w w w . a r a b i a n o u d . c o . u k

435-437 Oxford St

London W1C 2PL

020 7491 333

info@arabianoud.co.uk

www.arabianoud.co.uk

C O M PA N Y P R O F I L Ew w w . a r a b i a n o u d . c o . u k

With over 32 years’ experience and over 650 stores Worldwide,

Arabian Oud is a prominent and trusted name in the sale of

fragrances, incense, oriental perfumes and oil perfumes.

ARABIAN OUD ARABIANARABIAN OUD ARABIAN OUD KUWAIT ARABIAN OUD QATAR ARABIAN OUD ARABIAN OUD ARABIAN OUDARABIAN OUD ARABIANARABIAN OUD ARABIAN OUD ARABIAN OUD ARABIAN OUD ARABIAN OUD ARABIAN OUD ARABIAN OUDARABIAN OUD ARABIANARABIAN OUD SAUDI ARABIA ARABIAN OUD U.A.E ARABIAN OUD ARABIAN OUD ARABIANARABIAN OUD ARABIAN OUD ARABIAN OUD ARABIAN OUD ARABIAN OUD OMAN ARABIAN OUD ARABIAN OUD ARABIAN OUD ARABIAN OUDARABIAN ARABIAN OUD ARABIAN OUDARABIAN OUD USA ARABIAN OUD ARABIAN OUD ARABIAN OUD ARABIAN OUD ARABIAN OUD ARABIAN OUDARABIAN ARABIAN OUD ARABIAN OUD MOROCCO ARABIAN OUD ARABIAN OUD ARABIAN OUD ARABIAN OUD ARABIAN OUDARABIAN OUD ARABIAN OUD UK ARABIAN OUD ARABIAN OUD ARABIAN OUD LEBANON ARABIAN OUD ARABIAN OUDOUD ARABIAN ARABIAN OUD ARABIAN OUD BAHRAIN ARABIAN OUD ARABIAN OUD ARABIAN OUD ARABIAN OUDARABIAN OUD ARABIAN ARABIAN OUD ARABIAN OUD KUALA LUMPUR ARABIAN OUD ARABIAN OUD FRANCE ARABIAN OUD ARABIAN OUDARABIAN OUD ARABIAN OUD RUSSIA ARABIAN OUD EGYPT ARABIAN OUD JORDAN ARABIAN OUD ARABIAN OUD ARABIAN OUDARABIAN OUD ARABIANARABIAN OUD ARABIAN OUD ARABIAN OUD ARABIAN OUD ARABIAN OUD ARABIAN OUD ARABIAN OUD

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INTRODUCTION

HERITAGE

THE ENVIRONMENT

MYSTICAL PROPERTIES

OUD TODAY

OUR FOUNDER

OUR PHILOSOPHY

OUR PRODUCTS

ACHIEVEMENTS

IN THE MEDIA

BESPOKE PERFUME

CUSTOMER EXCELLENCE

THE FUTURE

SHOP CONCEPTS

CONTENTS

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INTRODUCTIONThere are many myths and misconceptions

surrounding the name Arabian OUD.

There are legends that resonate along the

corridors of history and there are fables

handed down from generation to generation

but the reality is quite simple.

At its heart lies the enigmatic and talismanic oud, the extremely

rare resinous heartwood that forms the highly prized foundation of

Arabian Oud classic oil perfumes. It is the most expensive scented

wood known to man and its value transcends cultural and spiritual

boundaries.

It is a story of one man’s passion and one

man’s vision to bring to the world something

rare and beautiful. It is a story which

proves what can be achieved with drive,

imagination and a unique understanding of

nature and human character.

Today, Arabian Oud is proud to be the largest

Arabian fragrance house in the world with

a unique and unrivalled reputation for

specializing in only the finest quality oud,

incense and pure perfume.

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It all starts with the tree. Oud is the Arabic

term for the highly prized incense that is

cultivated from the Agarwood tree.

This tree is rare and elusive and only gives up

its coveted treasure to those with an affinity

to centuries old traditions and knowledge.

HERITAGE

The trees must be left to mature for hundreds

of years before the fragrant wood can be

extracted and even then no two trees can be

guaranteed to produce the same degrees of

excellence.

Indigenous to only a few remote regions in India,

Malaysia, Cambodia, Indonesia and Brunei, it is

the unique micro-climate, environment and

natural conditions that ultimately influence the

end product.

Above all, it is these subtle but vitally important

variations in each location which affects the

flavour, fragrance and quality.

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THE ENVIRONMENT We strongly believe that by maintaining truly

organic methods we are able to cultivate

and nurture our harvests amidst hugely

challenging and dangerous conditions.

Our oud-hunters practice unwritten rites

handed down from generation to generation

to capture their elusive treasure.

Not only must they be fearless but they

must understand the delicate balance

between nature and the perils of too much

consumption to meet the insatiable demand

that drives this important global market. At

Arabian Oud we protect nature and ensure

that the role of the tree is continued for

many years to come.

In 2012 up to 75,000 Agarwood trees

were planted to ensure a continued long

term future. This strategy ensures that

perceptions become clear and knowledge

is shared in the West and Far East thus

increasing demand and quality control.

“We use local knowledge and re-plant thousands of trees ever year to off-set

our environmental impact, as well as provide sustainable habitats for wildlife.”

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MYSTICAL PROPERTIES

The tree has two fragrance based offerings in solid and liquid

form. In solid form Oud takes its natural shape in individual pieces

of wood that seductively release their unmistakable scent once

gently heated under a flame. The trapped oil is subsequently

released once the outer layer of wood is naturally smouldered.

In its liquid form it is a precious oil with a deep woody evocative

aroma that releases slowly over time. The finest quality oud burns

slower and lasts longer.

This natural process is what gives oud its rich mystical properties.

Tales of enhanced mental clarity and spiritual enlightenment add

to its legendary status.

What shaped the desire for the scent of oud and what made

this rare natural phenomenon so popular across the centuries?

Once again it is the tree that reveals all.

Its aromatic residue is produced in response to frequent attacks

of a natural fungus or mould. The fragrant resin forms in the

trunk and infected roots. The increase in mass and density leads

to a marked changed in colouring. The wood of the Agarwood

tree is thus transformed from light beige to dark brown or black.

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Today, Arabian Oud is enjoying an unparalleled moment in both Western

and Middle Eastern societies. Its perfume is treasured by royalty, global

celebrities from the worlds of sport and entertainment and connoisseurs

of fine fragrance and scents.

Arabian Oud opened its first European flagship store on London’s Oxford

Street in August 2002. This spectacular store was unveiled to great critical

acclaim and today there are two floors purely dedicated to retail whilst

the lower level gallery is reserved for private VIP clients and bespoke

perfume appointments.

With a highly trained work force committed to providing the highest

levels of service, the company has successfully grown from its humble

beginnings to become a global player in the fragrance market with a

chain of over 740 stores worldwide, selling over 200 opulent and unique

fragrances exclusive to it clientele.

It is only Arabian Oud and its beloved founder, Sheikh Abdul-Aziz Al

Jasser who truly recognized the potential of this magical process by

making oud accessible to all.

Thanks to his dream it has now been elevated to a modern art form

with a heritage dating back to ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt and was

further refined by the empires of both Rome and Persia.

OUD TODAYArabian Oud now has more than 4,000 employees worldwide

covering 100 cities and 33 countries. The company is a true

phenomenon with a pledge to precision and uncompromised

quality.

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The phrase “humble beginnings” is often

used in modern vocabulary but rarely can

it be so appropriate as when applied to

the origins of Arabian Oud and the global

business that operates today.

The ambition and dedication of Sheikh

Abdul-Aziz Al Jasser is the driving force

behind what is now a multi-billion dollar

industry. He has led the way on a path of

discovery which began in 1982 and has since

established the prestige and reputation of

Arabian Oud.

His early years saw him train as a teacher

but his passion for the world of perfumery

and natural oils took him, quite literally, on

OUR FOUNDERa different journey. Sheikh Abdul-Aziz was

fascinated by the magic and alchemy of oud.

He could see the way people reacted to its

scent and perhaps most importantly, he

recognized the potential demand on a world

wide scale. His first small shop opened in

the old Alsal souk of Riyadh in Saudi Arabia

with support from family and friends. This

was just one of many brave decisions that

led to a unique insight into every aspect of

the production and marketing of oud. In

his quest for knowledge and perfection,

Sheikh Abdul-Aziz travelled to all corners

of the earth to hone his craft and to forge

lifelong relationships with the oud hunters

and growers.

These relationships remain in place today

and have formed the basis of sustainability

and planning which ensures the continued

success and quality control of the oud

market. Understanding the delicate

balance that exists and the dangers of over

cultivation which could threaten the survival

of communities is the key factor.

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OUR PHILOSOPHY

The philosophy of Arabian Oud and the

vision of Sheik Abdul-Aziz as a pioneer,

highlights the importance of respecting

the different cultures and the all-important

natural processes that must be adhered to.

At the heart of the company that brought

Oud to the World, lies an understanding and

a desire for change. Social responsibility,

opportunities for the disabled, fair trade

and re-investment are on-going aspects that

underpin the business.

• Arabian Oud is first and only Arabian brand

to be named in the fragrance industry bible,

Michael Edwards ‘ Fragrances of The World.

This is the definitive database for fragrance

classification, perfumers, bottle designers

and brands and is widely regarded as a

mark of excellence.

• We are the only fragrance house to have

a flagship store at the heart of London’s

premier shopping streets on Oxford Street.

• Exciting new Arabian Oud boutique in the

successful Westfield Shopping Centre has

been unveiled.

ACHIEVEMENTS• The only Arabian perfumer to have a global

network of international boutiques including

Malaysia, France, Singapore, Morocco and

Dubai.

• We average 25,000 sales transactions per

day and produce 25 million perfume bottles

per year.

Arabian Oud was the first Arabian member

of the prestigious Fragrance Foundation in

both the United Kingdom and France.

• This non-profit making organization is

renowned as the benchmark for setting the

standards of excellence for the fragrance

industry. We continue to win accolades and

awards around the world as our scents gain

awareness and loyal fans.

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The uniqueness of our products is attained

by the commitment to minimise chemical

levels thus increasing concentrated levels

of natural perfumery. Endeavours continue

beyond the stage of perfume creation,

however.

Exceptional efforts are exerted during the

design stages of packaging. Distinctive and

artistically formed packages are created to

reach over-all products of visual appeal.

Although our sense of smell is emotional,

the fragrances we most enjoy usually

belong to just one or two fragrance families.

The Fragrance Wheel holds the key to our

fragrance likes and dislikes. It lets us see at

a glance the relationship between the 14

different families. At Arabian Oud we use the

Fragrance Wheel to map out the connections

to all the various scents we produce.

OUR PRODUCTSAt Arabian Oud we proudly admire our

Arabian Heritage and our one and only goal

is to represent it to the world in the best

way it should be.

For us we do that through our products;

every scent carries a piece of heritage,

culture and traditions of the Middle East in

general and the Arab World in particular.

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• Retailer of the Year 2014

• Fragrance of the Year 2013, 2014

• My Perfume of the Year 2013

• 5 international awards at FIFI Arabia Perfume 2012

• Voted number one brand in the Middle East

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IN THE MEDIA

Arabian Oud has attracted widespread critical

acclaim and plaudits from the influential beauty

and lifestyle media for its heritage and vast

selection of Arabian and international fragrances.

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:HIGH CONCENTRATION OF THE FRAGRANCE MARKETTOP 5 GROUP+39,5% GLOBAL FINE FRAGRANCE MARKET TURNOVER

FINE FRAGRANCE MARKETFragrance, Global, Company Share (Top 20 Compamies) by Value (5)

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8.58.47.77.57.45.54.54.44.23.9

1.51.41.31.10.90.80.80.80.7

G%Growth vs 2010

3.53.46.87.612.04.53.326.06.59.6

2.117.71.82.67.413.16.43.25.3

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Arabian Oud11 1.7 5.9Arabian Oud11 1.7 5.9

FEMININE FF MARKET DOMINATEDBY DIRECT SELLING GROUPS (NATURA, AVON)

HIGH CONCENTRATION OF THE SELECTIVE FEMININE FRAGRANCE MARKET:D

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FEMININE FF SELECTIVE MARKET

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Arabian Oud10 1.9%

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The Arabian Oud collection extends to

thousands of luxurious natural fragrances,

20 of which are available exclusively in

London. The permutations are infinite and

no effort is spared to ensure the finished

article matches the brief.

With prestigious clientele on every

continent, Arabian Oud has created unique

blends for members of royal families in the

Middle East as well as celebrities from sport,

film, television and the arts.

All our customers who visit our stores

are treated with the same high level of

respect and care as befits our reputation for

excellence and perfection.

Luxury is a term that can be truly applied to

Arabian Oud. It is a luxury that is accessible

to all our customers and it is a special aspect

of our business that defines us and our

understanding of the needs and desires of

the discerning fragrance connoisseur.

BESPOKE PERFUME

At Arabian Oud our bespoke custom made

fragrances are created by our in-house team

of perfumers to capture an individual’s

personality and fragrance preferences.

As an artist paints a portrait or a Parisian

haute couturier crafts a one-off made to

measure ball gown so too our highly skilled

and sophisticated in-house team refine and

blend the finest ingredients to produce unique

and beautifully presented scents.

The entire experience from start to finish is

a voyage of discovery. The finished perfume

is encased in limited edition flacons and

wrapped in spectacular handmade boxes that

compliment the quality within.

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We are proud to be able to create bespoke

hand crafted scents for our illustrious clientele.

Heads of State, film stars and royalty have all

commissioned Arabian Oud to provide unique

and individual fragrances for everyday wear or

the ultimate in special occasions.

One example of this is the Crown Princess

Hamida of Brunei, who approached Arabian

Oud to design a new perfume and pure crystal

flacon to celebrate her marriage. A perfume

that not only was unique, but would also

capture this major event in the history of

Brunei.

Our now world-famous exclusive Princess

Hamida Blend celebrates our close ties with

her father, The Sultan and continues to be a

hugely popular scent created from the rare and

exquisite Taif Rose.

Top notes of the finest oud oil are perfectly

complimented by middle accords of Mandarin

and Ylang Ylang and enhanced by a rich base

of Taif Rose and Frankincense. A truly special

blend for a very special time.

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CUSTOMER EXCELLENCEAt Arabian Oud our sales and customer service is unrivalled.

Our sales teams are hand-picked for

their knowledge, attention to detail and

passion for excellence.

We constantly assess and challenge them

to maintain the highest levels of product

awareness and to ensure they are fully

aware of the needs of our 230,000 loyal

and regular customers.

Every member of staff receives

comprehensive training and an in-depth

understanding on the heritage of Arabian

Oud.

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THE FUTUREA controlled and strategic expansion

will see exciting, new stores spread the

message across the UK and Europe. We

are working closely with the world’s

leading retailers and department stores

to create exclusive fragrances and

partnerships. Iconic retailers such as

Saks 5th Avenue, Selfridges and Harvey

Nichols are all experiencing the magical

effects of Arabian Oud.

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SHOP CONCEPTS

Combined with many years’ experience of

the fragrance industry and a highly talented

team of interior designers we have come

up with retail design concepts that not only

inspire but create the perfect theme and

atmosphere that have made Arabian Oud

memorable throughout the world.

Our new flagship stores in the UK, Europe

and Middle East optimise the Arabian

History, Culture and Heritage and have

become prominent shopping outlets.

These state of the art stores have very

quickly become the preferred shopping

destinations for many of our customers

because they carry the widest selection of

fragrances, provide a high quality of service,

and offer the most luxurious atmosphere.

The Arabian Oud brand represents heritage and originality, an element of Middle Eastern culture and tradition.

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Featuring a new design concept, our new branches are poised to offer customers an ideal shopping experience, providing them with the company’s finest blends and products available in the fragrance market.

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