Bakhoor

More precious than gold is the sandalwood oud (incense) that Gulf Arabs burn in hand-crafted mabakhir (incense burners) as a gesture ofhospitality and respect for guests in their home. Like the cardamom-flavored coffee served in small cups or the sweet dates offered to guests, incense has long been part of the art of hospitality practiced in the Arabian Gulf.


"Bukhoor or Bakhoor (Arabic بخور) is the Arabic name given to scented bricks or a blend of natural traditional ingredients, mainly woodchips soaked in fragrant oils and mixed with other natural ingredients (resin, ambergris, musk, sandalwood , essential oils and others). These scented chips/bricks are burned in charcoal or incense burners to perfume the house and clothing with the fragrance rich thick smoke. This is used specifically on special occasions like weddings or on relaxing times and love occasions or generally just to perfume the house or store, and to boost positive energy. It is traditional in many Arab countries to pass Bukhoor amongst the guests in the Majlis (Arabic مجلس, meaning sitting room) this is done as a gesture of hospitality.

Uses of Bakhoor:

- To Perfume the house.

- On special occasions like wedding.

- To create a romantic atmosphere in bedrooms.

- For welcoming gusts and a gesture of hospitality.

- Used to boost positive energy and dismiss bad sprits.

- Used in commercial shops and stores (specially that's related to clothes) to attract customers and to enhance their buying experience.

- It's used after a meal cooking or cigarettes smoke to quickly discard the bad smells and perfume the place.

- Bakhoor can enhance the mood and motivate creativity.