Saudi Arabia's Pursuit of Oud

Oud shops are abundant here in Jeddah.  Oud is a popular type of perfume sold here in Saudi Arabia that is derived from agarwood (also known as eaglewood, gharuwood, or aloeswood), which comes from the aquilaria tree.  There are 17 species of the aquilaria tree, which is native to southeast Asia.  The wood of tree is normally light colored, but when the tree becomes infected with mold in its heartwood, that wood turns dark with an aromatic resin that is both precious and rare. This aromatic heartwood is then turned into perfumes and incense and is highly valued in the Middle East. One reason for this could be that agarwood is highly regarded in Islam.   

Many factors can affect the scent of agarwood - the species of the aquilaria tree, the geographic location where it is grown, the source from which its branch, trunk and root are derived, the length of time the heartwood was infected before harvest, as well as the methods used in harvesting and processing.  The aquilaria tree is listed on the endangered species list of wild flora and fauna.  Due to its rarity, it is one of the most expensive commodities in the world.  Some types of oud are more expensive than even gold.  

SkyWatch - Mosque on a Moonlit Night

A beautiful crescent moon graces the early evening sky in Al Balad, the oldest sector of the city of Jeddah.

Al Balad is very lively in the evenings, with many souks and shoppers, each block offering different scents from the smells of freshly baked bread to the spicy smells of earthy incense.

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Saudi Women at the Mall

Like most women everywhere, many Saudi women love to shop!

Jeddah Just Desserts

Yummy looking desserts at a new shop in a mall here in Jeddah

Our World - Jeddah - New Artwork in Al Balad

This colorful new art installation in Jeddah's Al Balad adds a bit of pizzazz and whimsy to the oldest part of the city.  It appears to be built of painted wood.  Geometric / tribal patterns are common and cultural here in Saudi Arabia.

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This post is also linked to Travel Tuesday.

Jeddah Meat Shop

I've previously shown large banners of the king and other important government officials hung by businesses showing their support and loyalty.  Even smaller businesses do it too.

Jeddah VIP Saloon

Many men's barbershops here in Saudi Arabia are called "saloons" instead of salons and they feature "VIP" on their business signs, which so many businesses here use so the meaning of VIP is totally lost. 

Jeddah Al Balad Door

I have a thing for doors - always have.  I find them intriguing and mysterious and I always wonder what's behind them.  I love everything about this photo - the green color of the door and the wrought iron design on it.  The interesting shadow falling across the top part of the door. The half circle shaped air vent above the door and that it's not centered, throwing off the balance.  The exposed electric wires above the door and the tubing on the right side.  And the small plaque with Arabic script at the very top of the photo.  Pictures are like visual poetry.

SkyWatch - Jeddah Al Balad Roshan

A sample of newer "roshan" window coverings in Al Balad.

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Jeddah's Honeycomb Sculpture

The Honeycomb sculpture sits in the middle of a roundabout of Jeddah. It appears to be made of concrete.  Named The Honeycomb for obvious reasons, this sculpture resembles a cross section of the hexagon shaped wax inside a beehive.  

Honey is very popular in this region of the world, and can be bought by the kilo or complete with the honeycomb, as I posted a while back on my blog in this post. 

Jeddah Birds in Al Balad

All over town, there are areas where random people feed the pigeons on a daily basis.  These photos were taken in Al Balad.  

Our World - Occupied with Phone in Jeddah

When people ask me about life in Saudi Arabia, they are often surprised at how typical and normal I describe this place and the people of this country.

Yes, the standard dress may be different here, and some customs might be peculiar to those from other cultures, but many other aspects of life here are just like anywhere else in the world.  Like, for example, everyone here has a cell phone, and they are always "connected" or chatting on the phone.

Today's photos were all taken in Al Balad, the oldest part of the city, a thriving business, cultural, and shopping hub of Jeddah, as well as a photographer's paradise.

Be sure to visit OUR WORLD TUESDAY, where family-friendly bloggers share a unique glimpse into what life is like all around our ever-amazing planet.

Jeddah Scenes - Shopping at the Souk

Jeddah Snacks and Sweets Shop

A very well stocked snacks and sweets shop in Al Balad in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Jeddah Business Salute to Government

Large images of the king and other important government officers are featured prominently on many businesses here in Jeddah to show their allegiance and support.  

SkyWatch - Jeddah Al Balad Mosque

On a narrow street in the old sector of Jeddah called Al Balad lies this older white mosque with its beautifully detailed minaret.

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Jeddah Modern Office Building

Another skyscraper of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. 

Jeddah Scenes from Gold Souk

Our World - Saudi Arabia Progress - Fitting Rooms!

Lots of change has happened in the kingdom over the past 5 years, especially regarding women. Women started driving the summer of 2018.  Women are working in practically every sector now, not just in education or medical fields. There are movie theaters and a lot less gender segregation than before.

AND - many shops now have changing rooms for women to try on clothes before purchasing them!  Before, many shops had a three day return policy and with women not being allowed to drive,  it was a real pain in the a$$ - especially if the garment needed to be returned. So dressing rooms are a welcome change here in the kingdom - and a sign of real progress.

Be sure to visit OUR WORLD TUESDAY, where family-friendly bloggers share a unique glimpse into what life is like all around our ever-amazing planet.

Jeddah Organic Products

Organic Apple Cider Vinegar - is available in Jeddah.

Jeddah Spice Market - Sumac

The spice sumac derives from red berries of the sumac bush which grows in the Middle East. The berries are dried and then crushed into a coarse powder.  With its pleasant lemony taste, sumac is used to spice up many dishes in the region, oftentimes sprinkled on top to enhance not only the flavor, but to jazz up the appearance of the dishes.