Oud (also called agarwood) is a dark, fragrant resin that forms inside Aquilaria trees, mainly in South and Southeast Asia, when the wood reacts to a natural infection. It is one of the most precious raw materials in perfumery and has been central to Arabian fragrance culture for centuries. In the UAE, oud is burned as bakhoor, worn as oil and blended into modern perfumes.
What does oud smell like?
Oud smells deep, woody and warm, often slightly smoky, leathery or animalic, with a resinous sweetness. Because natural oud is rare and expensive, most modern perfumes use oud accords or blends that capture its character and pair it with other notes, such as:
- Rose & oud: romantic and elegant, a Middle Eastern classic
- Oud & leather: bold, masculine and smoky
- Oud & citrus or spice: fresher, easier to wear in the day
- Oud & amber or vanilla: warm, rich and long-lasting
Why is oud so popular in the UAE?
- It is part of Emirati hospitality: guests are often welcomed with oud and bakhoor.
- It lasts beautifully on skin and clothing.
- It is worn by men and women alike.
- It suits special occasions such as Eid, weddings and majlis gatherings.
How to wear oud perfume
- Start small: oud is powerful, so 1–2 sprays is plenty.
- Wear it in the evening or in cooler months; in summer choose a fresher oud blend.
- Try it on skin first: oud develops over hours and smells different at the end.
- Layer it over a light floral or fresh perfume for a personal signature.
Affordable oud perfumes from SK Perfumes Gallery
| Perfume | Style | Price |
|---|---|---|
| OUD ROSE By SK | rose, woody oud and musk (unisex) | AED 80 |
| MEYDAN By SK | oud, leather, amber and vanilla (men) | AED 80 |
| Oud Imperial Valley | bergamot, pink pepper, oud, leather and vetiver (unisex) | AED 60 |
| Arabian Valley | bergamot, rosemary, oud and white amber (unisex) | AED 50 |
See the full oud perfume collection.
Frequently asked questions
Is oud for men or women?
Both. Oud is traditionally worn by men and women in the Gulf, and many oud perfumes are unisex.
Why is real oud so expensive?
Natural oud forms slowly and only in some trees, and high-quality resin is rare. That is why most perfumes use oud accords or blends.
Can I wear oud in summer?
Yes, lightly. Choose a fresher oud such as Arabian Valley or Oud Imperial Valley and apply 1–2 sprays.
What is the difference between oud and bakhoor?
Oud is the wood or its resin and oil; bakhoor is scented wood chips or bricks burned to perfume a room and clothing.
Shop SK Perfumes Gallery: every fragrance is a 50ml Extrait de Parfum from AED 50 to AED 80, with cash on delivery across the UAE and delivery usually within 24 hours in Abu Dhabi. Browse men · women · unisex · oud · vanilla & sweet · fresh summer · gifts.