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Beauty

by Dara Morgan

Why Oud Remains the Gulf’s Signature Scent

24 Jul 2025

Photo: Joshua Earle

There are trends, and then there is oud. While the world flits from one fleeting fragrance fad to the next, the Gulf — stoic, stylish, and occasionally sand-swept — clings proudly to its olfactory identity. Why? Because the best oud perfumes in the Gulf are not merely scents; they are cultural signifiers, bottled declarations of taste, heritage, and sometimes just good, old-fashioned flexing.
Yes, you might detect hints of sandalwood or jasmine, but make no mistake — oud is the main character. From Emirati majlises to Saudi weddings and Qatari summer soirées, the presence of oud is both expected and exalted. And in a region where air conditioning reigns supreme and white linen thobes meet Chanel handbags, there is something poetically perfect about oud’s balance of grit and glamour.
It isn't just perfume; it is personality. Oud equals status, identity, and on some deeply spiritual level, a sort of aromatic absolution. Whether burned as incense or layered atop floral fragrances, oud is a ritual and a routine. In the Gulf, to not wear oud is to turn up to a black-tie event in Crocs — possible, yes, but profoundly unsettling.

Deep-Rooted in Emirati, Saudi, and Qatari Culture

Across the Gulf, oud perfumes are passed down like family heirlooms — minus the awkward will reading. In Emirati households, children learn the sacred art of dabbing oud oil before they master multiplication. In Saudi Arabia, gifting luxury oud perfumes during Ramadan and Eid is as essential as moon-sighting. And in Qatar, fragrance layering is treated with the same reverence as hospitality.
The tradition of oud isn't just about smelling pleasant; it is about announcing one's presence before even entering a room. Arabic perfumes for summer often take on this theatrical role, offering olfactory drama in every spritz. It isn't subtle, nor is it trying to be.
Then there is the spiritual side. Oud has long been used in Islamic purification rituals. It is believed to cleanse the space and the soul, making it a mainstay in both religious and social ceremonies. Wearing oud, particularly in its oil form, is as much about inner clarity as it is about outer elegance.

Fragrance trends in the Gulf for summer 2025

The Gulf doesn't follow trends; it reinterprets them through an oud-infused lens. Still, the oud fragrance trends of 2025 are showing some delightful twists.
Fresh oud blends: Light florals + citrus + oud
Call it the lemonade of luxury: fresh oud perfumes for hot weather are gaining traction. Think bergamot meets Bulgarian rose, held together by a whisper of aged oud. It is a welcome alternative for those who love the richness of oud but would rather not smell like a bonfire in July.
Unisex & gender-neutral oud scents
Gendered scents? How terribly outdated. One of the most exciting developments is the rise of the best unisex oud perfume in 2025. With notes of sandalwood, neroli, and even soft leather, these perfumes defy categorisation and embrace a fluid sense of self.
Oud with marine & green notes
Oud, meet sea breeze. One of the more unexpected oud fragrance trends in 2025 is the inclusion of aquatic and leafy accords. These modern oud blends for 2025 bring a refreshing dimension to traditional compositions, ideal for long summer days and longer summer nights.
Minimalist packaging meets luxury storytelling
Forget the rhinestones. The new crop of best niche oud perfumes favours sleek bottles, neutral palettes, and poetic backstories. Think artisan craftsmanship, small batches, and enough storytelling to make a Netflix documentary jealous.

Tips for wearing oud in the summer

Wearing oud in a region where the temperature occasionally rivals that of a freshly brewed espresso? Bold. Here are a few clever ways to keep your scent game strong without overwhelming the senses.
Apply on clothes, not skin
Your epidermis is lovely, but when it comes to summer oud scents, stick to fabric. Spraying oud on clothing allows the scent to diffuse slowly and avoids that "roasted bouquet" effect on sweaty skin.
Layer with lighter fragrances
Don't fear the mix. Combine your oud base with citrus, rose, or even green notes. A spicy oud at night is practically a dress code in itself.
Time your spritzing
Morning: opt for a citrus or rose-infused oud perfume. Evening: reach for something with spice, amber, or resin. Timing is everything, even in fragrance.
Travel with solid perfumes or oils
Summer outings mean you will need to reapply. Solid oud perfumes or portable oil bottles are discreet, chic, and allow you to maintain that aura of mystery (and musk) all day.

Why oud still reigns supreme

In conclusion, oud isn't just enduring — it is evolving. From fresh oud perfumes for hot weather to the best unisex oud perfume of 2025, the Gulf continues to innovate while staying deeply rooted in tradition. Luxury oud perfumes in Saudi Arabia and the top oud perfumes in the UAE are not just about personal scent; they are about cultural expression, spiritual resonance, and a dash of extravagance.
As modern oud blends of 2025 take on lighter, fresher, and more inclusive forms, the core essence remains the same: oud is power, poetry, and the scent of the Gulf.
And no, we don't see that changing anytime soon.