JEDDAH: Most people have several fragrances on rotation, adding a new scent every month or year. But collectors like Mohammed Abu Hajar, who acquire hundreds of blends, take their love of fragrance to another level.

Arab News spoke to Abu Hajar, one of Saudi Arabia’s renowned niche perfume experts, critics, and collectors.

He is known for his collaborations with established perfume houses to create specific fragrances and for his extensive knowledge shared as an influencer and a private museum owner.

With a collection of more than 6,000 perfume bottles in his home, he has earned a reputation not only for searching for rare and iconic fragrances but also for his deep understanding of the stories, craftsmanship, and heritage behind them.

Abu Hajar’s passion for perfumery began in Paris, where he was studying for a bachelor’s degree and has since evolved into an extraordinary personal journey marked by dedication.

He said: “I’ve spent years exploring the world of fragrances — reading, experiencing, collecting, and connecting with experts and creators. I am not only a collector, but I truly appreciate the stories behind each fragrance.”

When asked what sparked his passion for perfumes, Abu Hajar replied: “It all began in 1990 when I went to Paris to continue my college education and I witnessed how perfume’s deeply ingrained in the French culture. The other thing which really made me fall in love with perfumes was my mother’s favorite perfume, which I took with me just to remember her. I used to spray it in every spot of my apartment, especially my bed.”

After finishing his studies in Paris, Abu Hajar held a number of jobs in Jeddah before beginning his social media career, including working as a public relations manager and a manager for local celebrities. 

The perfume critic and expert has a large following on social media platforms (Snapchat, Instagram, X, YouTube), where he shares reviews, insights, and recommendations on niche perfumes and the world of fragrances.

Abu Hajar has a private perfume museum, displaying his passion for and collection of various perfumes.

“This museum showcases my personal collection of rare perfumes, ouds, ambers, and incense that you will not find in the market anymore, collected over 15 years. The collection is not for sale and is available for visits only by prior appointment.

“This museum is an experiment and an invitation for my followers to discover the history of scents with their noses,” he added.

He said that he offers his followers a different experience when they come to visit his museum.

Today, Abu Hajar’s collection includes more than 6,000 perfumes. Each piece holds a story, whether it is a rare vintage, a limited edition, or a scent that simply captured a moment in time. 

For him, it is not just about quantity or the perfume itself, but about the memory behind every bottle. 

“Every bottle holds a story, a memory, a piece of identity,” he said.

“My collection is a reflection of years of passion, exploration, and a deep appreciation for the world of perfumery. Each perfume bottle and the memories associated with them are precious to me,” he added.

The collection includes historical and modern perfumes that have been worn by royalty and presidents. “Also, you will find scents from Italy, France, Romania, Germany, Morocco, Turkey, India, UAE, Oman, and USA,” he said.

“I have been buying perfume bottles to capture my experiences in each country. It’s my style to capture and relive my experiences in those scents.”

He revealed that he has perfumes and ouds worn by great personalities such as Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, the late Iraqi president Sadam Hussain, the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, Suleiman, the special oud of the black stone in Makkah, and many others. 

Asked what to wear every day, he said: “The bottles are in my living room, so I see them when I wake up. I shift the bottles around according to my mood, and according to the occasions I am going to. The ones I’m not wearing at present I put in the back, while my current favorites reside in the front,” he said.

To stay updated with the latest launches, Abu Hajar travels around the world.

“I have to attend international events and niche forums to meet experts and representatives of top brands to exchange opinions and sometimes witness the steps of production,” he said.

He is also a global food critic, world traveler, and lifestyle influencer, using his platform to cover a range of luxury experiences.

“In the back of our mind, we always know food and scents are closely connected. Perfumers discovered a long time ago that certain food smells can be used in fragrance production.”

Abu Hajar told Arab News that once he reaches 10,000 bottles, he will apply to be recognized by Guinness World Records.