Latest news with #oud
Khaleej Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
UAE perfume industry: From oud roots to global heights of luxury
From the smoky allure of oud to the delicate touch of rose and musk, fragrances have long held a sacred place in the cultural fabric of the Middle East. In the UAE, this age-old tradition has blossomed into a multi-million-dollar industry — one that marries heritage with innovation and is now drawing global attention. What was once a ritual rooted in tradition, with handcrafted perfumes sold in small glass vials at local souqs, has transformed into a sophisticated industry powering regional and international markets. The UAE has rapidly emerged as one of the largest producers and exporters of perfumes in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region, turning its olfactory heritage into a full-fledged economic success story. According to a recent report by IMARC Group, the UAE's perfume market reached a remarkable $748.9 million in 2024. With a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.22 per cent from 2025 to 2033, the market is expected to more than double and hit $1.72 billion by the end of the forecast period — a testament to the country's rising prominence in the global fragrance industry. A fragrant history Perfume-making in the Arab world dates back centuries, with roots stretching to ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia. Yet it was the Arab civilisation that perfected the craft through the introduction of distillation techniques and the incorporation of regional natural ingredients like oud, musk, and amber. These elements form the backbone of traditional Middle Eastern scents rich, warm, and opulent — and continue to dominate consumer preferences in the UAE today. Perfume is not just a luxury item here; it is an extension of one's identity, a daily ritual, and an embodiment of hospitality and pride. A fusion of east and west While tradition remains at the heart of the UAE's perfume culture, the modern market reflects a growing global influence. Perfume makers in the country are embracing fusion — blending Eastern depth with Western freshness and aesthetics. Contemporary floral, citrus, and fruity notes are increasingly being layered with traditional base ingredients, appealing to a broader and more diverse audience. This cultural confluence has helped transform the UAE from a regional leader into a global influencer. The perfume industry here isn't just preserving a legacy — it's reimagining it for the modern era. Among the standout trends shaping the UAE fragrance landscape is perfume layering — the art of combining multiple scents to craft a signature fragrance that is deeply personal. This practice allows wearers to tailor their scent based on their mood, occasion, or even time of day, creating a fluid and evolving olfactory experience. This trend speaks to the growing demand for individuality and self-expression. Perfume is increasingly seen as a wearable identity — a scent that tells your story before you say a word. Preference for natural and oil-based scents In a market increasingly conscious of quality and longevity, oil-based perfumes have made a strong comeback. Favoured for their intensity and extended wear, these alcohol-free formulations resonate deeply with cultural traditions and consumer expectations. Natural ingredients — particularly oud — continue to reign supreme. Highly valued for its smoky, resinous aroma and spiritual symbolism, oud remains a hallmark of high-end perfumery in the UAE. Extracted from the heartwood of agar trees, it is both rare and revered, reflecting the country's appreciation for exclusivity and craftsmanship. Fragrance as everyday elegance There has also been a cultural shift in the way perfumes are consumed. No longer reserved for special occasions, fragrances are now a part of daily grooming rituals for both men and women. There's a growing awareness of how scent enhances personality and confidence, making it an essential accessory in modern Emirati life. Perfume has evolved from being a luxury to becoming a form of personal empowerment — a silent signature that speaks volumes. As the UAE continues to invest in its creative economy, the perfume industry stands poised for even greater expansion. Local manufacturers are scaling operations, while international perfume houses — drawn by the country's rich cultural base and strategic location — are seeking partnerships and presence in the market. The country's ability to blend the authenticity of its past with the ambition of its future is precisely what sets its fragrance industry apart. Whether through ancient attars or modern layering techniques, the UAE is redefining perfumery not just as a product, but as an experience, an identity, and a cultural art form. In a world where scent is often tied to memory, mood, and meaning, the UAE is ensuring its fragrant legacy not only lingers but leads.
Forbes
21-05-2025
- Health
- Forbes
2 Ways To Discover And Nurture Your ‘Soul Landscape,' By A Psychologist
The Finns have a word: Sielunmaisema. In English, it roughly translates to 'soul landscape' and describes a physical place — a beach, forest, cabin or city street — that feels like home because it reflects something in your 'soul.' The concept captures a deep sense of connection you may have felt before — perhaps while visiting a place that felt like it was made just for you. But what if you could build that feeling into your everyday life? Here are two surefire ways to own your 'soul landscape' by using psychology to build a life you feel more at home in. Some people find their sielunmaisema in far off places. For instance, for someone who finds that kind of calm in Middle Eastern landscapes, a scent could potentially become a memory. In much of the Arab world, oud — a deeply resinous, smoky perfume oil derived from agarwood — is layered into the culture. It's burned in homes, worn on skin and floats in the air of social spaces. For someone who finds their soul landscape in this region, oud might become the scent of inner peace. Psychologically, this is significant. Scent has a uniquely direct line to the brain's emotional centers tied to memory and mood, according to research. That means a single whiff of oud back home, months after your trip, can evoke the same emotional quiet you may have experienced in your sielunmaisema. This is what soul landscaping can look like: you travel far, but you don't leave it all behind. You bottle the feeling. You make it portable. The same is true for music. Take Tame Impala, for instance. Kevin Parker recorded much of the act's breakout debut album, Innerspeaker, in a remote beach house on the Western Australian coast. The setting was wild and elemental — crashing waves, open skies and serene solitude. In interviews, Parker has said the view made even his most basic combination of notes sound profound to him because the landscape lent it emotional weight. The sound was shaped by the space. Innerspeaker went on to launch Tame Impala's global career. But the soul of that album — its crashing cymbals, warm reverb and its sense of expansive solitude and melancholy — still feels tethered to that beach house in the middle of nowhere, at least to Parker. This is how you bring a place back with you. Through scent. Through sound. Through any sensory imprint that anchored you to a feeling. Your soul landscape may be a thousand miles away, but the experience doesn't have to be. You just need the right keys to unlock it — and the right rituals to keep it close. Landscaping your soul is about articulating what's real to you. The most meaningful parts of your inner landscape might not be the loudest. They might be small joys: a comfortable bed, the pride in finishing a book or the calmness you experience after a meaningful conversation. And research shows that this matters. A 2018 study published in Emotion found that people who could identify and report a greater variety of positive emotions — like awe, contentment, curiosity or gratitude — had lower levels of inflammation in the body, even when controlling for age, health and general mood. Self-reflection can help build an emotional ecosystem that's rich, complex and alive, much like a soul landscape. The more fluent you become in your inner emotional language, the easier it becomes to cultivate those feelings intentionally — even when you're far from the landscapes that first inspired them. So, the next time something good happens — wherever it happens — pause. Ask yourself: What kind of good is this? The more clearly you can name it, the more likely you are to feel it again. And that's what makes a soul landscape worth coming home to. Wondering how close you already are to the concept of a soul landscape? Take the science-backed Connectedness To Nature Scale to learn more about your connection to the world around you.
