Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
Organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), the Al Hosn Festival, Abu Dhabi's annual celebration of cultural heritage, is in its ninth edition, running until February 9 at the historic Al Hosn site.
Among the highlights of this year's festival, Al Teeb by House of Artisans presents Al Teeb, a curated experience that celebrates the rich tradition of Emirati perfumery.
It delves into the history, cultural significance, and artisanal craftsmanship behind perfume making in the UAE, spotlighting the evolution of perfumery, its key ingredients, and traditional methods used to create incense and perfumes.
Amna Alzaabi, Programme Specialist at the House of Artisans, at DCT, shared with Aletihad the significance of the Al Teeb Space as part of their participation in the festival: "At Al Teeb Space, we aim to highlight the deep relationship between incense and Emirati culture. Visitors will explore the process of making traditional Emirati perfume blends such as Mukhamariyyah, gaining insights into the methods behind these perfumes. We are also offering innovative workshops and merchant experiences that bring this tradition to life."
Reflecting on the cultural significance, she continued: "The relationship between incense and the Emirati people goes beyond just perfumes. Incense is woven into our daily lives, and through this festival, we focus on perfumes to show how deeply Emiratis, both men and women, integrate incense into their special occasions and celebrations."
Alzaabi highlighted the role of perfumes and incense in marking important milestones such as weddings, holidays, and religious ceremonies, where specific scents are tied to Emirati traditions and customs.
In addition, artisans like Saeed Al Shehhi, who passionately preserves Emirati heritage through pottery and clay making, are participating in the festival.
Al Shehhi shared with Aletihad: "We started by preserving the traditional Medkhans our ancestors used in their daily lives. Today, I continue this craft, creating historical landmarks from clay, such as Qasr Al Hosn, and chimneys inspired by Al Jahili Fort."
He explained the process of making clay Medkhans, saying: "We collect clay from the mountains of Ras Al Khaimah, mix it with water, and shape it manually using natural materials to colour it."
Mahaleb, a scented powder used in traditional Emirati perfumes, is made by mixing ground mahaleb with saffron, rose water, musk, and other ingredients to create its famous fragrance.
Afra Al Mansoori explained to Aletihad that Emirati customs involve using ground saffron and mahaleb to nourish and scent the hair, especially for special occasions like weddings and holidays.
Dukhoon, a traditional incense, is crafted from fine oud, powdered sugar and musk mixed with aromatic oils, then shaped into discs and dried.
The artisan shared how aromatic blends are prepared using natural oils like oud, musk, rose, and amber.
These blends ferment for a month to develop their fragrance, with precise ingredient proportions being key.
For special occasions, Mukhamariyyah, a luxury blend, is made from the finest saffron and oils.
Alia Al Mansoori spoke to Aletihad about it saying: "Our grandmothers have used Mukhammariyyah for ages, and it is an important part of bridal preparations."
The perfume is made with ground musk, saffron, fragrant saffron oil, and oud oil.
"It is left to ferment for 40 days, and the longer it ferments, the better the fragrance," she noted.
Regarding perfumed oud, Madyah Al Mansoori explained to Aletihad: "Oud is mixed with aromatic oils like saffron, musk, and amber and left in a dark place for over a month to absorb the oils."
The Al Teeb experience at the festival also includes Al Teeb Stories, which immerse visitors in the fragrant world of native UAE flowers.
Visitors can also craft their own signature scent with skilled artisans, exploring the evolution of Emirati perfumery.
One of the unique experiences is Al Ajfa, where hair is braided into tight, cohesive sections, each infused with mahaleb and yas, traditional fragrant materials.
As part of its commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs, the Abu Dhabi Businesswomen's Council has partnered with the Al Hosn Festival to create opportunities for women-led businesses at Al Teeb Souq.
As a participant, Eman Al Mansoori, told Aletihad: "I was always passionate about perfumes and incense. People would ask me about my distinctive scent, so I started the business."
"Emiratis prefer cold scents and perfumes made from flowers and oud," she added.
Reflecting on the role of women in the industry, Al Mansoori stressed: "Women are the foundation of this industry, and it has been passed down through generations. The methods have become easier today, thanks to the variety of oils available."
Najla Al Muhairi, another participant, also expressed her gratitude for being part of the Al Hosn Festival.
Al Muhairi spoke about how Emirati incense (Dukhoon), once a simple household ritual, has evolved over time: "Dukhoon is present in every Emirati home. No home is without it… even on normal days, it must be there."
She added that women have always played a crucial role in preserving this tradition, stating: "Women have always been the foundation of oud making."
