JEDDAH — International Group of Luxury Fragrances (IGLF) inaugurated the "Finest Global Oud Fragrances" Festival at the Red Sea Mall in Jeddah last Thursday (March 19). The 9-day celebrations will then move to Granada Mall in Riyadh and to Al- Khobar beginning of May. The festival is considered as the first of its kind in Saudi Arabia, since it consists of several unique events - such as designing an architectural structure of the word OUD for the occasion, in addition to showcasing most of the international perfume brands that feature OUD scent like Armani prive, Roberto Cavalli, Gucci, Yves Saint-Laurent, S.T.Dupont, Versace, Lancome, Givenchy, Montale, Chopard, Viktor & Rolf, Polo Ralph Lauren, Aigner, Mancera, and more. Khaled Abdallah, project manager at International Group of Luxury Fragrances, said: "The key objective of holding the "Finest Global Oud Fragrances" Festival is to shed light on Western Oud brands, by introducing the two Worlds - most notorious for creating fragrances and blending them as such: the Traditional Oud Essence with the Modern Western Touch," adding that "the fragrances in general are considered as the perfect gift on many social events such as Success, Graduation, Marriage, Birth, etc." Abdallah stressed too on the Group's mission illustrated in "Your fragrance, your presence” slogan that reflects the role played by perfumes in highlighting personality through a variety of fragrances expressing a fragrance's time and occasion." The Festival gained dazzle and momentum in the presence of the popular TV Program "Kalam Nawa3em" Presenter Muna Abu Sulayman, who delivered a speech during the festival centered on her experience with the Western Oud, revealing that "the Western Oud experience is unique and worthy of our attention and support, since the Oud is originally a valuable essence that was translated today into several tones and scents thanks to the international brands that took the initiative of adding their personal touches to fit every person's style and cater to his daily needs of perfumes." Before leaving the Festival site, Ms. Abou Sleiman was keen to take souvenir photos and chat with the visitors. The Festival also hosted a select group of calligraphers and painters who carved the visitors' names in special Arabic calligraphy on the perfume bottles they bought, hence adding a unique touch and special flavor to the Festival. — SG
