notes with the most fascinating palette of Arabian accords, creating fragrances that enthral the customers with their composition, character and packaging. State-of-the-art production facilities along with best practises in raw material procurement and production ensure top-notch quality. Today, the Arabian perfumery is in its most exciting phase where it is has truly gone global and making the perfume giants sit up and take notice. The mandate from iconoclast fragrance reviews The Middle Eastern fragrance houses despite their restraints of limited marketing budgets have hugely benefitted from a new class of opinion moulders — the fragrance reviewers. The rise of unbiased young voices across the globe open to experimentation and endorsement beyond the legacy brands has hugely contributed to the expansion of the fragrance industry at a stupendous pace. The influence of the fragrance reviewers on consumer purchase patterns is evident from the fact that some of them can drive huge sales while also holding the power to debunk products and brands. The good thing is that they are talking about the quality and desirability of perfumes from this part of the world. The need of legacy brands to carve new markets has turned out to be the biggest opportunity for Middle Eastern perfume brands. Finally, Arabian perfumery is stepping into its own at the world stage and the consumers worldwide are lapping up the legacy, the magic and the mystique.
Biz Bahrain
4 days ago
- Business
- Biz Bahrain
Khaleeji Bank Launches its New Summer Campaign for Credit Cardholders
Khaleeji Bank, one of the leading Islamic banks in the Kingdom of Bahrain, has announced the launch of its new promotional campaign for its credit cardholders this summer. The campaign offers clients the chance to enjoy an amazing summer holiday with rewarding cashback opportunities and cash prizes up to BD 3,000, in addition to a host of exclusive and premium benefits for all Khaleeji credit cardholders. The campaign runs from 1st June until 31st August 2025, granting one winner the chance to win a cashback of up to BD 3,000 when spending BD 500 or more during the campaign. Additionally, four other winners will have opportunities to win cashback of up to BD 500 each, provided they spend any amounts using Khaleeji's credit cards for summer travel expenses, booking airline tickets, hotel stays, shopping, and all other international transactions while travelling abroad during the summer holidays. In addition to this exceptional offer, clients will enjoy a range of other exclusive benefits when transferring their outstanding credit card balances to Khaleeji. These benefits include a free three-month grace period, no down payment or minimum payment required, as well as the opportunity to earn up to 3% cashback. This includes 3% cashback on foreign currency expenditure, 2% on subscription services, and 1% at all other merchants. On this occasion, Ms. Ameera Ahmed Al Abbasi, Head of Retail Banking at Khaleeji Bank, commented 'At Khaleeji Bank, we are always keen to enhance our valued clients' experience throughout the year, responding to their aspirations and providing added value by offering the best banking initiatives and services. In this regard, we are pleased to announce the launch of our credit card campaign for the 2025 summer season, through which we aim to make Khaleeji cards the first choice for our clients during their travels, enabling them to enjoy a fun and rewarding summer holiday.' She continued 'This new promotional campaign reflects Khaleeji's ongoing commitment to providing banking solutions tailored to our clients' needs all year round, encouraging them to maximise the benefits of their Khaleeji credit cards. I would like to take this opportunity to urge our valued clients to take advantage of this outstanding campaign, which includes exceptional opportunities for cashback and prizes of up to BD 3,000, as well as many other exclusive benefits and offers when transferring their outstanding credit card balances to Khaleeji. These benefits include a free three-month grace period, with no down payment and no minimum payment required, as well as the opportunity to earn up to 3% cashback. What sets the Khaleeji credit cards apart from others is that they are the only cards that allow clients to benefit from cashback in addition to earning Gulf Air miles, simultaneously. We wish all clients the best of luck and a wonderful summer using their Khaleeji credit cards during the holidays.' Khaleeji is a leading Islamic Bank that strives to achieve clients' ambitions through an Islamic Banking model that offers a comprehensive range of high quality Shari'a-complaint banking services and investment opportunities to individuals and companies.
Biz Bahrain
6 days ago
- Business
- Biz Bahrain
Khaleeji Bank Wins IBMAG's Best Banking Product Award in the Kingdom for Bahrain in 2025 for the ‘Salary Account'
Khaleeji Bank, one of the leading Islamic Banks in Bahrain, has recently received the Best Banking Product Award in the Kingdom of Bahrain for 2025 for its 'Salary Account', as part of the prestigious annual International Business Awards presented by International Business Magazine (IBMAG), which is recognised worldwide. Khaleeji receiving this new prestigious award for its distinguished banking product, the 'Salary Account', continues its ongoing successes and numerous regional and international awards in recent years. These accolades reflect and crown its diligent and continuous efforts in serving clients and providing the best and highest quality banking products & services that meet their aspirations. This recognition also serves as further proof of the 'Salary Account's' excellence, which provides clients with the best comprehensive banking experience in compliance with the principles of Islamic Shari'a. The account offers exclusive benefits such as the ability to transfer a person's monthly salary to this account, with an Expected Profit Rate of up to 4% of the salary amount without a minimum balance. Additionally, clients are also entered into monthly raffles with a chance to win one of five cash prizes totalling BD 5,000 each month. They can also obtain one of Khaleeji's premium credit cards, either Platinum or Infinite, which offer numerous benefits including cashback, free travel miles, exclusive discounts and many other advantages. On this occasion, Ms. Ameera Ahmed Al Abbasi, Head of Retail Banking at Khaleeji Bank, expressed her happiness and pride in winning this prestigious award, stating 'We are very proud to win the Best Banking Product Award in the Kingdom of Bahrain for 2025 for the 'Salary Account' from IBMAG. Undoubtedly, our continuous collection of awards and international recognitions affirms our leadership as one of the leading Islamic Banks in Bahrain. This new award highlights our excellence and success in providing the highest quality and most innovative banking products & services to our valued clients, including the 'Salary Account' which features numerous exclusive benefits and offers clients a unique and rewarding banking experience. We greatly value the trust of our loyal clients, and winning this award motivates us to continue delivering excellent services, and to develop and enhance all our banking offerings to better meet their diverse needs and aspirations.' Ms. Al Abbasi further added 'The 'Salary Account' from Khaleeji Bank offers a range of exclusive benefits tailored to our clients' needs. Clients can benefit from an Expected Profit Rate of up to 4% of the salary value without a minimum balance, participate in monthly raffles with a chance to win one of five prizes totalling BD 5,000 each month, and obtain one of Khaleeji's credit cards from the Platinum or Infinite tiers, which provide benefits such as cashback, free travel miles, and exclusive discounts with over 100 commercial outlets, adding value to our clients' banking experience. This reflects our commitment to delivering the best banking services and ensuring clients satisfaction at all times. As we share in our clients' joy of winning this valuable award, we take this opportunity to invite all citizens and residents of the Kingdom of Bahrain to transfer their salaries to the 'Salary Account' with Khaleeji Bank to enjoy the many exclusive and exceptional benefits this account offers, which will add a new dimension to their banking experience, along with opportunities to earn profits and win monthly cash prizes.' Khaleeji is a leading Islamic Bank that strives to achieve clients' ambitions through an Islamic Banking model that offers a comprehensive range of high quality Shari'a-complaint banking services and investment opportunities to individuals and companies.
Khaleej Times
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
From Trump dancing to red cybertrucks: 6 viral moments from US leader's historic Gulf trip
US President Donald Trump is set to soon wrap up his Gulf tour which included sealing billions of dollars in deals, lifting sanctions on Syria and meeting for the first time with Syrian President Ahmed Al Sharaa—but beyond business deals and politics, the visit included moments that will linger in memory. From a friendly encounter with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Emirati girls greeting Trump with a traditional Khaleeji dance, here are six major highlights from the high profile visit: 1. Lavender carpet As soon as Trump touched down in Riyadh on May 13 for his first stop on his Middle East tour, Saudi Arabia rolled out not a red but a lavender carpet for the US President. It almost immediately caught the world's attention. As is regular convention, the red carpet is rolled out for visiting heads of state, ministers, the world over. But unlike other countries, Saudi Arabia has lavender as the official colour to welcome state guests. Click here to know why Saudi officials adopted the colour for carpets used in welcoming state guests. #Ù�Ù�دÙ�Ù� | Ù�خاÙ�Ø© رئÙ�س اÙ�Ù�Ù�اÙ�اذ اÙ�Ù�Ø°Øدة اÙ�Ø£Ù�رÙ�Ù�Ù�Ø© Ù�صÙ� اÙ�Ù�Ù�Ù�Ù�Ø© Ù�Ù� زÙ�ارة دÙ�Ù�Ø©Ø� Ù�سÙ�Ù� #Ù�Ù�Ù�_اÙ�عÙ�د Ù�Ù� Ù�Ù�دÙ�Ø© Ù�سذÙ�بÙ�Ù�Ù�. #اÙ�رئÙ�س_اÙ�Ø£Ù�رÙ�Ù�Ù�_Ù�Ù�_اÙ�Ù�Ù�Ù�Ù�Ø© #٩٢_عاÙ�Ù�ا_Ù�Ù�_اÙ�شراÙ�Ø©_Ù�اÙ�ازدÙ�ار #TrumpInKSA #Ù�اس — Ù�اس اÙ�أخبار اÙ�Ù�Ù�Ù�Ù�Ø© (@spagov) May 13, 2025 2. Do you sleep at night? During the Saudi-US investment forum in Riyadh, Trump lauded efforts by Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman to modernise the kingdom and wondered if he ever finds time to sleep at night. He said: "Mohamed, do you sleep at night!?". The Crown Prince, who was sitting in the audience, then laughs and is seen saying "I try". Watch the full clip here: #VIDEO: Trump jokes with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman: Do you sleep at night? How do you sleep while getting all this done? — Saudi Gazette (@Saudi_Gazette) May 13, 2025 3. Cybertrucks escorting convoy When Trump arrived in Qatar, the second leg of his tour, his convoy was flanked by red Tesla cybertrucks while he was on rout to the royal palace in Doha. Elon Musk will be very pleased! Trumpâ��s convoy, flanked by Tesla Cybertrucks in Doha, is en route to the royal palace during his four-day visit to the Middle East. Trump and Musk were welcomed by the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, along with other seniorâ�¦ — Viory Video (@vioryvideo) May 14, 2025 4. Dancing during visit to troops In Qatar, Trump paid US troops based in Al Udeid air base a visit, during which he swayed to the tunes of God Bless the USA. Take a look: 5. Khaleeji dance by Emirati girls Upon arrival in the UAE and as a gesture that shows pride in tradition and culture, Trump was welcomed by young Emirati girls performing Khaleeji dance. Videos of the girls lining up and swaying their hair to greet the visiting US leader soon went viral on social media. Take a look: The welcome ceremony in UAE continues! ð��°ð��¸ð��¦ð��° — Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) May 15, 2025 6. UAE girl holding white bouquet As the UAE was preparing to host Trump for the final leg of his Gulf tour, a young Emirati girl was waiting with a welcoming bouquet of white flowers. UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan could be seen in a viral video walking up to the young girl and enteracting with her. At one point, he was seen putting an arm around her as she smiled and placing a kiss on her forehead.
Mid East Info
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Mid East Info
Kutubna Cultural Center presents 'Abstract Art Exhibition' – A Collective Exploration of Form, Color, and Emotion
Dubai, UAE: With its Abstract Art Exhibition, Kutubna Cultural Center invites viewers to explore abstract art as a language of emotion, memory, and form. Featuring over 25 works by 15 artists from 12 countries, this vibrant group exhibition brings together diverse voices, each interpreting abstraction through their own personal and cultural lens. The artworks explore themes such as identity, nature, memory, and human relationships, expressed through a range of media, techniques, and visual rhythms. Each piece invites the viewer to connect with meaning beyond language. A special section of the exhibition is dedicated to youth artists, whose energetic compositions, vibrant palettes, and fresh perspectives offer a glimpse into the world of abstract expression from youth perspective. All participating artists are currently based in the UAE, representing Algeria, Armenia, Canada, India, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Palestine, Russia, Sudan, Türkiye, and the United Arab Emirates. The featured artists include Miska Mohmmed Abdelmajeed Mohmmed, Ashraf Abdelmonim Mohamed Ibrahim, Ahmed Amine Aitouche (AKA Sneakhotep), Aras Bildik, Lina Al Dabbagh, Salama Almazrouei, Zeena Al-Zubi, Tumpa Banerjee, Hasmik Chakhalyan, Alina O'Dwyer, Aya Qubbaj, Hend Rashed, Haafiza Ajaz Sayed, Irudhayanathan Thangaraj, and Youness Siraj Mounir (AKA Yun K). The opening reception will be held on Saturday, May 24 at 6:00 PM at Kutubna Cultural Center, located in Madina Avenues, Nadd Al Hamar, Dubai. Guests are invited to explore the exhibition and immerse themselves in a rich and diverse selection of abstract works. Nora Qudah, curator of the exhibition at Kutubna Cultural Center, said: 'Putting this exhibition together has been an exciting process. It has allowed me to look deep into the artists' cultures and roots, connecting with their human stories in a meaningful way. The inclusion of youth in this exhibition holds a special spot in my heart, as their energy and creativity are where the true inspiration comes from. I'm thrilled to share this unique collection with the community and invite everyone to experience the depth and beauty of abstract art. Through abstract art, we discover that expression isn't always in what we see, but in how we feel through art.' About Kutubna Cultural Center: Kutubna Cultural Center was established in 2023 as an independent bookstore and literary hub for Dubai and the Gulf region. Kutubna offers an inclusive community space to enjoy books, art, specialty coffee, and cultural events. Kutubna celebrates the accomplishments of Khaleeji, Arab, Middle Eastern, North African, and Muslim writers, poets, thinkers, artists, and researchers. We amplify these essential voices through lectures, readings, guided conversations, workshops, and other activities for people of all ages. Kutubna strives to make creative and scholarly pursuits accessible to people who are traditionally at the margins. We work especially hard to make cultural events easier for mothers with young children to attend.
