by Bond No 9
Dubai Platinum by Bond No 9 delivers a rich, unified olfactory experience centered around woody, incense-laden accords with smooth balsamic warmth. The scent opens with bold cardamom, pink pepper, and incense, transitioning into a deeply resonant core of atlas cedar, ginger, labdanum, and vanilla, all anchored by agarwood (oud) and cashmere wood. This blend forms a cohesive, elegant profile where distinct notes blur into a single, cohesive aroma—reminiscent of religious incense, ancient desert wood, and a subtle vanilla sweetness. The fragrance performs most strongly during evening hours and excels in autumn and winter, with moderate to strong sillage. Though the initial impact is luxuriously enveloping, the projected strength fades after about an hour, leaving a delicate, lingering dry down on the skin. Many users highlight the perfume’s incredible resemblance to Bentley Absolute, Amouage Fate Man, and Gucci Pour Homme 1—indicating a shared DNA with Michel Almariac’s signature style. While some applaud the luxurious depth and sincere performance in the opening phase, others report a significant drop in sillage and longevity shortly after application, making it feel insubstantial despite its refined character. The fragrance’s popularity with those who love incense and woody oriental scents is clear, yet it fails to meet expectations in persistence at full retail price.