Exploring the History and Significance of Oud in Kuwaiti Culture

We have to agree: Kuwait smells divine (if you’re visiting the right places). Whether you’re exploring a mall or visiting a restaurant, you’ll be mesmerized by the sweet, warm, and inviting scent in the air. Since this country has a deep connection with fragrance, especially oud, it all makes sense.

Oud, otherwise known as the “five thousand dollars per pound scent,” is the world’s most precious and lavish fragrance ingredient. It comes from the fungus-infected core of the evergreen trees called Aquilaria or Wood of the Gods. When external and environmental factors cause the heartwood of agar trees to grow mould, the trees produce resin as a countermeasure to protect themselves. This resin “cooks” over time, developing a deep, earthy, and woody aroma, and is later extracted as oil, which is used in oud perfumes and incense.

While Kuwaiti people realize and value the significance of oud, travellers might not be very aware of its position in the Kuwaiti culture. With this post, we aim to educate travellers and history buffs about the history and importance of oud in this part of the world. This information will help them pick the right gifts for their loved ones.

Oud – The Liquid Gold

Would you believe that a kilo of pure oud is pricier than a kilo of gold? It’s no wonder this fragrant raw material is popularly known as Liquid Gold.

But is it just the pretty scent that has earned it the reputation? No!

The reason oud is so highly valued is because it dates back to the times of the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H). Some traditions narrate that he used the oud as a part of self-care, mentioning that the oud is a part of paradise. Today, many believers follow the Sunnah of fumigating themselves with the rich and complex scent of oud perfumes.

Origins of Oud

As highlighted, oud comes from the resinous heartwood of Aquilaria trees. These trees are native to South and Southeast Asia and are found in countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, India, Bangladesh, and China.

Although the information on how oud reached the Middle East is blurry, some reports confirm that merchants travelled via India on the Silk Route to transport agarwood from China to the Middle East.

Initially, it was only the Japanese and Middle Eastern markets that were aware of the fragrance of oud. However, with time and trade expansion, Europe caught the scent too – literally! Since then, oud has become a famous and highly sought-after ingredient in perfumes and incense all over the world.

Oud in Kuwaiti Culture

Oud represents graciousness and generosity in the Kuwaiti culture. When Kuwaiti people welcome guests, they offer them oud incense or oud perfume for men and women as a gesture of hospitality. It is customary in this region.

Moreover, oud holds religious significance in Kuwait. During Ramadan, which is the month of fasting for Muslims, people light incense burners with oud to purify their homes before breaking their fasts at sunset. This ritual symbolizes removing any negative energy and inviting positive vibes into the home. Other occasions when Muslims use oud include weddings, funerals, and Eid celebrations.

In addition to its cultural significance, oud is also used in traditional medicine in Kuwait. It is believed that inhaling the scent of oud oil can help relieve anxiety, headaches, and respiratory problems.

Oud Sold As

Considering the reputation and value of oud, it’s no surprise that it is sold in various forms. The most common are:

Oud Oil: This is the purest form of oud and is extracted from agarwood through a distillation process.

Oud Wood Chips: These are small, fragrant wood chips or pieces of agarwood that are burned as incense for their warm and exquisite scent. They also purify indoor air.

Oud Perfumes: When other fragrant ingredients are blended with oud, we get oud perfumes. They have a unique, luxurious scent that’s versatile enough to be worn daily or only on special occasions. Look for oud perfume for men and women in reputed stores.

If you’re visiting Kuwait and want to take home a part of this beautiful region in the form of oud, buy oud perfumes from Ahmed Perfume. We’ll share our favorites below.

The Best Oud Perfumes in Kuwait

Whether you choose to buy perfume online or in-store, Ahmed Perfume Kuwait has the best collection of oud perfumes. If you’re interested in taking one home for your dear one, here’s a list to help you decide:

Oud Moza

Oud Moza is the best perfume in Kuwait in the oud category. With its leathery top, floral heart, and agarwood base notes, it creates an exhilarating scent that’s all about sophistication and opulence. It comes in a 50ml vial, packaged to match its luxurious scent.

Musk & Oud

Try Musk & Oud once, and it’ll become your go-to daylight fragrance. It opens with sweet and balsamic notes of apple and blackcurrant, blending into the natural freshness of ylang-ylang and the lily of the valley. White musk oud and vanilla await to mesmerize you in the base notes.

Oud AMG

Oud AMG begins with a captivating blend of Indian Oud, offering woody and sweet undertones. As the scent develops, the essence of Cambodian Oud adds depth and intrigue. Finally, it settles into a warm and comforting embrace of amber, cedar, and vetiver, creating a harmonious and lasting aroma.

Take a Part of Kuwaiti Culture Home with Oud Perfumes

Oud is an irreplaceable Kuwaiti culture and offers travellers a glimpse into the rich history and traditions of this beautiful country. So, next time you visit Kuwait, make sure to bring back a part of its culture with you in the form of oud perfumes from Ahmed Perfume-Kuwait.

Since oud perfumes are unisex, you don’t need to worry about who you’re buying for; just make sure it’s original. It should have a decent projection, impressive lasting, and a well-balanced scent.

If you’re a traveller looking for a place to buy the best perfume in Kuwait, check out our website.

At Ahmed Perfume, we allow the flexibility to buy perfume online without worrying about late deliveries.

The best part? We offer unbelievably good prices for top-of-the-line oud perfumes!