In Gulf hospitality, fragrance is as important as Arabic coffee and dates. The scent of bakhoor tells a guest they are welcome and honoured.
The ritual
- Before guests arrive: burn بخور العود أو مخلط ملكي to perfume the majlis.
- During the visit: offer coffee, dates and conversation.
- Before guests leave: pass the mabkhara so each guest can perfume their clothes, and offer a drop of oud oil. The saying “ma ba’d al-oud qu’ood” (after the oud, there is no more sitting) marks the end of the visit.
What you need
- A mabkhara and charcoal or an electric burner.
- A quality بخور تقليدي.
- An oud oil to offer guests.
تسوّق أونلاين أو زورنا: اكتشف كامل مجموعة أنفاس الخليج و عطور أنطونيو ديمتري، أو جرّبها بنفسك في فروعنا في دبي مول زعبيل ومول الإمارات والسوق الحرة بمطار الشارقة. توصيل مجاني داخل الإمارات للطلبات فوق 200 درهم (30 درهماً لما دون ذلك)، والدفع عند الاستلام داخل الإمارات، وشحن لكل العالم (قد تُطبَّق رسوم جمركية في بعض الدول).
أسئلة شائعة
Why is bakhoor offered to guests?
Offering bakhoor is a sign of generosity and respect in Gulf hospitality, and it traditionally marks the end of a visit.
What does 'after the oud, there is no sitting' mean?
It is a Gulf saying: when the oud is passed around, it signals that the visit is ending.