SALALAH: The craft of incense making is a cherished Omani heritage that sees interest and demand from visitors and tourists during the Khareef season in Dhofar Governorate.
Amal bint Ali Saleh, an entrepreneur has entered the world of Dhofari incense with innovative ideas. Amal has not only preserved the traditional methods but has also added her creative touch. With a passion for perfumes and incense, Amal turned her interest into a profession, launching her incense manufacturing business in 2013 after completing several specialised training courses in the field.
Amal explains that incense making ‘requires experience, creativity, and extensive knowledge of oud, aromatic materials, and authentic ingredients,’ due to the presence of counterfeit products in the market.
She highlights the different types of incense, including dakka, mabthooth, musham, oud mutar, oud musqa, and other varieties that are widely known in the market. Each manufacturer, she notes, brings their unique flair to the craft.
Amal shares that oud is filtered with original Omani or Taif roses and heavy perfumes, allowing it to absorb for a period of not less than six months before it is ready for sale.
The scent of each type of oud varies depending on its quality. For the production of diffused incense, a substance called sahalah - ground oud sticks, medium between fines and coarse - is used. Purchased in large quantities from trusted shops, the sahalah is then infused with concentrated perfumes, and mixed with ground cardamom, musk, hafur, and other special ingredients until it becomes a cohesive mixture.
This mixture is stored in glass containers in a cool, dark place for a minimum of three months before being offered for sale. During the autumn season, incense prices range from RO 10 to 150, depending on the type and preferences.
Amal says sourcing authentic materials from reliable suppliers is one of the primary challenges, as maintaining the integrity of the craft is crucial to avoid potential health risks from adulterated products. Through diligent research, Amal has established connections with reputable raw material producers both within Oman and internationally.
Competition in this field has intensified in recent years, especially in Salalah, where shops with little experience or knowledge attempt to replicate products seen on the Internet and YouTube. This, Amal warns, can tarnish the reputation of this ancient industry.
However, she remains resilient by continually introducing new ideas, diversifying her incense offerings, and maintaining the traditional methods of blending aromatic materials. She also focuses on raising customer awareness, particularly among those from outside Dhofar who seek high-quality products based on their experiences and trust in reputable shops.
Amal acknowledges the support she has received from various government entities, including the Dhofar Municipality and the General Directorate of Small and Medium Enterprises, which play an active role in assisting young entrepreneurs. These organisations help regulate entry into this trade, organise exhibitions, and encourage the display of products on special platforms during the Khareef season.
In offering advice to aspiring entrepreneurs, Amal emphasises the importance of planning and persevering in the face of challenges. She encourages young people to leverage social media for marketing, as it offers numerous opportunities for economic projects, and to seek training in their fields of interest.
Amal aims to expand her reach beyond Oman, aspiring to establish a prestigious global brand in the perfume and incense industry. - ONA
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