RIYADH: For many Saudis like Zaynah Al-Hamza, perfume is an integral part of their grooming routines for hair, clothing and the home — whether it is oud, an oil extracted from resinous wood, or the burning of bukhoor, which are wood chips soaked in oil.
Al-Hamza’s love for fragrances prompted her to start her own perfume brand Nabdh, meaning “Pulse.” “I chose the name because the placement of perfume is always in the places of our pulse. Perfume always leaves a beautiful imprint in any meeting or memory. It has a special language that brings out your emotions.”
“Perfumes and scents give an impression of a person’s personality when attending an occasion,” said Al-Hamza.
Al-Hamza has participated in several exhibitions, festivals and events where influencers were invited to promote local brands. (Supplied)
Nabdh currently has four fragrances that Al-Hamza created for customers that are particular about their scents.
“The perfumes I designed are for people with sophisticated, difficult and distinguished taste in their choice of fragrances,” said Al-Hamza.
Made up of French oils and traditional notes such as musk, amber and incense, each scent has its own flair.
Perfume always leaves a beautiful imprint in any meeting or memory. It has a special language that brings out your emotions.
Zaynah Al-Hamza, Saudi perfumer
“Fragrance I is a mixture of patchouli, wood and tonka bean, which is very distinctive and attractive. Fragrance II is a mixture of the scent of tobacco, incense and wood, and has a striking presence for those who are interested in drawing attention.”
Nabdh’s fragrances are marketed as unisex for their versatile notes that project a unique scent on each person depending on their skin.
“Fragrance III is the title of luxury because it is a special combination of Indian oud, musk, incense and amber, and it is considered an oriental fragrance. Fragrance IV is composed of bergamot, musk and lychee, which is designed in a very cool way for daily use and is suitable for children as well.”
FASTFACT
Zaynah Al-Hamza’s perfume brand Nabdh offers four fragrances that are marketed as unisex due to their versatility. Each perfume has a distinct flair that is made up of French oils and traditional notes such as musk, amber and incense.
Launched in 2021, Nabdh was tested by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority to ensure their safety and give the brand the green light to sell in pharmacies.
For the past two years, the brand has participated in events and has gained exposure through advertisements. “Nabdh was the first perfume brand in the Kingdom to have advertisements on the streets of the Eastern Province. For National Day, we had an advertisement car drive around Alkhobar to promote the exclusive offers we had for the celebration,” said Al-Hamza.
Al-Hamza has participated in several exhibitions, festivals and events where influencers were invited to promote local brands. Beauty influencers on social media platforms including TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat have promoted a plethora of Arab perfumes, many of them Saudi-owned brands, resulting in good sales.
“The process of marketing and advertising on social media is a bit costly, but I have participated in several perfume exhibitions and festivals in the Eastern region, such as the Hilda Festival in Al-Qusaibi Triangle in Alkhobar,” said Al-Hamza.
Al-Hamza sees a bright future for her brand. “My wish is that I will be supported and my dream of my brand being known, and that my name will become bright in the arena of perfume makers. And I have full confidence in God that it will come (to fruition).”
