Agar Oud – Types, Oud Tree Price & Agarwood Guide 2025

If you’ve ever wandered through a perfume souk in Dubai or caught a whiff of that unmistakable smoky-sweet aroma in a majlis, you’ve probably smelled agar oud — even if you didn’t know it.

For me, discovering agar oud wasn’t love at first sniff. It was curiosity — that deep, earthy scent that makes you pause and wonder, what is that? Fast forward a few years (and way too much spent on samples), and I’m now a full-blown agarwood enthusiast.

If you’re wondering what makes agarwood so rare, how much an oud tree costs in AED, and what different types of agarwood exist, this one’s for you.

What is Agar Oud?

Agar oud comes from the Aquilaria tree — a tree that, when infected by a natural fungus, produces a dark, resinous heartwood known as agarwood.

This resin is distilled into oud oil, often called “liquid gold” in the fragrance world. It’s one of the most expensive natural raw materials, especially loved in the Middle East.

But unlike regular perfume ingredients, agarwood is unpredictable. Not every tree produces resin, and those that do take years to develop it. That’s part of what makes it so special (and expensive).

Popular Types of Agarwood

Let me tell you — agarwood isn’t one-size-fits-all. Its scent, look, and even price vary a lot based on origin, species, and how it’s processed.

Here are the main types of agarwood you’ll come across in Dubai:

• Indian Agarwood (Assam Oud):
  Rich, bold, spicy. Known for its animalic, leathery notes. Perfect for those who like a statement oud.
  Average Price: AED 2,500 – AED 6,000 per 100g (chips)
• Cambodian Agarwood:
  Sweet, earthy, crowd-pleasing. Often used in beginner oud blends.
  Average Price: AED 1,500 – AED 4,000 per 100g (chips)
• Vietnamese Agarwood:
  Complex and deep, with a beautiful lingering aroma.
  Average Price: AED 3,000 – AED 7,500 per 100g (chips)
• Kalimantan (Borneo) Agarwood:
  Smoky, earthy, slightly spicy. A favorite for bakhoor lovers.
  Average Price: AED 1,200 – AED 3,000 per 100g (chips)
• Thai Agarwood:
  Softer profile, creamy and sweet. Often used in commercial oud blends.
  Average Price: AED 1,000 – AED 2,500 per 100g (chips)

Oud Tree Price in AED (2025 Market Rates)

If you’ve ever thought about investing in oud or even starting a plantation, knowing the oud tree price in AED is a good place to start.

Note: Wild oud trees are mostly protected by law. Make sure any purchase is legal and certified.

Why is Agar Oud So Expensive?

Three reasons — and trust me, I’ve learned these the hard way after a few overpriced buys:

• It’s Rare: Less than 10% of Aquilaria trees naturally produce resin.
• It Takes Time: Resin formation can take 10–20 years in nature.
• High Demand: Especially in UAE, Saudi Arabia, Japan, and China.

I’ve seen genuine agar oud oils sold for AED 3,000+ per 3ml. And honestly? The real stuff is worth it. The scent evolves on your skin for hours… sometimes even days.

How is Agar Oud Used

People often think agar oud is just for perfumes. But its uses are way broader:

• Luxury Perfumes: Pure oud oils are used in niche fragrances.
• Incense/Bakhoor: Burned in homes and religious spaces.
• Traditional Medicine: Used in Ayurveda and traditional healing.
• Investment: Rare agarwood pieces are collectors’ items.

Common Mistakes When Buying Agar Oud (Trust Me, I’ve Made a Few)

Buying agar oud isn’t as simple as picking a perfume off a shelf. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Thinking Cheap = Good Deal: Pure agar oud is never cheap. If it is, it’s probably synthetic.
• Skipping the Burn Test: Always test a chip — real agarwood burns slow and smells layered.
• Ignoring Seller Credentials: Only buy from trusted vendors.
• Assuming All Oud is the Same: Agarwood types vary hugely in scent and price.

My Honest Take on Investing in Agar Oud

I get asked a lot — “Is buying agarwood or an oud tree a good investment?”

Here’s my honest answer:

If you love the craft, understand the market, and are okay with the long-term game — yes, it can be worth it. But if you’re expecting a quick flip or thinking you’ll make a fortune overnight… probably not.

The world of agar oud is built on patience, passion, and relationships with trusted sellers.

Final Thoughts from One Agar Oud Lover to Another

Agar oud isn’t just another commodity. It’s art. Nature’s masterpiece. And in places like Dubai, it’s woven into the culture.

Whether you’re burning a chip on a quiet evening, dabbing pure oil before an event, or considering buying an oud tree, it’s about more than the scent. It’s a connection — to tradition, to nature, and sometimes… even to yourself.

So take your time. Learn the types. Talk to sellers. Don’t rush. Because when you find that perfect agar oud, trust me, it’s an experience you’ll never forget.

At Fatma Perfumes, we take pride in sourcing some of the finest agar oud and pure Indian oud oils, carefully crafted for those who appreciate authenticity. Whether you’re searching for premium oud oil, incense, or curated blends, we bring you the essence of tradition — straight from the heart of the oud world to Dubai. Experience oud the way it’s meant to be — only at Fatma Perfumes.