Embassy of Japan in the Sultanate of Oman
在オマーン日本国大使館

Oman’s Most Valuable Perfume, ‘Amouage’

25 August 2015

　

　　Frankincense, an aromatic resin obtained from the trees of the genus Boswellia, is one of the most historic and well-known souvenirs in Oman. The fragrant sap has been harvested from trees in the Southern Dhofar region for over 5,000 years. Beloved as an aromatic incense, the distinctive vapour is released by burning crystal resin on a piece of charcoal. Frankincense was traded as a commodity as valuable as gold among the ancient nobility. To this day, it is one of the most prized natural spices in the world. Frankincense produced in Oman is known for its high quality.

　　In 1983, Oman’s finest perfumery, ‘Amouage’, which uses frankincense in its luxurious fragrances, was created as a gift for national guests. This is why Amouage is also called “The Gift of Kings”. The manufacturing process is done carefully by hand. The perfumes contain more than 120 varieties of natural spices which reflect the country’s heritage, including rose, jasmine, cardamom, sandalwood, cinnamon and coriander, in addition to frankincense. Described as “the most valuable perfume in the world’, a bottle of 50ml fragrance costs OMR 65–95. Amouage received the ‘Star Product of the Year’ at the Tax-free World Exhibition in Cannes’ in 1991.

　　In July 2015, Embassy staff visited the Amouage perfumery with Ambassador Hisaeda and Madame Hisaeda. The perfumery, located 30 minutes outside Muscat city center, displays the manufacturing process, the spices used in the perfumes and the 37 perfumes currently made. Visitors can purchase perfumes and body & bath products at the adjacent shop. It is one of the capital’s most popular tourist attractions.

　　In addition to the rich, exotic scent, Amouage perfume bottles feature Omani heritage; male fragrances have the shape of a “Khanjar” or Omani traditional dagger, and female fragrances have the shape of “Qubba” or the dome of a mosque. They are an elegant addition to any dressing table.

　　Amouage is a valuable and cherished Omani souvenir that is well worth a sniff!