Magnificently Dubai

Dirty, stinky, in your face critrus peel opening, and its the type of smell that reminds me of some specific desserts that use lemon peel, combined with a lemon peel that was left to dry for a while under the sun. It is a very strong, even obnoxious citrus peel opening, combined with typical middle eastern spiciness. This is one of these fragrances that list only three notes listed here, but this does not match the description on ZARA's own website, and its much more going on under the hood here. The actual notes listed by ZARA are - Bergamot, Saffron, Oud, Leather, Vanilla. The opening has quite the staying power, but fortunately the spices come to the rescue here taming the citrus peel tart with warm, sweet, and aromatic influence. Give it an hour on your skin, and the composition start to mellow and the citrus peel moves to the background, while the saffron sweet floral, slightly honeyed hay like aromas come to the forefront. Unlike No 2 Bergamot and Leather Spritz i cannot claim i feel any middle eastern oud influences here, despite what ZARA's website says, but the drydown takes from the saffron influence and goes in a magical, creamy, velvety almost gourmand mixture that is better experienced rather than described, and settles into a soft, faintly spiced, warm creamy and comforting vanilla drydown that in the deep drydown can also come out with subtle hints of smoke, woody and leathery sensations. All and all, i would say while the opening is definitely not your typical run of the mill citrus, it was not exactly my cup of lemon/bergamot peel, the drydown is simply magical and one of the best drydowns i have experienced on a designer fragrance in a very long while - not quite as challenging and multifaceted as the top niche brands, but the quality certainly is punching WAY above its weight class. Overall these Jo Malone ZARA's keep showing to me why she is considered a master perfumer much more clearly than her own in house creations were ever able to.

I saw the notes on this and had to try it, but didn’t have very high hopes as I ALWAYS struggle to smell saffron and leather even though they’re my favourite notes. This opens up very sparkly, bright, citrusy and gingery, and smells exactly like being in a Lush shop, which I was so disappointed about. Thankfully for me, as someone who hates citrus, this disappears almost entirely within the first hour. I never usually notice changes in dry downs, and maybe it’s just my skin or my hatred of citrus, but this one changes entirely. After that, you’re left with a very smooth, creamy leather. The saffron is definitely there but doesn’t smell at all medicinal, it just adds a little bit of spice, and maybe some sweetness? The nutmeg in this is what stands out most for me. It’s warm, nutty, spicy, creamy, and just sweet enough to make it truly unisex rather than masculine, with a hint of cocoa to keep some bitterness. It reminds me of Shay & Blue Oud Alif, which is a more masculine, dry leather/saffron, and has more cocoa. I sprayed this ~7-8 hours ago and I can still smell it on my skin. It’s insanely affordable and doesn’t smell cheap in the slightest. Definitely suitable for autumn and winter, but if that bright opening lasts on you then it could work all year round!

This beautiful, scrumptious fragrance has now officially become my reach when I have the blues. It is so comforting, soothing, delicious and happy while also sensual and enticing. I have no idea where the hate is coming from with some of the other reviews, but on me I get all love: opens with a sprinkle of mandarin orange, and then comes the soothing saffron, and warm, sweet, spicy nutmeg that are ride or die, especially in the dry down which is like hours of dessert — I can swear there is also tonka bean and maybe even a trickle of bourbon vanilla. The leather is there but only in the background at the opening for me. For this price, I can not believe the chef’s kiss of the performance at about 6-7 hours and the sillage is certainly not beast but it is not shy. Just the way I like it. I got a second bottle because I can not run out of it. Not taking that risk. I keep smelling my wrists all day, and each time I get a burst of scrumptious, peaceful, lovely, joy. I mean damn who are we kidding, this is really just a mix of serotonin and oxytocin notes in a bottle. Magnificently Dubai is a perfect date fragrance — be it with a lover or just because you need a date with yourself to remind yourself that you are, indeed, delicious and alive.

The “This fragrance reminds me of” section is going to give me some serious anger issues. You lot think, that just coz saffron is listed in both this and Oud for Greatness that they smell alike? Are you crazy?! They don’t smell anything alike! If you think you smell Oud in this, you need to try more ouds to know what Oud smells like and then you’ll realise this has none of it! Anyway... rant over. This starts of fresh, citrusy and zingy coming from some bergamot and ginger (yes, there’s definitely some ginger.) Then it starts to dry down and gets a little warmer and creamier and for about 10 minutes, during this gingery, creamy warm stage, it smells like Ani by Nishane. If Ani was introduced as a potent linen spray or a hair spray or something, I think this is what it would smell like. Afterwards, when this stops being like Ani, a beautiful soft suede like leather note appears. It’s my favourite cheapie in my collection. Although the price tag is cheap, nothing about this smells cheap. It smells like you went to a department store and dropped some major coin to get this. All in all, this is quite wonderful!

Magnificently Dubai is warm, spicy, and beautiful, to my nose. It's all sweet spices & soft leather. At the opening, the nutmeg smells like cinnamon, along with an unlisted citrus note (Maybe a saffron note reads as citrus!), with the leather becoming more prominent in the drydown. It's absolutely warm, comforting, and unisex. My one issue with it is poor longevity; I'm sad the gorgeousness is over far too soon! I'm going to try laying down a base of iso e super and apply Magnif. Dubai on top of it to see if that increases its staying power; this trick has worked really well with a couple of beautiful 4711 Acqua Colonias I have and extended their scents for many more hours, so hopefully it will work. Strangely, some of the other selections in the Vibrant Cities collection that you would expect to have great staying power, don't (Energetically NY and Stunningly Venice), while some of the selections you would expect would dissipate quickly (Elegantly Tokyo, Fashionably London, & Creatively Shanghai) DO stick around well.

I can't get enough of Magnificently Dubai...I mean really... it's one of the best oriental scents I ever had, complemented a lot (same as with elegantly Tokyo), quite people pleasing in it's category and, I mean, of course there are better out there, but when it comes to the price point , Magnificently Dubai wins the race. It's quite good lasting and quite moderate projection, but you don't have to scream "I am wearing perfume,smell me" , cause that's not the point of wearing perfume. MD is pleasantly creamy, even for people like me that don't like creamy perfumes, it smells warmth and sexiness at the same time. And for the price tag...you've got nothing to lose. Love it!

I love Arabic scents and had to pick this up as a rollerball. I put it on my skin and it instantly reminded me of a slightly zesty version of something I have smelt before. I went through my whole collection to no avail, only for my husband to put on 'Stronger with you intensely' and at that moment I got it. It is almost identical to that, and I LOVE the fact that it is a unisex version for me. I get so many compliments wherever I go, people tell me it smells expensive and it is basically now my best kept secret and every day perfume, due to the incredible price and luxury smell.

I've seen comparisons to Dubai being this collections Ebony Wood and I have to agree. Instead of woods, this is warm saffron and spice but with the same richness and vibe as EW. The nutmeg and saffron have lemony touches while the leather note is blended really skillfully into the background so I would not describe it as leather forward.This is a fantastic fragrance and very unisex - I'm sharing with my husband. The largest bottles were already sold out so I had to settle for the 40 ml for now. I bought the sample set and also ended up getting London and New York.

I love this. Definitely Jo Malone DNA here. Opening reminds you that Jo made Lime, Mandarin and Basil. This frag is its sister that moved to Dubai that no one in the family talks to apart from Bronze Wood and Leather and possibly Myrrh and Tonka, who will text her once a week to check she hasn’t died. Dry down is a lovely lingering soft spicy sweet fresh leather that takes over the initial citrus top. I love it. Just wished it had a better sillage after the initial spray and that the longevity lasted as long on skin as a flight from Dubai to London.

An alluring, sultry, scent. I associate it with a specific time in my life, making it uniquely special to me, but it is undoubtedly exceptional. This smells like a winter love affair, in a snowed-in chalet. It reminds me of fur coats, designer bags, entering a steamy and strange bar to escape the harsh dark night. This scent is very powerful, sweet, and can be overbearing/headache inducing if you are not in the right mood to wear it. Overall, I truly love this perfume and i is perfect for a night-out or a stroll during the cold winter months.

Just bought this one. I cannot stand the opening which smells like citrusy zesty cleaning spray, but the dry down is delicious - so deep and warm and rich. How can the opening nad the dry down can be so different like it is not the same perfume? why combine such citric opening with a deep warm perfume? I am gonna use it since I think in 15 min the zesty part is gone, what do you guys think - how long it takes for citrus part to go away?:)

This smells literally like a lobby of an expensive hotel in Dubai. Whether that is good or bad thing I leave up to you. Certainly the winner from Vibrant cities collection. Jo Malone ranges are among Zara’s most exciting offerings, I hope they keep this mutually beneficial relationship alive, especially as she has no longer anything in common with the eponymous brand since her departure in 2006.

A really warm, cozy oud scent. I don't smell saffran or leather, but straight-up oud, mixed with a little bit of nutmeg or cardamom. The scent smells very expensive and refined, almost niche. Due to the strong oud scent, it is reminiscent of Montale and its middle-eastern luxurious vibe. Longevity and projection are really good as well. I can still smell it on my arm, even after washing it off.

I adore this! Bright and astringent bergamot turns to spicy leather. Very reminiscent of Cremo's Spice & Black Vanilla, along with Armaf's Radical Brown (like those two scents layered together). Smells amazing, lasts around 5-6 hrs on the skin and clothes. Perfect in cool weather, wonderful for the season, very much a worthwhile purchase.

This scent last me 7+ hours, which is impressive for Zara & Jo Malone! It was far too strong for the morning and at work. Highly suggest for the evening. It starts out energizing with a spiced orange note followed my an oud leather blast. It finally fades into a powdery cozy experience reminiscent of snuggling on the couch by the fire!

If you have some arabian scents like Shaghaf Gold, just know this is similar. I love the leather and sweetness of the nutmeg in the Dubai. Its a little softer and more feminine than Shaghaf. If you love leather and spices and dont have any arabian scents I highly recommend this! Its gorgeous and so affordable. Great for anyone!

Warm leather, tobacco, spicy fireplace delight for me :) Definitely unisex with a slight balance towards masculinity. Smells like a much pricier brand, you couldn't possibly imagine you can get this gorgeous juicy for less than 20€. If you like tobacco, leather scented fragrances, you'll definitely love this one.

Reappeared online in the mens section, hehe. Along with the remaining Jo Malone's frags from Cities and Emotions, consistent with the new styling. Although I think I have not spotted Bohemian Bluebells on there, so maybe not every scent got brought back.

What is with some of the haters on this website? I’m starting to think that people are just slandering “cheapie” fragrances like because they feel the need to justify their $300+ niche purchases. It’s $40, it lasts, and it smells good.

Very easy going unisex oud with some leather notes, nice for layering or on it's own.Much better than the previous Malone collection. I also like Tokyo which I bought today. Those are the two I recommend.

Really unique fragrance with gorgeous citrusy opening. Surprisingly very long lasting and strong for zara. Bring a lots of compliments. Really fresh spicy but in pleasant way. Citrus gives a luxury vibe

Since nobody has mentioned this; if you are looking for a cheaper alternative for the AED 990/- Carolina Herrera Burning Rose, this can give you the same vibe! It is priced AED 169/- in Zara Dubai Mall.

First hits with a strong bug spray scent. But cools off a bit to remind me more of citronella and campfires. It’s a very nostalgic fragrance for me. Leans a bit masculine but I might try layering it.

A banger!!!!!!!!!!!!! niche quality for a very small fraction of the price had to purchase 2 bottles, will most likely get a third...can easily be layered with just about any rose or oud perfume.

Love! Quality fragrance. You get soft citrusy spice and gentle oudy leather. Easily unisex and smells sexy with out being complicated. Fantastic

I smell like French toast and I love it It’s dry down is so warm and cozy

Wow, so this perfume was hell for me the first time I tried it. It was very intense and irritating on my skin, freaking soapy, like the famous Chanel No.5. I couldn't wash it off. The saffron was too strong and almost gave me a headahe. Then I decided not to give up and tested again. Still horrible. Then before Christmas I was assembling some Ikea drawers with my fiance and I got the idea of spraying this on my clothes because since I already bought it, let's use it for something you know. So the perfume on my clothes just surrounded the whole drawer until next day. Amazing sillage and intensity. I walked past the drawers several times that day and each time I smelled the perfume, I got more and more used to it. Next day I gave it another try on skin and it still irritated my nose but much less than before, I didn't want to wash it off. Around the beginning of January I bought some Zara Warm Black for my fiance because on his skin, Zara perfumes work really well. I like unisex fragrances so I tried it too and there was that horrible saffron smell! I realised saffron is the killer one in the Dubai one too. WB's opening settled down fast and I loved the whole thing after that. My fiance started to use it as a light daily perfume. A few days later I realised that the saffron didn't bother me that much like the first day, so I was determined to make a last try with M.Dubai. When I sprayed it, something turned in me and I started to like it! A strange feeling gets me when I wear it because of the oriental vibe. I don't get much suede/leather from it but reminds me of those tiny soap tester sticks I once got from a street merchanter in my city. It's still a bit saffron-soapy, I will gladly use it but it's definitely not my signature scent profile so not a daily perfume for me. I can imagine wearing it year round tho. The spices are not warming to my nose, more like freshening. Maybe that's the secret and I have to try it in warmer weather, sunnier atmosphere.

I am impressed overall with this Zara Olfactive line by Jo Malone. This the case with Jo Malone's Zara creations in general - more often than not, I find them to be good-quality, natural-smelling bargain gems, if linear. Magnificently Dubai is a richer, denser perfume than is typical of Jo Malone, but is thematically fitting. A spicy leather scent with a woody oud note in the base, it is pleasant throughout. I really liked Leather Jardin, another of Jo's creations for Zara, and the leather note here is similar - soft and aromatic; not animalic at all. MD is leathery from initial spray, reminiscent of an old leather couch that has worn smooth. The spicy notes creep in early on, led by amber-y saffron. Saffron typically complements leather to perfection, but here it is quite subtle, disappearing quickly. The nutmeg note that follows is much more prominent, lasting until the drydown. Warm and somewhat biscuit-like, it adds rich sweet-spicy body that complements the leather to perfection. As it develops, a dry, woody oud note emerges in the base, a seamless development from the spicy leather. It isn't skanky or animalic at all. The nutmeg becomes subtle during the later stages. It becomes a bit thin as it fades, becoming a musky leather skin scent with remnants of spices lasting until final fade. Sillage and longevity are moderate. It is perfectly unisex and best worn in autumn/winter. A simple but effective spicy leather scent, MD is an unchallenging, straightforward example of the genre that is still realistic and good quality. I would have liked more saffron, but at this price point, I cannot complain. 3.5/5.

I would adore it more if it projected or lasted longer. It's nice all season any occasion smell for me. Spicy and tasty, not for a sweet girls, but I see it as fully unisex. Zesty opening followed by spicy and leathery dry down. For the price - it's a great buy: smells better than many designer fragrances, and so is the lasting power. No need to worry about the overspray (but my skin eats perfumes like crazy). After few days - this may need reapplication during the day, but honestly - who cares? It's cheap (and on sale from time to time), most of people will see no difference between this and much more expensive perfumes. Great for office time, trips, any time. Just grab a bottle. (I am under the strong impression that Zara perfumes are much better quality than their clothes tbh)

Leather, warm spices with a slight hint of citrus notes for me. Moderate longevity & sillage, but really great value for the price tag honestly. Too masculine to use on its own so I might use this as a layering fragrant. Will smell really good on males imo! Plus it's definitely not even close to a cheap scent smell. edit: I tried layering with Captivatingly Paris from the same lineup and it's a LOVELY combo!!! edit pt2: I now have been using Magnificently Dubai on a daily basis by its own! starting to become my signature scent (my friends & families have been pointed out they recognise me by my fragrance every now and then). Idk if my body chemistry started to cope with the fragrance but I LOVE IT! and it doesn't smell as masculine as it used to be on me. love it love it love it

One of the more interesting perfumes of the line, my third favorite after New York and London. Spicy, cozy with an Arabic twist, probably caused by the saffron. There is indeed noticeable leather is the base, and no oud or heavy musk thankfully. It’s not a heavy-hitter, a very accessible Arabic-style scent. It’s long-lasting (until the next morning!) with moderate to mostly close sillage later on. In the opening there is definitely unlisted citrus. It’s a bit similar to Zara’s Leather Jardin, but this one is more complex. There is no sweetness here and I feel this suits more ‘developed’ female noses or men. I’m sure this would sell like hot cakes in the men’s section. I rarely reach for any Arabian-style scents so I won’t get it. I got New York and London instead.

this is super sexyyyy! wearing this to the office in the summertime was maybe a strange choice on my part given how intensely gingery and spiced it is- almost like a cozy gingersnap cookie by the fireplace. but tbh i feel like you could wear this year-round and be a zesty smoky badass! definitely unisex but has a real punch of the saffron and nutmeg- like walking through a night market somewhere far away but then returning home to curl up in your worn-in leather couch with a wool blanket... EDIT- i got a compliment from someone on this scent who loved it and said it reminded them of some of the spices from their cultural foods/products! how cool:) who knew magnificent dubai could be nostalgia in a bottle!

I bought the sampler set and this one was a great composition. I think it’s extremely wearable. I’ve never smelled either a Zara fragrance nor a Jo Malone that I would consider repurchasing but this one is deserving. I’m not getting too much citrus as others are but the leather and saffron are beautiful. Super unisex. I agree with the comment that this could be LAir du Desert Marocain with training wheels ( and like that reviewer, I mean no disrespect in that.) this is dry and sophisticated. Now quick word about the trial set. The vials are generous but freakishly long and thin. Not at all portable. I feel like they mock me and wait for me to break one and make a mess.

There is a strong resemblance to zara bergamot and leather spritz but this one from a distance also reminds me of an old fashioned 60s and 70s powerhouse perfumes, I remember my grandfather and my father used similar fragrances back in the days, it also reminds me somehow of old spice perfume (the old version ) I like it but need more time with it and have to wait to try it again in winter to see how it evolves. Update: wait for the deep dry down 1,5 hour to 2 hours mark that's when the magic happens and this perfume shines, that's why you should never judge a fragrance so quickly and must be paitent and give more time and wear to be better able to judge it❤

I got this because of the supposed similarity to YSL Opium pour homme which is quickly becoming unobtanium. I'm glad I did, it does have the same vibe, a similar DNA. Fresh, spicy, oriental. It doesn't smell thee same but it's like a bizzaro opium with the notes substituted for equivalently pleasing ones. I also noticed the 40ml bottle costs less per ml on Zara's site than the 75ml one, with flat rate shipping.

Just bought the rollerball today. Spicy, kind of creamy, and a bit smoky. Fall/winter for sure. Don't be scared when people say its masculine its unisex and a woman could absolutely pull this off. There's something very cozy about it to me. I will work thru the rollerball this fall and then see if i want to get a bigger bottle. I've been on the look out for something like this.

Loved the candle so decided to try the perfume. Really beautiful citrusy nutmeg and saffron opening. As it dries down and the leather opens, it reminds me more and more of creamy nutmeg from BBW. Not a particularly sophisticated scent but very pleasant-- warm and cozy, slightly gourmand on my skin.

I get some leather and maybe hints of Oud?! I only scored it a 4/5 because for an Arabian city, I would think the leather and oud should be more pronounced. Most of the Jo Malones from Zara have been absolutely fantastic. I love this entire ‘Zara Olfactive’ collection... Decided to get em all.

The saffron, nutmeg and leather are strong so the name for this is fitting, definitely getting the Dubai vibes. This is a solid warm spicy fragrance that isn’t too overpowering. I personally wish it was a little more woody or sweet to balance out the spices but that’s just my preference.

For me, this is a more wearable version of Le Labo's Cuir 28, which is a Dubai exclusive. I love it but completely understand why it might be overpowering or too smoky for some.

Today got my Magnificently Dubai. Citrusy eastern spicy scent. Similar to Mancera Tonka Cola in beginning, then more Arabic spices market notes come out, it’s strong and warm.

I didn't like it on myself, so I gave it to my boyfriend because it seemed very masculine to me. It smells much better on him. It's a very wearable spicy perfume.

The opening is a bit sharp to me, but then it dries down to this warm spicy exotic scent, quite masculine. It definitely matches my idea of Dubai.

Definitely unisex, warm, leathery, spicy. I really like this.

Starts off with a nice blast of saffron and nutmeg.the opening is spicy with a middle eastern vibe and somewhat appealing. As it slowly dries down the spiciness tones down somewhat.leather and some woods creep in which MIGHT be oud but calling non discript woodiness oud is a bit of a stretch.anyway the drydown is linear with the same leather and woods combo. As you can tell by the notes this has a middle eastern vibe going on.although i found the performance lacking. the scent itself feels somewhat incomplete like the perfumer left it in the middle due to budget constraints.as in the fragrance is super simple with nothing interesting going on.BEWARE there is zero sweetness which automatically makes it less mass appealing and can turn pungent in hot weather.so cold weather only.completely unisex. All in all a good fragrance if you want a middle eastern vibe in cheap price but as far competitors go, lattafa and swiss arabian etc offer a lot more interesting and "complete" scents.but i guess zara is more accessible to more people. 7/10

I ordered this online and at first was super pleased with the blind buy, but this scent is definitely what you pay for. The opening is a strong acidic citrus, like a lemon or grapefruit cleaning spray. Not a bad smell, but sharp and astringent nonetheless. The dry down is closer to what I assumed the perfume would be; a little woody and oudy, but still more reminiscent of the incense my Chinese grandmother used to burn than I would like. To top it off, it turns into a skin scent pretty much immediately, and doesn’t linger on clothing. Overall, I’m not mad that I got it and I will continue to play with layering combinations, but it definitely did not impress me or give off the classic saffron & oud vibes that I was hoping for.

very nice opening and a leather like saffron I enjoy but the woody-amber (ambroxan, ambrofix, whatever) overpowers the fragrance. this woody-amber base ruins it for me as it smells just as generic as too many fragrances out there. also, I'm not a fan of the piercing smell of overused synthetic ambergris. I'd rather have a less projecting and lesser lasting perfume but better smelling fragrance without the ambro-something as fixative (I might just be too sensitive to these molecules)

Nutmeg has citrusy quality as always. Kinda the mediator in this collection. Ebony wood of this collection. Not like not dislike, so it’s good but not a must after everything we’ve seen from Zara. Still the longevity is the best after London one. So good starter for oud fragrances if you’re into it. I’d still prefer Universal Oud over this but this is spicy and Universal is rose-y.

The opening is likes strong candied lemon with spices. There is also lots of incense going on. Smells luxurious but it is not that easy to wear. To be honest with you this remind me of Billie eilish number 3 but with more depth. I think I am keeping it for now. Edit: this smells like you’re burning something and I don’t like it on me

You need like two sprays of this, MAX. It's a nice scent, but be very careful about over spraying, it literally lasts forever. It's pretty much the only masculine scent in my collection, but not a safe blind buy. Kinda wish I could take it back because over spraying it the first time kinda ruined the scent for me.