A Yemen-born Thai dealer is in Global Village and in the Thai Pavilion not to sell Oud, but to spread the message of Oud's regality and to ensure that the tradition of Oud stays on
Mohamed Ali Hussain Al Hajj, a Yemeni national settled in Thailand can talk for hours about Oud, the fragrance that is largely popular with the Arabs. Seated in the Thai Pavilion and explaining the nuances of Oud in its various forms, it soon dawns on us that the subject is vast, demanding considerable attention. In his stall in the Global Village Hussain deals exclusively in Oud oil.
"There are three major grades of Oud, each with its own sterling qualities. These are from India, Cambodia and the third variety is from places such as Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. The best or the first quality Oud comes from Assam in India and is frightfully expensive, costing as much as US$20,000 for one kilo of Oud. This holds a five-star grading and is called Suofee. The unique aspect of Suofee is that like addiction to coffee or tea, this fragrance and the oil is also a delightful addiction. Besides it is a proven de-stressing agent and works well for both men and women."
Suofee is the most expensive perfume in the world and in its pure, natural form is also used by all religions in their rituals and prayers. The Oud that is essentially from India was found as large trees in the early days, but currently only the smaller versions of Oud or Agar tree are seen.
The purest form of Oud is completely natural. "In the sense that this is nature's gift to mankind and cannot be grown or cultivated. It is simply found as part of the natural vegetation. The factory generated Oud has chemicals added to it and is not the purest form. For the pure natural Oud is good for the skin and can even be used with the cosmetic creams, for these are natural products. There are no additives, alcohol or preservatives added to natural Oud." Thus pristine Oud oils are often combined with cosmetic creams, Vaseline, gelatin and used as part of regular skin regimes.
The three-star Oud from Cambodia is known by the name Mwaataq that simply means 'old'. The age of the Mwaataq determines its quality and the fragrance is completely bewitching and lasting.
The two-star category of Oud that is found in Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand is called Fawah. "These are fragrances that can be smelt from afar. When a person has used Fawah and left a room, the smell will linger for a long, long time. For it is the staying power of Fawah that is its unique strength.
Hussain has been in the business of Oud since 1979 and has enormous experience with the various nuances to do with Oud.
Unlike the perfumes that are sprayed on, there is a special technique for the use of Oud. The Oud is placed on an incense stand that contains burning charcoal. The Oud burns in the heat and emanates fragrant vapours first. This is held under the shehla or the outer garment of men and women. And when used thus, the smell will stay on the clothes for days on end.
"Oud has been in use for centuries now and came into vogue during a period when there were no other perfumes and the natural fragrances were all that were available. Each Oud tree could be 400 years old and more, for these are trees that become better with age. The older the Oud tree is, the better the fragrance. Like the bees make honey, there is a special bacteria that breeds on the Oud or the Agar tree and this creates the Oud oil. But it is important that the purity of Oud is maintained, for adulterated commercial preparations of Oud can cause headaches, cold and in some cases, even cancer."
Because of its high price, the clientele of Oud normally comprises the rich and famous. "Oud is the fragrance of the elite, of Kings and Queens who will use nothing less. We are here in the Global Village and in the Thai Pavilion not to sell Oud, but to spread the message of Oud's regality and to ensure the tradition of Oud stays. You wake up in the morning, your hands will reach out for the Oud, for that is the power of the fragrance, the oil," informs Mohamed Ali Hussain Al Hajj.
The Global Village, a member of 'Tatweer', opened its gates to visitors at Dubailand, located on Emirates Road, on December 13, 2006 and runs until February 9, 2007 from 4pm until midnight everyday from Sunday until Wednesday, and from 4 pm until 1am on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Mondays are dedicated to families.
For more information call Ahlan Dubai on 600545555 or alternatively log on to www.globalvillage.ae
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© Press Release 2007
