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Eid Al-Fitr Fuels Demand for Oud and Incense in Saudi Arabia

The fragrant scents play a significant cultural role in the Kingdom, deeply intertwined with Eid traditions and customs. (SPA)
The fragrant scents play a significant cultural role in the Kingdom, deeply intertwined with Eid traditions and customs. (SPA)
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Eid Al-Fitr Fuels Demand for Oud and Incense in Saudi Arabia

The fragrant scents play a significant cultural role in the Kingdom, deeply intertwined with Eid traditions and customs. (SPA)
The fragrant scents play a significant cultural role in the Kingdom, deeply intertwined with Eid traditions and customs. (SPA)

A surge in demand for oud (agarwood) and incense is being witnessed in Riyadh markets in the lead-up to Eid al-Fitr. The fragrant scents play a significant cultural role in the Kingdom, deeply intertwined with Eid traditions and customs, reported the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) on Saturday.

Official data from the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority revealed significant import volumes of oud. Between the second half of 2023 and the first quarter of 2024, the Kingdom imported 1,145,498 kilograms of oud and 1,513 kgs of oud oil.

SPA monitored commercial activity in recent days, observing a rapid rise in sales of incense, oud oil, and various perfumes as Eid approaches.

Prices vary considerably depending on the type and quality of the oud. Natural, rare oud can fetch astronomical prices, with one kilogram reaching as high as SAR400,000.

Improved oud, which has undergone treatments to enhance its aroma and appearance, such as adding essential oils, resins, or dyes to alter the natural qualities of the wood, falls within a broader range of SAR100 to SAR6,000 per ounce, depending on factors such as the quality and quantity of oil used.

These factors, in turn, are often linked to the source country in Southeast Asia. The most prominent exporters include India, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

Highly valued oud is known for its longevity, with the scent strengthening as the wood matures.

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Heavy Rains Damage Historic Buildings, Forts in Yemen

Unprecedented rains have hit parts of Yemen this season. (EPA)
Unprecedented rains have hit parts of Yemen this season. (EPA)
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Heavy Rains Damage Historic Buildings, Forts in Yemen

Unprecedented rains have hit parts of Yemen this season. (EPA)
Unprecedented rains have hit parts of Yemen this season. (EPA)

Recent heavy rains have caused significant damage in cities and villages controlled by the Houthi group in Yemen.

Historic forts and ancient buildings have been affected, with homes collapsing in Sanaa, its outskirts, and in the governorates of Raymah, Amran, Al-Bayda, and Hodeidah.

Flooding has particularly impacted the Bustan al-Sultan and Harqan neighborhoods in the UNESCO-listed city of Sanaa.

Sources have accused the Iran-backed Houthis of neglecting the disaster and ignoring residents’ calls for help, while they instead focused on their annual sectarian celebrations.

The Houthi-controlled “Historical Cities Preservation Authority” issued urgent warnings about historic buildings at risk of collapse in the old city in Sanaa and elsewhere. They reported that an ancient palace in an old neighborhood is near collapse.

In rural Sanaa, local sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that the historic Haraz fort has partially collapsed due to the rains. The fort is one of Yemen’s oldest.

The Raymah governorate has also suffered, with recent floods causing around eight deaths and destroying over 400 homes, including ancient buildings. Parts of the historic Zalamlam Mountain Castle have collapsed from the rain.

The Yemen Meteorological and Early Warning Center predicted that heavy thunderstorms, including hail and strong winds, will continue for the next 72 hours.

This weather is expected to impact highlands, slopes, and western coastal areas from Saada in the north to Taiz, Al-Daleh, and Lahj in the south.

The weather forecast predicted continued rainfall, including thunderstorms and strong winds, over parts of Al-Mahra, Hadramawt, Shabwa, Abyan, Marib, and Al-Jawf.

The center also expected strong winds to stir up dust and sand in the Socotra Archipelago, southern coasts, and areas affected by thunderstorms.

It advised people to stay away from valleys, flood-prone areas, and muddy roads. It warned to avoid electrical poles, billboards, and trees, and to turn off mobile phones during storms.