by Bond No 9
Dubai Amber by Bond No 9 is a bold, opulent amber scent with strong animalic and woody accords that feel deeply Middle Eastern in character. It opens with a sharp burst of spicy, fruity, and gourmand top notes—bergamot, pink pepper, raspberry, and saffron—before settling into a resinous, warm, and slightly sour oud and ambre core. The scent evolves slowly, leaning into a powerful, slightly acrid, animalic amber with notes of guaiac wood, gurjan balsam, and jasmine. While the sweetness of vanilla and rose is present, it plays a subtle supporting role, counterbalancing the intensity rather than dominating. The perfume is inherently linear, with consistent sillage and longevity, often lasting 12 hours or more. Despite being marketed as unisex, it leans masculine due to its intensity. On skin, the experience becomes more refined and layered—less overwhelming than in the bottle—and it develops into a warm, powdery amber that lingers into the day and night with a distinct presence. It’s not for the faint of heart, but those drawn to luxurious, high-performance oriental ambers will find it deeply compelling and transformative.