The Western Obsession with Arabic Luxury Fragrances
Perfume was and always will be more than just an aroma – it has the unique capacity to make people travel through time and camouflage emotions as well as being a means to bring people and cultures closer. However, recently, Arabic scents due to their intensive, oriental, non-evanescent tendencies have gained excellent demands or purchase in the Western world. WHAT IS DRIVING THIS GROWING TREND? Well, that’s exactly what the hosts and guest tried to decipher in Episode 5 of The Intense Oud Podcast with the guest Anas Alsaeid who is the Regional Distribution Manager at Rasasi Perfumes in KSA, and Abdul Karim Ahmed, CEO of Intense Oud.
In this very interesting interview, Anas and Abdul talk about almost everything related to creating a specific scent and how perfume art shapes culture, beauty, and individuality. It is now time for some insights into the current trend of Arabic perfumes that invaded the Western world and went viral.
The Art of Fragrance: More Than Just a Scent
Scents are not just expressions of the sweet smell, they are the feelings, experiences, and references to cultures. It is for this reason that Anas in the episode of today’s show says that the beauty of a fragrance is that it makes you remember a place, a person, or an occasion. This is especially valid for the Arabic perfumes, which employ a large number of deep and intense aromas such as oud,
musk, and amber which are not commonly in numerous Western aromas. Anas, who has worked in the fragrance industry for many years, in particular, underlines that Arabic perfumes are in demand due to the specificity of their components and their great history. He tells us that Arabic fragrances have never been solely about the opulence of it but about self-identification, history, and culture.
People in the Middle East connect with perfumes on a spiritual level, Anas explains. “We don’t wear fragrances just for an event; it’s a part of who we are, and that passion is being embraced globally now."
What Sets Arabic Perfumes Apart?
Arabic perfumes are so intense and long-lasting. To the surprise of many, most Arabic perfumes do not have the rather conventional short blended top notes of the typical European or American fragrance. They are composed over hours and have notes on top, middle, and bases and well notes modulations. This is an aspect that Western consumers are finding to be rather appealing. Anas points out that Arabic fragrances are intended with an aim of conveying a specific message. “Our perfumes are bold and they should stay bold,” he said in the episode. This is in contrast with the minimalistic effects that have been for a long time used in the Western hemisphere where perfumes are of lesser and evolutionary strength.
Exploring Beauty, Cultural Adaptation, and Luxury
Anas and Abdul also discuss topics, such as beauty, cultural adaptation, and the changes of luxury concepts. Anas and Abdul explicate that beauty is not limited to the outlook, accessories, dressing sense, and other physical appearances but entails spiritual dimensions and close feelings, including love, compassion, and generosity. Anas looks back at his life as a child and refers to the times when beauty could be seen in family, in nature, in experiences, and not just in the external appearances as is depicted by Abdul. The conversation then moves to cultural adjustment where Anas tells us his experience of living in Syria
and his traveling and how people should embrace cultures. The two hosts further ponder the understanding that relationships that involve cultural exchange happen through listening and recognizing other people’s perspectives, which in turn is helpful in strengthening interpersonal relationships in any setting. Last but not least, the episode also shows how luxury particularly in the fragrance and parfum domain has changed. Anas says that formerly luxury was about access; however, today it has shifted towards the process, and the perfumes provide not just a smell but an emotion, and that’s what luxury today has come to mean.
The Role of Social Media in Boosting Popularity
In the past western consumers have been introduced to Arabic perfumes through the help of social media platforms. Even YouTubers, Instagrammers, and TikTokers have come out to raise awareness about certain specific perfume brands that were initially only available in the Middle East. There are millions of people who follow fragrance reviews and recommendations and therefore there is no doubt that Arabic scents are trending. Anas and Abdul talk about how social networks became helpful for companies, such as Rasasi, to expand the scope of their target audience. They also clarify that increased consumer concern is not applicable only to the upper classes; the middle and broad population also thinks about the exoticism of some notes.
Embracing the Future of Fragrance
As the world continues to shrink, and cultures merge and influence one another, it’s clear that Arabic fragrances are here to stay. They offer something unique in a crowded market, combining deep cultural roots with an olfactory experience that is rich, luxurious, and memorable. It appeals to consumers in a market where they provide something that is missing or not even close to their competition: a cultural connection married to an olfactory sensation that is truly royal and not easily forgotten. Anas and Abdul’s discussion and The Intense Podcast help remind everyone that beauty is subjective and connected to experiences, memories, and culture, even if it is as simple as a scent. Hence, Arabic perfumes, which have multiple layers of complex fragrances when deciphered can indeed help one get in touch with all of these in a way that is deeper than one can imagine. Well, there you have it, the reason why Arabic fragrances are gradually conquering the Western world. People have a vested interest in things that belong to the realm of culture and arts, and about handcrafted items, and most importantly about people’s need to engage with a work of art.
Watch out this amazing conversation here.