All About Oud: The Luxurious Scent Taking Over the Fragrance World
When it comes to luxury perfumes, one word has been making waves across the fragrance world: Oud. Known for its deep, rich, and complex aroma, Oud is the signature of sophistication - and it’s at the heart of some of our most sought-after scents at Nomad Aromas. But what exactly is Oud, where does it come from, and how is it different from your usual perfume? Let’s explore the world of this coveted ingredient.
What Is Oud?
Oud (also known as Oudh or Agarwood) is a rare and precious resin that forms in the heartwood of the Aquilaria tree when it becomes infected with a specific type of mould. This dark, aromatic resin is incredibly rare - often referred to as “liquid gold” in the fragrance industry. It’s prized for its rich, woody, smoky, and slightly sweet scent that lingers long after application.
Oud has been used for centuries in traditional Eastern perfumery and spiritual rituals, but today, it’s taken centre stage in high-end Western fragrances.
What’s the Difference Between Oud and Perfume?
While perfume refers to a blend of aromatic oils, fixatives, and solvents designed to give a pleasant and lasting scent, Oud is an actual ingredient or scent profile within perfume.
Here’s the difference broken down:
- Perfume is the finished product.
- Oud is a key ingredient, like rose, vanilla, or sandalwood.
- Perfumes with Oud tend to be stronger, more intense, and longer-lasting than those without.
- Oud can be used alone as a pure oil or blended with other notes to create complex, luxurious fragrances.
At Nomad Aromas, we use Oud-inspired blends and scent profiles that give you the richness of this elite scent - without the luxury price tag.
Where Does Oud Come From?
Oud originates mainly from Southeast Asia, particularly countries like India, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos. The Aquilaria tree grows in these tropical regions, and the resin forms only in certain trees under rare conditions - which is why natural Oud is so valuable.
Traditionally used in Middle Eastern perfumery, Oud has now found global appeal. It’s especially loved in the UAE and Gulf region, where it’s a staple in both men’s and women’s fragrance wardrobes.
Signature Oud Scents at Nomad Aromas
Our curated collection of inspired Oud scents captures the opulence of the original fragrances while staying affordable and wearable for every day. Some of our best-selling Oud-inspired perfumes include:
- N’9 Inspired by Oud Isphan by Christian Dior
- N’1 Insipired by Oud Wood by Tom Ford
- N’5 Inspred by Ombre Nomade by Louis Vuitton
Each scent is crafted to deliver the richness of traditional Oud while offering modern twists that make them perfect for everyday elegance.
Why Oud Works So Well in the UAE
In the United Arab Emirates, Oud isn’t just a trend - it’s a cultural staple. From home fragrances and personal perfumes to ceremonial use, Oud is everywhere. Its bold character suits the region’s taste for warm, rich, and long-lasting aromas.
Nomad Aromas, proudly based in the UAE, honours this heritage by offering Oud-inspired perfumes that feel familiar, luxurious, and modern - all at an accessible price point.
About Nomad Aromas
At Nomad Aromas, we believe in the power of scent to tell stories, spark memories, and elevate your mood. Our fragrances are inspired by luxury, travel, and culture — blending sophistication with affordability.
We’ve curated a collection of inspired-by perfumes that rival designer brands in scent and performance. Whether you're drawn to classic florals or bold Oud blends, you’ll find your signature scent in our range.
Explore Our Oud Collection
Discover why everyone’s talking about Oud. Shop our Oud-inspired fragrances and experience luxury redefined.