Arabian Oud is tapping into the global surge in demand for Middle Eastern fragrances, building on its status as the world’s largest manufacturer and retailer of incense, oriental perfumes and oil-based fragrances.
Travel retail has become a strategic channel for the brand to introduce its heritage-rich portfolio to international consumers.
Committed to creating immersive experiences, Arabian Oud will showcase its collections as it debuts at the upcoming TFWA World Exhibition (Bay Terrace T12) in Cannes.
In this exclusive interview with The Moodie Davitt Report, Arabian Oud General Manager Ralph Bou Nader highlights how the company’s Saudi roots shape its creations and how travel retail drives its growth strategy.
Arabian Oud has redefined Middle Eastern perfumery for the global stage, scaling from a single boutique in Saudi Arabia to a vast network of 1,300 stores across 37 markets.
Since its founding in 1982 by Chairman Sheikh Abdulaziz Al Jasser, the company has made oud more than an ingredient – it has become the essence of the brand’s identity. His vision was clear and compelling – to share the olfactory heritage of the Middle East and the GCC with the world.
Today, under Group CEO Omar Al Jasser, the company is expanding globally, delivering immersive experiences that share the richness of Saudi fragrance heritage with audiences from Riyadh to New York.
“Arabian Oud is uniquely positioned as the custodian of Middle Eastern perfumery,” says Arabian Oud General Manager Ralph Bou Nader.
“While many brands experiment with oud as a trend, for us it is the heart of our identity. We distinguish ourselves by merging this heritage with global storytelling, ensuring that our fragrances resonate in Riyadh, Paris, London and New York alike.”
Arabian Oud’s collection of over 400 signature scents reflects a dedication to both tradition and quality. Every fragrance is thoughtfully developed – selecting premium ingredients, partnering with master perfumers and applying rigorous quality standards across all stages.
From timeless classics such as Madawi to contemporary blends crafted for global audiences, each fragrance embodies the Kingdom’s rich perfumery heritage while appealing to modern tastes across different cultures.
The company embodies its Middle Eastern roots into its craft, using techniques such as layering, the ritual use of bakhoor, and sophisticated blends of oud with florals, amber and spices to shape its modern offerings.
“These elements are not kept in isolation but are thoughtfully reinterpreted for modern audiences,” Bou Nader says. Royal Oud, for example, preserves the deep intensity of traditional oud, while delivering a versatile olfactive experience for fragrance enthusiasts worldwide.
As Middle Eastern fragrances gain popularity worldwide, the company believes that consumers are drawn to their authenticity and bold character.
Bou Nader says, “The richness, longevity and storytelling nature of our creations resonate with a new generation of fragrance lovers worldwide.
“Social media and global travel have accelerated this awareness, but at the core is a genuine appreciation for the depth of our traditions.
“While many Western brands borrow oud, Arabian Oud represents the true source born in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, rooted in the GCC, and proudly sharing that heritage with the world.”
The essence of travel retail success
As Arabian Oud extends its reach across global markets, it is tapping into a growing appetite for Middle Eastern fragrances.
The company describes travel retail as a “natural stage” for introducing its signature fragrances to consumers worldwide.
Bou Nader explains: “Travel retail brings together global travellers who are eager to discover authentic, distinctive brands. For Arabian Oud, it is an opportunity to introduce Saudi heritage to audiences who may not yet know us.
“As one of the first major Middle Eastern fragrance houses to prioritise this channel, our aim is not just commercial, it is cultural. Travel retail allows us to build visibility, strengthen our luxury positioning and serve as an ambassador of our region’s craftsmanship on the global stage.”
With a global presence, Arabian Oud translates the Saudi culture of hospitality, ritual and storytelling into retail experiences thoughtfully adapted for diverse international markets.
“We bring this spirit into every store while adapting to local cultures. In the Middle East and GCC, the art of fragrance layering and oud appreciation is central. In Europe or North America, the focus may shift towards design and modern presentation.
“What remains consistent is the immersive brand experience, where every customer whether in Riyadh or London is invited to step into the world of Arabian Oud,” says Bou Nader.
The company is accelerating its global expansion with a strategic focus on Europe, LATAM, APAC and North America, all key growth drivers, with markets including France, the UK, Malaysia and Türkiye showing strong potential.
North America, a market experiencing robust growth in artisanal and niche perfumery, is also a priority for the brand.
At the same time, Arabian Oud continues to strengthen its presence across Saudi Arabia, the GCC and the wider Middle East, while roll-outs are planned in Austria, Italy and the USA.
Looking to the future, the company is optimistic about growth in the category and anticipates transformative trends to emerge.
Bou Nader says, “First, there is a clear rise in unisex and shared fragrances, as consumers move beyond traditional gender labels and embrace scent as a universal form of identity.
“Second, there is a growing expectation for natural ingredients, sustainable sourcing and transparency in the supply chain values that align with our own deep respect for raw materials such as oud and amber.
“Third, and perhaps most importantly, consumers are seeking cultural authenticity and storytelling. They want fragrances that carry meaning, heritage and emotional resonance.
“This is where the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the broader Middle East have a unique role to play. Our traditions, rituals and mastery of ingredients like oud are not trends – they are timeless.”
Bou Nader is confident that as the global fragrance market evolves, Arabian Oud’s blend of heritage and innovation will deliver authentic experiences for the new generation of fragrance enthusiasts. ✈
