If you’re someone who’s ever walked into a traditional perfume souk in Dubai and got hit by that deep, smoky, almost meditative aroma… chances are, you’ve already met Indian Oud.
To be honest, no matter how many fancy blends and modern perfumes I try, I keep circling back to the classic – oud from India. There’s just something timeless about it. The moment you burn a chip or wear a drop of the oil, it’s like stepping into a story centuries old.
I’m not a perfumer, nor a seller – just an oud enthusiast who’s obsessed (yes, that’s the word) with discovering the real stuff, especially in a market like Dubai where authentic and synthetic often sit side by side.
So, What Exactly Is Indian Oud?
Indian Oud, also known as Assam Oud, comes from the Aquilaria Agallocha tree mainly found in the northeastern part of India – Assam, Nagaland, Manipur… that belt. When this tree gets infected with a certain mold, it produces a dark, resin-rich heartwood that we call agarwood or oud.
What sets oud from India apart? Well, it’s intense, spicy, and has this leathery punch. It’s not the crowd-pleaser at first whiff – it’s bold, unapologetic, and powerful. Some even call it “animalic,” and yes, it can be… but in the best way possible.
Why Indian Oud Is So Loved in Dubai
Dubai is crazy about oud – that’s no secret. But what most don’t realise (or forget) is that Indian Oud is one of the most prized types here.
You’ll find Indian oud oil and chips in high-end boutiques like Ajmal, Arabian Oud, Rasasi, and even in those quiet, tucked-away stalls in Deira Perfume Souk. I’ve lost count of how many shopkeepers get that glint in their eye when I ask, “Do you have real Indian oud?”
Here’s why Dubai loves it:
- It has depth and character – something synthetic ouds often lack.
- It’s got spiritual roots – used in prayers and rituals across many cultures.
- It lasts – a drop of pure Indian oud oil can stay on the skin for over 24 hours.
- And let’s be real: it smells rich.
Indian Oud Isn’t Cheap
Let me be clear – if someone is offering you “real Indian oud” for AED 200 or less, walk away. Either it’s heavily diluted, chemically enhanced, or not Indian at all.
Here’s a rough idea of Indian oud prices in Dubai (as of 2025):
- Indian Oud Chips: AED 2,500 – AED 6,000 for 100g (depending on grade & resin content)
- Pure Indian Oud Oil: AED 1,500 – AED 10,000 for 3ml (again, depends on age, source, etc.)
Prices fluctuate a lot – wild oud is rarer and naturally more expensive. I’ve seen aged bottles being sold for upwards of AED 15,000 for just a tola. No joke.
But honestly, it’s worth every dirham. One bottle lasts years.
How to Spot Authentic Indian Oud in Dubai
I’ve been burned before (pun intended). There was a time I paid a small fortune for “Assam Oud” and realised later it was just a mix of synthetic oud and carrier oil with some artificial leather notes.
Here’s how I avoid that now:
- Ask for a burn test – A real oud chip will burn slowly and release layers of scent.
- Smell the oil in different stages – Real oud evolves over time. If it smells the same in the first second and after 30 minutes, it’s probably not pure.
- Avoid overpowering sweetness – Indian oud is not syrupy sweet. Cambodian or Thai ouds might be, but not Indian.
- Buy from known sellers – or at least someone willing to tell you the source.
I personally trust a few shops in Deira and a couple of online vendors who actually source directly from India. But finding the right one takes time, and honestly, some mistakes.
Indian Oud vs. Other Types: Why It Stands Out
Let’s get something out of the way – every oud type is special in its own way. Cambodian, Kalimantan, Vietnamese… they all have their charm. But Indian oud?
It’s raw. Wild. Masculine. It’s not trying to please the masses.
When I wear Indian oud oil, I don’t get people asking “What perfume is that?” – I get people asking, “What is that?!” It turns heads. Not always in a subtle way – but always in a memorable one.
It’s the kind of scent that lingers in a room long after you’ve left.
Final Words from a Fellow Oud Lover
If you’re in Dubai and truly want to experience authentic oud, don’t skip Indian oud. It’s not just about scent – it’s history in a bottle. It’s culture, prayer, nature, and time – all condensed into a dark drop of oil or a tiny chip of wood.
Sure, it’s pricey. Sure, it can be a bit too bold for beginners. And yes, the market is full of fakes and dupes. But when you find the real Indian oud… oh, it’s like magic. You won’t go back.
If you’re starting out, ask questions. Don’t be afraid to test and explore. And if a vendor gets annoyed by your curiosity – maybe that’s not the right one to buy from.
Let Indian oud find you. Because when it does, you’ll never wear anything else.
Explore authentic Indian oud in Dubai – from trusted sources like Fatma Perfumes to rare aged oils. It’s not just perfume, it’s an experience.
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