I’ll be honest — the first time I bought oud in Dubai, I had no clue what I was getting.
I walked into a tiny shop in Deira, the air thick with smoke from burning wood chips, and asked the shopkeeper, “How much for a bottle of real agarwood oil?”
He smiled that knowing smile I’ve come to recognize in Dubai’s perfume souks…
And quoted me a price that almost made me walk out.
But here’s the thing — once you dive into the world of العود, you realize why it costs what it does. And why people from all over the world come to Dubai looking for it.
Oud in Dubai: More Than Just a Fragrance
Dubai isn’t just a shopper’s paradise for perfumes — it’s a global trading hub for العود و زيت العود.
Dealers from India, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Indonesia bring their finest agarwood here. And Dubai’s market is unique — you’ll find everything from budget blends to pure wild agar oud that’ll make your wallet cry (but your heart happy).
The popularity of oud in Dubai goes beyond business:
- It’s part of Emirati tradition — worn at weddings, used in hospitality, even in everyday life.
- Perfume houses like Ajmal و Arabian Oud started in Dubai before going global.
- People here know their oud — which means the market demands authenticity.
What is the Agar Tree & Why Does It Matter?
Let’s clear up a common confusion — agarwood doesn’t come from just any tree.
It comes from the Agar Tree (Aquilaria species), mainly found in parts of South Asia and Southeast Asia.
But here’s the kicker:
- Only a tiny percentage of agar trees produce العود naturally.
- The resin forms when the tree is infected, which can take decades.
- Because of this, wild agar trees are now protected, and harvesting them is regulated worldwide.
Oud Tree Price in 2025 (AED) — The Real Numbers
One of the questions I get a lot is — “How much does an agar tree cost?”
The answer isn’t simple, but I’ll try to break it down:
Type of Agar Tree | Approximate Price (AED) | Note |
---|---|---|
Young Seedling | AED 20 – AED 50 | Good for plantations |
5-7 Year Old Tree (Uninfected) | AED 800 – AED 2,500 | Potential for resin growth |
Infected Oud Tree (Cultivated) | AED 20,000 – AED 80,000 | Depends on resin amount |
Wild Agar Tree (Rare) | Not for sale / POA | Often protected species |
💡 Important: Wild agar trees are rarely sold legally due to environmental laws. Most trees sold are farmed or cultivated.
Buying an oud tree isn’t like buying a plant for your garden. It’s a long-term investment, especially if you plan to harvest resin later.
The World of Agarwood Types — What Makes Each One Unique
If you think all agarwood oud smells the same… let me stop you right there.
Just like wine or coffee, agarwood differs based on region, soil, climate, and even how it’s harvested.
Here are some unique agarwood types you’ll find in Dubai:
- Assam (Indian) Agarwood: Bold, earthy, sometimes sharp. Great for traditional oils.
- Cambodian Agarwood: Sweet, deep, slightly floral. Loved for personal perfumes.
- Vietnamese Agarwood: Complex, long-lasting, with layers of woody sweetness.
- Borneo (Kalimantan) Agarwood: Smoky, dark, with spicy undertones — often used for bakhoor.
- Malaysian Agarwood: Gentle, subtle sweetness, used in modern fragrance blends.
What I love is how every type of agarwood tells its own story.
I’ve bought chips that smelled sweet at first… and then surprised me with a smoky twist halfway through burning.
Agarwood in Dubai — Where the Real Deals Are
I’ve been through my fair share of sellers — some honest, some… let’s just say “creative” with their pricing.
If you’re looking for العود في دبي, here’s what I’ve learned:
- Deira Perfume Souk: You’ll find everything from premium oud oils to agar chips. Bargain hard but respectfully.
- Branded Stores (Ajmal, Arabian Oud): Pricey but trustworthy. You get what you pay for.
- Online Sellers (Dubai-based): A growing market, but check reviews before buying.
A personal tip? Always ask for a burn test when buying agar chips.
If the seller refuses — walk away.
Why People Are Investing in Oud Trees
Oud isn’t just about fragrance — for many, it’s an investment.
With wild agarwood becoming rarer, many companies and individuals are buying land in countries like India, Cambodia, and Laos to cultivate agar trees.
But it’s not a get-rich-quick scheme.
Cultivating agarwood takes patience, proper care, and a lot of waiting.
In Dubai, I’ve met a few investors who buy infected trees or raw chips as an asset. With the right contacts, it can be profitable — but only if you know the market.
Final Thoughts — Oud in Dubai Is an Experience, Not Just a Purchase
If you’re stepping into the world of agar oud, be ready for a journey.
There’s a reason Dubai is called the heart of the oud trade — it’s where traditions meet trade, and stories are told through scent.
I’ve bought cheap oils and regretted it.
I’ve also splurged on a tiny bottle of pure agarwood oil that I still cherish years later.
My advice?
- Take your time.
- Smell everything.
- Talk to sellers.
- And most importantly — trust your nose.
Because at the end of the day, oud in Dubai isn’t just a product… it’s a passion.
Looking for trusted agarwood sellers in Dubai or curious about oud tree investments? Drop me a message — happy to share my experience with fellow oud lovers.