The Story of Oud

We have discussed food, fashion, and even traditions implemented in Eid. But we may have missed something crucial in the Middle East, especially, the Gulf. A scent that reminds us of the region, Oud.

Oud is a part of the Arabic traditions on a daily basis, it is used as a perfume and also used for the house. However, During Ramadan, women have a tendency to place Oud between the tufts of their hair and on their clothes to ensure the smell fills the air for a long time. Oud can be bought in wood, spray, or oil form.

It has been used in the Middle East and Asia in the form of wooden incense chips, body oils, and fragrance, becoming synonymous with hospitality in the Arabian Peninsula.

‘Wood of the gods’, is a prominent type of oud, “The most preferred oud is from India, known locally as oud Hindi and followed by those from Cambodia and Malaysia,” said, Layana Mohammed, an oud salesperson in Dubai

Oud holds a special place in Gulf Arab traditions. Walk into any Gulf home, especially during the Eid holidays, and Ramadan and one is welcomed with the scent of burning oud throughout the house, and the oil-based oud that adorns men’s traditional thoub dress and females’ abayas.

Image Source: The Peak Singapore 

This article was previously published on UAE Moments.To see the original article, click here