Fragrant Memories of Dubai + Scented Souvenirs Giveaway

Dubai perfumes

Karl at the Dubai Marina©

I enjoy expressing the impact of scents throughout my travels and whilst there may not be a singular pervasive smell, which I can link to a location I have visited there are a collection of olfactive experiences that connect me to a destination. In this article I have chosen five perfumes which I feel represent the feel of Dubai. From landing in DXB Dubai International Airport to arriving in The Meydan Hotel I was aware of the smell of Bakhoor (Arabic incense) this scent seemed to be pumped through air conditioning units. Whilst it was not unpleasant there was a synthetic element which my nose struggled with. This for me is not nearly enough to represent the nuance and beauty of the richness of this part of the world. However, it seems the go to buy for tourists returning to the west along with artificial replacements for traditional oud.

Liquides Imaginaires Dubai Mall

Liquides Imaginaires Dubai Mall boutique by Karl ©

A fragrance, which stole my heart immediately and beautifully mimicked the bright morning sun and warmth of the terraces whilst enjoying breakfast was Liquides Imaginaires Desert Suave. I discovered it whilst walking through the Dubai Mall. The boutique is a sight to behold and is an artistic installation, which fuses the spiritual, mystical and symbolic virtues of olfaction. Founded by Phillipe Di Meo and David Frossard in 2012 Liquides Imaginaires intrigued me both in terms of concept, presentation and high-class perfumery. Desert Suave by perfumers Quentin Bisch and Nisrine Grillie is an olfactive oasis where spices, dried fruits and woods create an atmospheric sanctuary. In the air it is such a delicious and intoxicating scent that I would compare it to a mirage, almost illusionary and provides an accord of hot air and seems so good that one questions if it really exists. The special blend of cardamom, mandarin, orange blossom brings across the sunlight, whilst the rose, date and sesame combination are mouth-watering the base of cedar adds a gentle and smooth depth.

Next on my list is Kalit Medina launched in 2022 and composed by master perfumer Nathalie Feisthauer. Kalit translating from Moroccan means mixture. Medina is foremost a spicy scent with an indolic and honeyed quality to it. Whilst there is an initial lightness to the perfume in the opening from bergamot and lemon leaves, it quickly transitions into a slightly carnal heated body nuance. The combination of clove, coriander, cumin and cinnamon could be interpreted as over the top. In this case it adds just a touch of raunch to the scent which slowly morphs into an earthy and woody experience via vetiver, amyris and Atlas Cedar. In fact, I regularly layer it with Desert Suave to create an exceptional evening scent.

Gallivant Abu Dhabi is a more contemplative perfume. Slightly cool and transparent, Lucas Sieuzac has created a breezy perfume, which transports me to boat trips around the marina where the white sail bustles in the wind. There is a slight petroleum element mid-way through the wearing which connects one to the urban metropolis of Dubai, whilst the woods in the base and leathery facets evoke the experience of lattice wooden panels associated with controlling the heat of the environment.

Villa 515 in Dubai

Villa 515 by Karl©

Azman Song For A Wanderer by Chris Maurice is a distinctive perfume which I think represents the truly modern aspects of how the Middle East has fast become the place of choice for today. It fuses both Eastern and Western olfactory influences from zesty to smoky to smooth and earthy. There is a little bit of everything here to enjoy. It takes me back to my visit of Villa 515, an unconventional Arabic villa which is a must for fragrance aficionados and those who love to do brunch in a beautiful setting.

A collection of scented souvenirs of Dubai would not be complete without an outstanding oud-based perfume. My selection is Amouage Opus VIII Silver Oud by Cecile Zarokian. The richness of this perfume makes it a leathery, amber and animalic stunner. This is a scent for those who wish to experience Oud Assam Oil blended with a wealth of woods for a challenging and complex experience. To my nose it is a dichotomy of burning woods and smooth resins. It brings out the emotions of masculine and feminine energies, slightly contradictory but somehow these polarising notes work in unison. It transports me to evenings strolling the Madinat Jumeirah, where the traditional boats, waterways and market mingle with palatial hotels and villas close to the Burj Al Arab.

From our personal collections of bottles, decants and samples either purchased or gifted

-Karl Topham, Senior Editor

Liquides Imaginaries Desert Suave, Kalit Medina, Gallivant Abu Dhabi, AZMAN song for a wanderer, Amouage Silver oud

Dubai inspired Perfume Collage by Karl and Michelyn bottle courtesy of the brands and Burj Al Arab unplash 

Thanks to Michelyn and Karl, we have 5 ml decants of Liquides Imaginaires Desert Suave and Azman Song For A Wanderer for a reader in either in the USA or UK. There is one winner. The draw is for registered readers only, so be sure to register if you have not done so. To be eligible, please leave a comment about what appeals to you about Karl’s scented souvenirs of Dubai and where you live. Draw closes 02/14/23.

Please also read: 1000 days in Dubai CaFleureBon by perfumer and contributor Pierre Constantin Gueros here.

Follow us on Instagram @cafleurebonofficial @karl.topham @liquides_imaginaires @studiokalit @gallivant.stories @azman_perfumes @amouageofficial

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27 comments

  • bigscoundrel says:

    I bring back scented souvenirs too. Scents that are familiar with a location to help transport me back. New Jersey USA

  • Johnmc5000 says:

    All of these scents sound amazing.
    I love how scents conjure a memory of a time place or a situation.
    I have associated these things my whole life.
    Pleasant smells romantic smells and even bad smells.
    You have to take the bad to get the good also.
    Thanks.
    Oklahoma USA

  • dLin says:

    What appeals to me about Karl’s scented souvenirs is how all of these fragrances are somewhat reminiscent of Dubai itself, like the Amouage fragrance and the Madinat Jumeirah, or Azman to Villa 515. For me, scents are like a song that when I hear it (or in this case smell it), it brings me back to the moments I had listening to that song in a specific location or time (like Christmas) that I sometimes have trouble recounting. Next time I go out of the state, I will definitely need to buy a fragrance or something to remember it by, but I’ll need to be careful of TSA restrictions. TX, USA.

  • Amaziz89 says:

    Kalit translating from Moroccan means mixture. Medina is foremost a spicy scent with an indolic and honeyed quality to it. Whilst there is an initial lightness to the perfume in the opening from bergamot and lemon leaves, it quickly transitions into a slightly carnal heated body nuance. The combination of clove, coriander, cumin and cinnamon could be interpreted as over the top. In this case it adds just a touch of raunch to the scent which slowly morphs into an earthy and woody experience via vetiver, amyris and Atlas Cedar. In fact, I regularly layer it with Desert Suave to create an exceptional evening scent. A wonderful article by Karl really intrigued by his travels and kalit medinz stood out for me because I love honey in perfumery. Thanks a million from the UK

  • Ozzyaziz says:

    oasis where spices, dried fruits and woods create an atmospheric sanctuary. In the air it is such a delicious and intoxicating scent that I would compare it to a mirage, almost illusionary and provides an accord of hot air and seems so good that one questions if it really exists. The special blend of cardamom, mandarin, orange blossom brings across the sunlight, whilst the rose, date and sesame combination are mouth-watering the base of cedar adds a gentle and smooth depth. I am intrigued by notes and this house. A beautiful piece by Karl really captured the essence if the middle east. Thanks a lot from the United Kingdom

  • Cle0tara says:

    What a lovely article! Dubai is definitely on my list for places to visit soon. I loved the description of Desert Suave as an olfactive oasis, and like a mirage of hot air. I’d love to try it. Hello from Colorado, USA and thank you for hosting this!

  • Andrew says:

    As someone who travels myself. I can highly relate with this article! It’s amazing how we travel places and experience versions foods, drinks, smells, people etc. Once we go back home we’ll pick up something familiar in the air that’ll immediately bring you back to certain trips that you went on. Whether it be a plant, a certain food that’s being prepared in the air, or just how someone smells that walks by you. Scents really can bring people to that happy place, and it’s amazing! I absolutely love and would be a blessing to win the Amouage Silver Oud. That blew my mind when I smelled it at Neiman. Always a pleasure to be apart of these. Sending love from PA USA

  • lemoncake says:

    I think Galentine’s Day is a great idea – I’ve definitely heard of it but haven’t officially celebrated it. This article makes me think I should plan something with my female friends. I love a couple of other Atelier Des Ors scents …..would love a bottle of Atelier Des Ors Pink Me Up. Missouri USA

  • rmsssss says:

    I love how Karl described how these different fragrances remind him of different aspects of Dubai. In particular, I am interested in Azman Song for a Wanderer based on how he describes it merging eastern and western influences. That is the one I would choose if I am lucky enough to win! I’m in MN, USA.

  • roxhas1cat says:

    I didn’t realize that Quentin Bisch did Desert Suave. That one sounds fantastic. Rose, date and sesame do make me think of that region. I always seek out perfume shopping on vacation. My favorite destination is Miami. I will take my first ever overseas trip this summer and hope to find some treasure. Thanks for the chance. USA.

  • AJ says:

    I have recently become especially fascinated by Arabic and Middle Eastern style perfumes. The notes, aesthetics, and cultural influences are unique and beautiful. I would love to smell these fragrances to further educate my nose and for their inherent beauty. Thank you for the wonderful review and draw. I’m in the USA.

  • Christie says:

    First, I love the creative viewpoint you’re writing from, Karl. The perfume descriptions along with the imagery of each place takes me along for the tour. Nicely done. I would love to win the decants of Desert Suave and Song For A Wanderer. They both sound so different from one another. It would be a wonderful trip to Dubai through fragrance. I’m in the USA.

  • Ana says:

    I always search for local perfumers when I travel. Ot is a great way to understand the culture of one place and bring back home a piece of the world. Also, when smelling them, I get flooded with memories and happiness.

  • Princess Anna says:

    Forgot to log in, so I’m adding the comment again 🙂

    I always search for local perfumers when I travel. Ot is a great way to understand the culture of one place and bring back home a piece of the world. Also, when smelling them, I get flooded with memories and happiness. CA, US

  • Regis Monkton says:

    I appreciate Karl’s info. about Liquides Imaginaires which caused me to want to try all of their fragrance releases, especially “Desert Suave”. I’ve never been to Dubai, so it’s interesting to me to see what fragrances represent the feel of Dubai for Karl. I live in the U.S.A. I’m interested to see what Liquides Imaginaires and Azman are like.

  • drjedi says:

    Karl’s observation about synthetic smelling bakhoor made me think about how so many natural products have been hyped up so people want to try them but end up with synthetic substitutes, which may be okay but don’t give a genuine experience to the user. This is often with expensive products like oud. Hopefully Cafleurebon can guide readers in what is genuine and what is good despite not being natural. Reviews of other perfumes by Karl were interesting, as they capture the flavor of Dubai. I have LG wanted to try an Azman perfume so if I were to win this draw, I would choose Azman Song For A Wanderer. Thanks for your reviews and a generous draw. From continental United States.

  • drjedi says:

    Not sure if my comment was posted so here it’s again: Karl’s observation about synthetic smelling bakhoor made me think about how so many natural products have been hyped up so people want to try them but end up with synthetic substitutes, which may be okay but don’t give a genuine experience to the user. This is often with expensive products like oud. Hopefully Cafleurebon can guide readers in what is genuine and what is good despite not being natural. Reviews of other perfumes by Karl were interesting, as they capture the flavor of Dubai. I have LG wanted to try an Azman perfume so if I were to win this draw, I would choose Azman Song For A Wanderer. Thanks for your reviews and a generous draw. From continental United States.

  • Torax says:

    Great review, Karl!
    I have not gone to Dubai yet but your article really made me think of being there and enjoying your amazing 5 fragrances that represents the feel of Dubai
    I would love to win the decants and feel like I am in Dubai too and hopefully have the full experience.
    USA here.

  • opalbear says:

    I can see how each of these evoke Dubai. I really enjoyed Sancti by Liquides Imaginaires so I think the Desert Suave would be wonderful. Imo with Song For a Wanderer it was beautiful beginning to end but the dry down was definitely the best part! I’ve tried a few of Gallivant’s cities but not that one…adding to list.
    Thank you for the giveaway opportunity. I would choose Liquid Imaginaires if I’m lucky. In Cali USA

  • foreverscents says:

    I am very intrigued by Dubai. I checked the website of the Meydan Hotel just to get a sense of where Karl stayed. I love fragrances that transport the wearer to places around the world. This is the primary reason I got into fragrances to begin with. Desert Suave sounds so evocative. It would be the perfume I’d wear to explore Dubai.
    I live in the USA.

  • mmerline says:

    Terrific list! I haven’t visited Dubai, and I’m not familiar with Bakhoor, but your selections seem to have captured a sense of the place. I enjouyed your description of Liquides Imaginaires Desert Suave and how it captured the smell of hot, spiced air, like a shimmering mirage. Azman Song For A Wanderer is also intriguing; it sounds like a heady and varied combination of influences.

    I’m in the USA. Thanks for the giveaway!

  • southirina says:

    Incense and oud pumped through air conditioning units seems like a legit description of Dubai atmosphere. Opulence and tradition striking to get under the dome of civilization.
    Liquides Imaginaires Desert Suave seems like an absolutely amazing scent. As Robert Herrmann mentioned in the first article, “The fragrance of a sin waiting to happen”.
    Kalit Medina seems like a spice delight Gallivant Abu Dhabi is a sum of various aspects of Dubai. Azman Song For A Wanderer makes me very curious on how West meets Middle East and Villa 515 looks like a perfect place for brunch.
    Thank you for this trip to Dubai and for the draw.
    Hugs from UK

  • rachelng says:

    Karl! What a Gorgeous roundup of fragrances! I’ve never visited Dubai but I’m imagining this beautiful place right now. I’m experienced most of the fragrances on your list and they are so so so beautiful! Your descriptions really express their auras so well! ❤️

  • wallygator88 says:

    Thanks for the wonderful review Karl. Having spent so many years in that part of the world, the review hits home for me. Totally nailed the overly synthetic bakhoor smell that you can smell in most modern places.

    I liked reading about Azmans Song for a Wanderer. I’ve been curious about this brand for a long time, especially because they seem to imbue this east meets west philosophy in such interesting fashion.

    I woud love to win a decant of this.

    Cheers from WI, USA

  • sephrenia300 says:

    Interesting article! What appeals to me about Karl’s scented souvenirs of Dubai is his description of Azman Song For A Wanderer and how it represents the modern aspects of the Middle east by fusing both Eastern and Western olfactory influences, with zesty, smokey, and earthy notes that contrast and complement each other. That sounds very intersting and unique, and I will definitely make a point to try it. I live in the US.

  • Andrei Artimon says:

    I have recently become especially fascinated by Arabic and Middle Eastern style perfumes. The notes, aesthetics, and cultural influences are unique and beautiful. I would love to smell these fragrances to further educate my nose and for their inherent beauty. Thank you for the wonderful review and draw. I’m in New York Usa