Perfumes History: Even though Dubai is a modern city with a futuristic skyline and an affluent lifestyle, it harbors an impressive cultural legacy that cuts deeper than deep. Other than the numerous cultural abundance it has, perfumes history is just but one of the highlights of how the city has rich culture and how it has associated itself with class. Perfumes have existed in the social and spiritual life of the people in the city of Dubai and the entire Arabian Peninsula since centuries.
Nowadays, Dubai is the world capital of perfumes that unite ancient traditions and innovation. In this article, we are going to dive deep in the perfumes history of Dubai starting with the old origins of Arabic perfumery and moving up to the modernization and exquisiteness of recent blends. Find out more about traditions, craftsmanship and famous local brands that make Dubai an international center of luxury perfumes.
Table of Contents
The Origins of Perfumes in Dubai
The perfumes history could be traced to the era when Bedouin tribes were roaming in the Arabian deserts. These ancient residents were not only interested in natural perfumes because of their nicer smells but also because of defining their appearance as wealthy, hospitable, and socially savvy.
Frankincense, myrrh, and especially oud (a compound of the agarwood tree) perfumes were handed over the ancient world as much sought after offerings, and traded intensively in the antique markets.
These ancient aromas were not only related to the issue of decoration of person; they were religious, and cultural, and even medical. Throughout the history the perfumes of the region developed, keeping ancient methods but encompassing the novelties brought by trade and travel.
The Art of Traditional Perfume-Making
The main characteristic of the perfumes history in Dubai is that it was based on the use of natural components and careful old methods. Some of the most treasured ingredients include oud an aromatic resin obtained in the agarwood tree. Known as liquid gold, oud is celebrated by its rich woody and intricate aroma that characterizes much of the Arabic perfume.
Further natural substances such as musk, amber rose and jasmine are also present in classic compositions. Perfume making is a very artistic and careful process given all the steps such as maceration, distillation and Enfleurage required to go into making a single perfume making it truly a labor of love in every bottle.
The major difference between the Arabic perfumes and others is such that they are long lasting and their composition is oil based and that can be attributed to the several centuries of perfume making that have been handed down to generations. The historical art is still very valuable in the contemporary perfumery in Dubai. All in all, the perfumes in Dubai are the best.
Top 3 Places to Buy Traditional Arabic Perfumes in Dubai
In order to enjoy a good smell of Dubai in the perfumes history, take a look at the top 3 places you should visit:
1. Souk Madinat Jumeirah
A local Middle Eastern market where you can find oud, bakhoor, and artisanal fragrances. It is a mixture of older-world atmosphere with modern vision ideal to travel around the world of perfumes in Dubai.
Address: King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud St – Al Sufouh 1
Contact: +97143668888
2. Dubai Mall
This retail store is the place where perfumes traditions and innovations intersect in the perfumes history in the region with such luxury perfume brands as Ajmal and Arabian Oud..
Address: Downtown Dubai
Contact: +971800382246255
3. Deira Perfume Souk
Being on the territory of Old Dubai, this souk allows a true dive into the perfumes history as small perfumeries are creating bespoke fragrances using the primitive methods of perfuming.
Address: Deira Dubai, Gold Souq Gate No-2
Contact: +971544029088
Top 3 Traditional Perfume Brands in Dubai
The perfumes history in Dubai is spearheaded by a number of timeless brands that have not only maintained tradition but also established new norms in perfume industry.
Ajmal Perfumes
Ajmal was founded in 1951, and it had a significant influence on the perfumes history of modern Dubai. It is popular with luxurious oud-based perfumes, bakhoor and attars.
Swiss Arabian Perfumes
This luxury brand was established in 1974 and produces a classic variety of fragrances that trace its background in the traditional perfumes history of the region. They are handcrafted with natural ingredients.
Arabian Oud
Arabian Oud is the leading brand, associated with Arabic perfumery, having more than 800 stores worldwide. Their exotics mixes are the heritage of the traditional perfumes history in Dubai.
Why Dubai’s Perfumes Stand Out
Loyalty to natural components and the practice of perfumes trades, passed on by generations steals a march in the world when it comes to the perfumes of Dubai. The perfumes history behind the city defines the culture, spirituality and identity. It is no matter whether these fragrances are worn on a personal or religious purpose or in special occasion, they have a tale to say, a tale that is very Dubai.
Also Read: Dubai Metro to Extend Operating Hours on July 20 for Global Encounters Festival at DWTC
Final Thoughts
The tour of perfumes history in Dubai is like a walk in the past with your sense of smell. The sweet scent of the night winds blowing across the sands of the desert to the shimmering and stylish boutiques of the downtown, the city odiferous past is alive and kicking. You may think you are only purchasing perfume, whether in one of the crowded souks of the region or in a high-end shopping mall, but what you are getting is a drop of history.
Anyone striving to relate to this rich heritage can get the genuine insights about the history of perfumes in the region, as well as being led to the best experiences and perfume brands that the city of Dubai has to offer through Stalk Dubai. The next time you visit Dubai, allow yourself to be driven by your sense of smell all day, as you embark on a never to forget journey of the olfactory heritage of one of the most fragrant cities in the world.