Scents of summer in the UAE: Dubai residents reveal their go-to fragrances this season

Dubai: What does summer smell like in Dubai? For some, it's the fresh snap of citrus in the morning air. For others, it's warm vanilla that lingers into a night out—or the spicy trail left behind after a sun-drenched afternoon at sea.

In a city where heat, hustle, and golden hour moments rule the season, scent becomes more than fragrance—it becomes mood, memory, and identity.

We spoke to three Dubai residents who’ve each found their signature summer vibe—from zesty daytime bursts to nostalgic florals and bold, spicy standouts. Here's what they're wearing, why it matters, and how scent tells their story.

When the Dubai sun starts to sizzle and the evenings come alive, finding the right scent isn’t just about smelling good—it’s about capturing the mood of the season.

For Brian de Gracia, 41, who’s been calling Dubai home since 2009, this summer is all about a scent that feels as bright and fresh as the city itself.

“It’s that lemony kick that got me wearing M5 Eau de Parfum by Michael Cinco,” Brian says, describing the fragrance he's been reaching for lately. With zesty citrus, a whisper of pink pepper, and soft notes of peach and lychee, his chosen perfume offers more than just freshness—it brings a vibe. “It’s clean, vibrant, and versatile—whether I’m out for coffee during the day or heading to a club in the evening. M5 has been my go-to all summer. It transitions so smoothly from day to night.”

So, what kinds of scents does Brian naturally gravitate toward in the warmer months? “Definitely citrusy and fruity. I like something that lifts you up but still has that soft, cozy finish.” It’s that mix of freshness with comforting undertones—like a breeze after sunset or a golden-hour walk through the city—that makes M5 fragrance stand out to him.

For Brian, scent is a memory-maker. “It instantly takes me to those golden hour moments, catching up with friends, warm city nights. It’s like summer bottled up.”

For Caitlyn Meyer, 25, a South African freelancer living in Dubai, summer isn’t just about beach days and iced coffee—it’s about scent. And this season, her fragrance shelf is all about sweetness, sunshine, and a little nostalgia.

“I’m obsessed with Sabrina Carpenter. She has three perfumes, and I own ‘Sweet Tooth.’ It’s got the most stunning vanilla note with caramel—it’s just delicious. I love sweet scents. Who doesn’t love vanilla?”

But Caitlyn isn’t one to stick to just one fragrance. Her summer routine is all about switching it up depending on the vibe. “I’ll do warm, sugary scents like toasted sugar or vanilla for evenings, and save citrus notes for daytime. It’s fun to play with scent depending on the occasion.”

When the heat ramps up, she leans toward lighter, cleaner profiles. “Cotton, marshmallow, vanilla—those cozy notes—but with a subtle citrus twist. I want something that feels fresh but still has warmth to it.”

Still, there’s one scent that truly anchors her to summer: jasmine. And it comes with a story.
“We had a jasmine plant in our garden growing up. Every summer, it would bloom and you could smell it from three houses away.” For Caitlyn, that fragrance brings back long days by the pool, beach outings with friends, and childhood memories soaked in sunshine. “Every time I catch a hint of jasmine now, it takes me right back. It’s summer in a single breath.”

So whether she’s chasing new notes or reliving old memories, Caitlyn’s fragrance philosophy is clear: go with what makes you feel something—sweet, sunlit, and completely yourself.

When it comes to summer fragrance, yacht captain Reuben Maritz goes all in on bold, unforgettable scents. “My girlfriend surprised me with the full Yacht Man cologne range a while back,” he says. “Out of all of them, I reach for Metal or Black the most.” Both, he explains, lean into spicier, more masculine territory—exactly what he likes. “They’ve got this clean edge with a deeper spice. Notes like lily, rosemary, and bergamot—those are what really stand out to me.”

While many people swap fragrances with the seasons, Reuben’s loyal to his signature scent all year round. “I stick with what works. Spicy, bold—something that turns heads when I walk into a room.” There’s confidence in consistency, especially when your day job involves captaining luxury yachts and navigating the high seas.

That said, even he admits there’s a slight shift in summer. “Between the two, Yacht Man Metal is my warm-weather pick. It’s got this undertone of freshly washed linen paired with those spicier lily notes—it’s sharp but smooth.” By comparison, he says, Yacht Man Black feels deeper and slightly sweeter with sage, lavender, and a touch more warmth.

But when it comes to the scent that really captures the essence of summer? It’s not from a bottle at all. “Mango,” he says without hesitation. “Where I grew up, mango trees were everywhere. In summer, the whole air smelled sweet and fresh."

From spicy colognes that command attention to fruity nostalgia from his childhood in South Africa, Reuben’s scent journey is a mix of bold notes, personal history, and sea-swept confidence. Just like the man himself.