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FROM AWARENESS-RAISING WORKSHOPS
TO THE CREATION OF A PERFUMERY SCHOOL
FROM AWARENESS-RAISING WORKSHOPS
TO THE CREATION
OF A PERFUMERY SCHOOL
The French School of Advanced Studies in Perfumery (ISIPCA) organized and hosted a series of introductory workshops on the art of perfumery as part of the activities of the Madrasat Addeera, bringing together nearly 300 participants.
The aim: to transmit historical, geographical and olfactory knowledge on incense and offer sessions based around 4 themes: "Arabic Scents", "Creating a Perfume", "The Incense Road" and "Fresh Citrus Water", with the ambition of establishing complete technical training courses by founding the first perfume school on the Arabian Peninsula in AlUla.
The French School of Advanced Studies in Perfumery (ISIPCA) organized and hosted a series of introductory workshops on the art of perfumery as part of the activities of the Madrasat Addeera, bringing together nearly 300 participants.
The aim: to transmit historical, geographical and olfactory knowledge on incense and offer sessions based around 4 themes: "Arabic Scents", "Creating a Perfume", "The Incense Road" and "Fresh Citrus Water", with the ambition of establishing complete technical training courses by founding the first perfume school on the Arabian Peninsula in AlUla.
AlUla has long been one of the most important stopping off points for caravans on the Incense Road that linked Western Asia, Africa and Europe. This road, probably opened in the 2nd Century BC, was active until the advent of Islam. The trade in goods passing along this route ensured the prosperity of the oasis during Antiquity, in particular during the era of the Dadanite civilization (1st millennium BC), followed by that of the Nabataeans. Harvested by the nomadic herders of Southern Arabia, aromatic products were sold to merchants and then transported to the city of Dadan, and later Hegra, to be sent to markets around the Mediterranean, the Levant and Mesopotamia.
AlUla has long been one of the most important stopping off points for caravans on the Incense Road that linked Western Asia, Africa and Europe. This road, probably opened in the 2nd Century BC, was active until the advent of Islam. The trade in goods passing along this route ensured the prosperity of the oasis during Antiquity, in particular during the era of the Dadanite civilization (1st millennium BC), followed by that of the Nabataeans. Harvested by the nomadic herders of Southern Arabia, aromatic products were sold to merchants and then transported to the city of Dadan, and later Hegra, to be sent to markets around the Mediterranean, the Levant and Mesopotamia.
The use of incense is the oldest known practice for the perfuming of oneself or an often sacred setting. The word perfume originates from the Latin expression "per fumare", which means "to smoke through". To recount the long history of incense in the very land where it was first used, a museum in AlUla will open in 2026.
The use of incense is the oldest known practice for the perfuming of oneself or an often sacred setting. The word perfume originates from the Latin expression "per fumare", which means "to smoke through". To recount the long history of incense in the very land where it was first used, a museum in AlUla will open in 2026.
“For many centuries, the AlUla Valley certainly played a key role as an off-loading point for Minaean shipments of myrrh and frankincense. Later the Greek historian Diodorus Siculus, a contemporary of the Nabataeans in the 1st century BC, reported how they ensured the transfer of these goods along this route.”
Dr Ingrid Périssé-Valéro,
Director of Archaeology, AFALULA
“For many centuries, the AlUla Valley certainly played a key role as
an off-loading point for Minaean shipments of myrrh and frankincense. Later the Greek historian Diodorus Siculus, a contemporary of the Nabataeans in the 1st century BC, reported how they ensured the transfer of these goods along this route.”
Dr Ingrid Périssé-Valéro,
Director of Archaeology, AFALULA
LEARN MORE
4 aromatic products used for incense in AlUla
4 AROMATIC PRODUCTS
AlUla owes this centuries-old perfume tradition to its biotope, the Arabian desert, whose extreme conditions have forced plants to develop exceptional capacities for adaption in order to survive. Moringa peregrina is one of the regional plants that has been exploited by locals since Antiquity. Extremely long-lasting, the oil extracted from the fruits of the tree is notably used as a perfume base. Despite its desert soils, AlUla today still benefits from a rich biodiversity which requires sustained support.
AlUla owes this centuries-old perfume tradition to its biotope, the Arabian desert, whose extreme conditions have forced plants to develop exceptional capacities for adaption in order to survive. Moringa peregrina is one of the regional plants that has been exploited by locals since Antiquity. Extremely long-lasting, the oil extracted from the fruits of the tree is notably used as a perfume base. Despite its desert soils, AlUla today still benefits from a rich biodiversity which requires sustained support.
Since 2021, the Royal Commission for AlUla and the French Agency for AlUla Development have been working together to develop a sustainable value-chain and source of jobs and expertise, based around the many uses of the Peregrina tree, which is native to AlUla. These efforts are already bearing fruit.
Since 2021, the Royal Commission for AlUla and the French Agency for AlUla Development have been working together to develop a sustainable value-chain and source of jobs and expertise, based around the many uses of the Peregrina tree, which is native to AlUla. These efforts are already bearing fruit.
“AlUla’s biodiversity is very degraded in places. In collaboration with the RCU's Wildlife & Natural Heritage department, we have launched a restoration program aimed at returning the desert oasis ecosystems to their natural state.”
Rana El Zein,
Deputy Director of Ecology, Environment & Biodiversity
in the Territorial Development Department, AFALULA
“AlUla’s biodiversity is very degraded in places.
In collaboration with the RCU's Wildlife & Natural Heritage department, we have launched a restoration program aimed at returning the desert oasis ecosystems to their natural state.”
Rana El Zein,
Deputy Director of Ecology, Environment & Biodiversity
in the Territorial Development Department, AFALULA
“2024 had a record harvest season, with over 40 tonnes of pure Peregrina seeds purchased from 185 farms. The work carried out with farmers has made it possible to double purchases in less than 2 years. The quality of the seeds has also been improved, reaching a purity of 97% which has made it possible to increase the remuneration paid to producers.”
Nicolas Levron,
Director of Operations of AlUla Peregrina Trading Company (APTC)
“2024 had a record harvest season, with over 40 tonnes of pure Peregrina seeds purchased from 185 farms. The work carried out with farmers has made it possible to double purchases in less than 2 years. The quality of the seeds has also been improved, reaching a purity of 97% which has made it possible to increase the remuneration paid to producers.”
Nicolas Levron,
Director of Operations of AlUla Peregrina Trading Company (APTC)
The AlUla Peregrina program provides training to local farmers on tree planting, harvesting and seed-drying good-practice and traceability implementation.
To complement this education, the Royal Commission for AlUla provides training on product processing so that producers can be involved throughout the value-chain.
The AlUla Peregrina program provides training to local farmers on tree planting, harvesting and seed-drying good-practice and traceability implementation.
To complement this education, the Royal Commission for AlUla provides training on product processing so that producers can be involved throughout the value-chain.
AlUla Peregrina Trading Company (APTC) and its laboratory, set up by the RCU in collaboration with AFALULA, is equipped with cutting-edge equipment to quality-assure the production of virgin oil and certified and patented active extracts. Today, 22 people (13 full-time and 9 seasonal) are employed by APTC, 70% of whom are women.
By 2026, the workforce is expected to more than double and the laboratory will become a complete production unit, strengthening its development capacity and its local socio-economic impact.
As part of a process of certification of agricultural standards and good practices, 100% of Peregrina farms are assessed and certified through clear identification indicating the origin as a AlUla Peregrina™ Certified Farm which is greatly appreciated by local farmers. A complete rating and classification notation system is being finalized to build an action plan and thus improve the production of each farm.
AlUla Peregrina Trading Company (APTC) and its laboratory, set up by the RCU in collaboration with AFALULA, is equipped with cutting-edge equipment to quality-assure the production of virgin oil and certified and patented active extracts. Today, 22 people (13 full-time and 9 seasonal) are employed by APTC, 70% of whom are women.
By 2026, the workforce is expected to more than double and the laboratory will become a complete production unit, strengthening its development capacity and its local socio-economic impact.
As part of a process of certification of agricultural standards and good practices, 100% of Peregrina farms are assessed and certified through clear identification indicating the origin as a AlUla Peregrina™ Certified Farm which is greatly appreciated by local farmers. A complete rating and classification notation system is being finalized to build an action plan and thus improve the production of each farm.
A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed with Avalon Pharma Group to create Saudi Arabia’s first premium skincare range based on AlUla Peregrina™ oil and extracts. The formulas will be developed with the support of French companies CARE and Ephyla with launch scheduled for 2025.
AlUla Peregrina™ is also exported internationally. In spring 2024, two contracts were signed, with the Chinese distributor Ownsnow and the American brand Hemptress.
A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed with Avalon Pharma Group to create Saudi Arabia’s first premium skincare range based on AlUla Peregrina™ oil and extracts. The formulas will be developed with the support of French companies CARE and Ephyla with launch scheduled for 2025.
AlUla Peregrina™ is also exported internationally. In spring 2024, two contracts were signed, with the Chinese distributor Ownsnow and the American brand Hemptress.
Since 2024, a range of Cartier body care products made from Peregrina oil has been available in the brand's boutiques and major luxury sales outlets across the Middle East, Europe and the United States.
Since 2024, a range of Cartier body care products made from Peregrina oil has been available in the brand's boutiques and major luxury sales outlets across the Middle East, Europe and the United States.
FROM THE OASIS
TO THE GREAT FRENCH FASHION HOUSES
FROM THE OASIS
TO THE GREAT FRENCH FASHION HOUSES
VISIT AFALULA.COM
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