Areej.

'Areej' translates to 'scent' in Arabic, a nod to the fragrance’s purpose: to map a journey through scented woods. In 2020, perfumer Shadi Samra set out to blend Fragrance Du Bois’s ethically sourced Indian oud with bright rose and bergamot, creating a sweet‑oriental portrait that feels both modern and reverent. The composition reflects the house’s mission to make rare oud approachable, pairing it with caramel and violet for a gourmand twist.

Pairing caramel with violet gives the heart a powdery sweetness that softens the oud’s resinous edge, while cashmere and guaiac woods add a velvety, slightly smoky backdrop. This balance lets the bright citrus top linger just long enough to invite the richer middle, then the deep Indian oud anchors the drydown, creating a lingering warmth that feels like a soft shawl on a cool evening.

The opening bursts with bergamot’s crisp sparkle and rose’s fresh bloom, a bright greeting that feels like sunrise over a garden. Within minutes, the caramel melts into the violet, introducing a sweet‑powdery heart that cushions the transition. As the heart settles, woody notes emerge, weaving cashmere and guaiac into a silky fabric. Around the hour mark, Indian oud asserts itself, its resinous depth mingling with vanilla’s creamy sweetness, while the base woods linger for hours, leaving a warm, lingering trail that can be sensed well into the next day.

Since its 2020 debut, Areej has become a quiet favorite among oud enthusiasts who appreciate a sweeter, more approachable take on the traditionally smoky wood. Wearers often cite its caramel‑vanilla heart as a conversation starter at evening gatherings, while its strong sillage makes it noticeable without overwhelming, positioning it as a modern bridge between gourmand and classic oriental palettes.