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Zac Afron at the Paris Gallerie in Dubai Mall, Dubai. Image Credit: A.K Kallouche/Gulf News

Zac Efron mingled with a small selection of bloggers, fashionistas and media professionals at an invite-only event at Dubai Design District (d3) on Friday night, promoting a new fragrance called Hugo Iced.

The actor and Hugo Man ambassador arrived in an all-black suit, playing air-guitar as he climbed down a staircase to the stage. The intimate get-together was held outdoors, at Hai D3, beginning at 8.30pm.

“It has been so much fun for me in Dubai, you guys. Thank you. It’s been such a pleasure,” said Efron.

The 29-year-old had to dip in and out for promotional obligations - there was a brief human maze at the venue entrance he had to experience, with mist of the fragrance waiting in one cranny.

But the Baywatch star (his lifeguard comedy with The Rock comes out this summer), flanked by bodyguards twice his size, returned to the gathering through an eager crowd. He stood graciously on stage as people lined up to take photos with him, and left just after 11pm with his signature smile in place.

Earlier in the evening, Efron was greeted by a crowd of screaming fans at The Dubai Mall’s Paris Gallery, where he held a public event and autographed for a selection of shoppers who bought a large bottle of the fragrance.

The actor rose to early fame with the High School Musical franchise a decade ago, and has since starred in films such as Hairspray, 17 Again, and Dirty Grandpa. He will next be seen in the movie version of TV show Baywatch, along with Bollywood star Priyanka Chopra.