Dubai: Are you curious to know how Dubai, the dreamy city of skyscrapers, smells in summer? For some people, it is a burst of fresh citrus in the morning, while for others it’s a sweet vanilla that lingers around through the evening. And for others, it may be a spicy scent that is left behind after a long, sunny day by the sea.
In Dubai, fragrance is more than something you wear, especially during the hot summer season; it is part of your mood, memories, and personality. In the UAE, interviews three residents living in the emirate and asks them about what they are wearing this season and why it means so much to them.
What Dubai Residents Are Really Spraying This Summer
When the Dubai sun gets intense and the evenings come alive, the right perfume not only allows residents to smell nice but also matches their vibes with the season. Brian de Gracia (41), who has been living in the city since 2009, and he said that this summer’s best scent is all about feeling fresh and full of life, just like the city itself.
He further added that he is wearing M5 Eau de Parfum by Michael Cinco this summer because of its fresh lemony kick. He also said that what makes him love this scent is the perfect mix of citrus, a hint of pink pepper, and soft fruity notes of peach and lychee. Brian said his go-to perfume for now not only allows him to smell fresh, but also sets a clean and lively vibe around him. He said that M5 is his go-to fragrance for this summer because he can wear it anywhere, like during daytime coffee or an evening night out at the club.
So, when Brian was asked what kind of scent he prefers or likes in the summer? He said something citrusy and fruity, which can lift his mood and make him feel soft and cozy, is his go-to scent for the warmer months. He added that a scent is a memory-maker for him, as it instantly takes him back to the special moments, like hanging out with friends and warm nights in the city.
For Caitlyn, Summer Smells Like Vanilla, Jasmine, & Sweet Memories
A 25-year-old South African freelancer, Caitlyn Meyer, living in Dubai, about her go-to summer scent. Talking about this, she said that for her, summer is not only about beach days and iced lattes, but also about smelling good. And this summer, her go-to scents are all about sweetness, sunshine, and a touch of nostalgia.
She added that she is so obsessed with Sabrina Carpenter, and she has three favorite perfumes for the 2025 summer. She said that she loves scents, so scents with amazing vanilla and caramel are something she loves the most. But for her, the same perfume is not the choice for the entire day, as she loves switching them depending on her mood. For evenings, she prefers to wear sugary scents like toasted sugar or vanilla, while her scent for the day is something with fresh citrus notes. She also said that when the heat gets intense, she prefers wearing lighter and cleaner smells. Cotton, vanilla, and marshmallow scents with a little citrus twist are what she loves wearing this summer.
Much like Dubai’s Best Startup Story culture where individuality and identity evolve rapidly, Caitlyn treats her scent collection as part of her self-expression — changing it to reflect different moods and memories.
When Caitlyn was asked about which scent really reminds her of summer, she said it’s jasmine. Explaining the reason, she said they had a jasmine plant in their garden when she was growing up. Every summer, that plant used to bloom, and anyone could smell it even from three houses away. She added that the jasmine fragrance takes her back to beautiful memories of long pool days, beach outings with friends, and other summer memories of her childhood.
Reuben Maritz’s Summer Mix: A Splash of Spice, Sea Air, and Mango
The third person interviewed on popular summer fragrances was Reuben Maritz, a yacht captain, who loves to wear bold and standout fragrances this summer. He said his girlfriend once surprised him with the full Yacht Man cologne set, and among them, he liked Metal or Black the most.
Explaining the reason for that, he said both these scents have a strong and spicy fragrance, and he likes the lily, rosemary, and bergamot notes in them.
Unlike some people who like to switch up their scents with the seasons, Reuben said he sticks to fragrances he loves. He said he likes bold and spicy scents all year round, as not only do they match with his vibe, but they also make sense, as his job is to captain luxury yachts and spend long days at sea. When asked about his go-to choice for warm weather, between Metal and Black. He said he prefers Yacht Man Metal for summer because it smells like a clean line with a spicy twist, while the Black smells deeper and sweeter, as it has sage and lavender notes.
He said if he really needs to name a scent that reminds him of summer, then it is not a cologne. Rather, it is mango, as when he was a child, mango trees were everywhere. So, the sweet and fresh smell of those mangoes is something he can never forget.
UAE Summer Travel: 5 Best Perfumes to Pack This Year
Those planning to visit the UAE this summer must not forget to pack the perfect perfume. From fresh and light to bold and lasting, here are the 5 best perfumes you can pack this summer for a trip to Dubai or any other place in the Emirates:
1. Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge- This luxurious, long-lasting, and travel-friendly scent is popular for its saffron, ambergris, and cedar notes. It is available in compact refillable sizes, which means you can easily carry it in your sling bag.
2. Jo Malone London Travel Set- This perfume travel set, comprising three 9 ml perfume bottles of Jo Malone’s iconic scent, is another perfect choice due to its elegant and crisp fragrance. With only a 9 ml size, these perfume bottles will give you no hassle at the airport, and allow you to switch up your fragrance depending on your travel mood.
3. Le Labo Santal 33 Eau De Parfum- This gender-neutral scent has a smoky, woody, and unforgettable fragrance due to its sandalwood, cardamom, and other bold notes. This perfume is available in a compact 15 ml bottle size, which is perfect for stylish travelers who like to pack light for traveling.
4. Maison Martin Margiela Replica- This is another light, long-lasting, and easy-to-pack scent that is a great pick to pack for the UAE trip this year. It is available in options like Beach Walk and Jazz Club, and is perfect for wear from day to night.
5) Diptyque Philosykos Eau De Parfum- This perfume comes in handy 10 ml sprays and has a fresh, earthly, and fig-inspired scent. This unisex perfume is suitable for any occasion, from beach visits to city strolls, without feeling heavy in the heat.
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