Something that captivates our mind, rejuvenates our senses and bestows a feeling of freshness and energy just through its fragrance is perfume. The influence of perfume has been felt throughout the history of Arab civilization.

Incense and perfume are a part of daily Arab life, born with spicy and herbal scents Arab fragrance grew to discover the sweet flowery scents of saffron and rose. Further with the discovery of woody oils like sandalwood and agarwood a tantalizing new era was begun. Since then the Arab perfume industry has evolved and made certain changes to accommodate the varying tastes of their clientele. In this feature we take a look at some Arabian perfume manufacturers and their enduring fragrances.

Syed Junaid Alam
Celebrated by the names of 'Junaid for Perfumes' and 'Attar Al Bahrain', Syed Junaid Alam WLL is the oldest and largest manufacturer of perfume in the GCC and has three perfumery units in Bahrain. Founded by Syed Junaid Alam the brand which began as a small shop in the Manama souk at the beginning of the 20th century has transformed itself into a scentsational trendsetter. It has more than 120 retail outlets spanning the Middle East, Pakistan, Turkey and plans to spread out to North America and the Far East.

Junaid Perfume brands are sold exclusively at its outlets and also include solid and oil perfumes, bakhoor and bridal gift sets. "We have introduced fragrances that have a French feel such as Fanan which is the first shimmer-based perfume in the Gulf. Apart from that we also have introduced gel-based fragrances that not only appeal to the women of today but also to youngsters", says Hamad Fuad, director sales and marketing.

"Each product is carefully developed to reflect its name and is in accord with its design, colours and aromatic characteristics, resulting in a distinctive brand," explains Hamad. Junaid Perfumes outlets in Bahrain can be found all over Bahrain. A Ramadan collection is planned to be launched during the Holy Month and the products are priced in such a way that there is one for everyone!

Reehat Al Atoor
Inspired by Arabic culture on his arrival to the Kingdom of Bahrain, Mr. Rajesh Khanna set up Reehat Al Atoor in 1989 as a pastime. It has since flourished into a family business. This perfume house produces traditional as well as international scents and a combination of the two. These perfumes derived from natural essences reflect the Arab culture and heritage from its scent to the finished packaging, an example of this is the perfume Maraya meaning mirror in Arabic, is their latest French scent and comes with a mirrored finish.

With exclusive showrooms at the Sheraton Complex, Dana Mall, Gold City and Riffa Bukuwara, Reehat Al Atoor have also been successful in unveiling their own line. With the onset of Ramadan, Reehat Al Atoor will be launching its seven latest products. Every month there are product launches and the company plans to set up a larger plant to satisfy the growing demand of its consumers. Newly appointed general manger Shahnawaz who is experienced in the business expansion of perfumery in the Middle East aims to increase the outlets in Bahrain to ten by the end of the year and expand to other GCC States over the next year.

The company owns more than 100 brand names and sells well-known perfumes both Arabic and French.