Oud, incense sales soar in Riyadh ahead of Eid

A surge in demand for oud (agarwood) and incense is being witnessed in Riyadh markets in the lead-up to Eid Al-Fitr, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The fragrant scents play a significant cultural role in the Kingdom, deeply intertwined with Eid traditions and customs of welcoming guests who exchange well wishes.

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

Prices vary considerably depending on the type and quality of the oud. Natural, rare oud can fetch astronomical prices, with 1 kg reaching as high as SR400,000 ($107,000).

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 SR100 to SR6,000 per ounce, depending on factors such as the quality and quantity of oil content.

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.