Stepping out in Dubai or Riyadh, the fragrance you wear is as much a part of your outfit as your sneakers or ghitra. In the GCC, scent is serious business– it’s a personal signature, a mood lifter, and a conversation starter all in one. So, which scent deserves that coveted spot on your dresser? The truth is, there’s no single best perfume for men in UAE– instead, there’s a world of aroma out there, from fresh and sporty splashes to rich oud elixirs, each suited for different personalities and occasions. We’ve rounded up 20+ of the best long lasting perfumes for men in the region, blending global hits with regional favorites. These picks cover every vibe: luxury showstoppers, gym-friendly colognes, breezy summer spritzes, musky classics, and daring oud-based concoctions. Ready to dive nose-first into the fragrant universe? Let’s go– and don’t worry, we’ll drop some pro tips on choosing and using cologne along the way, so you smell and feel like a million bucks.
First things first: what makes a fragrance “best” in the UAE? Our region’s unique climate and culture play a big role. The blistering summers demand fresh smelling perfumes for men that won’t turn cloying in 45°C heat– think bright citrus, marine notes, a touch of mint. But come winter or a special evening out, and you’ll notice men here gravitate to deeper, more intense scents (often oud or spice-based) that announce their presence and linger long after they’ve left the room. Longevity is king. That’s why many of our picks are best long lasting perfumes for men– formulated as Eau de Parfum or even parfum extrait in some cases. (Quick refresher: perfume vs. cologne vs. eau de toilette is mainly about concentration. “Perfume” or Parfum has the highest oil concentration and lasts longest, eau de parfum (EDP) is next, then eau de toilette (EDT), then “cologne” which in modern terms usually means an EDT or even lighter. So when you want all-day performance, go for EDP or higher.) With that in mind, let’s explore the favorites.
Best Perfume for Men: Fresh and Sporty
When the sun is scorching, you can’t go wrong with a crisp, invigorating fragrance that almost feels like a cold shower in a bottle:
Giorgio Armani Acqua di Gio Profumo
A refined twist on the classic Acqua di Gio that adds incense and patchouli to the original’s marine citrus formula. It’s fresh enough for the daytime and elegant enough for dinner.
AED/SAR 455
Buy now
Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Eau Intense
Another summer staple, which amps up the juicy grapefruit and salty ocean breeze notes of the original Light Blue, making it ultra-refreshing and surprisingly strong (this one gets you compliments at brunch, guaranteed.)
AED/SAR 457
Buy now
Chanel Allure Homme Sport
For the athletic types or those who love a gym-bag friendly scent, Chanel’s Allure Homme Sport is a must-try. It’s like an energizing cocktail of mandarin, sea notes, and white musk.
AED/SAR 395
Buy now
Versace Dylan Blue
As the name suggests, it’s got that cool, Mediterranean vibe; think bergamot, grapefruit, a pinch of pepper and incense, all in a deep blue bottle. It’s one of the perfume brands for men in UAE that younger guys love because it’s trendy, versatile, and won’t break the bank.
AED/SAR 439
Buy now
Chanel Bleu de Chanel
This one’s a modern icon – a best luxury perfume for men in UAE by all accounts. With its sophisticated blend of citrus, ginger, incense, and sandalwood, Bleu de Chanel EDP hits that sweet spot between fresh and sensual. It’s the kind of scent you could wear to a business meeting (it smells like you have your life together) and also on a date (it’s subtly sexy without trying too hard). No wonder so many Emirati and Saudi gentlemen have this in their rotation. It’s long-lasting too, especially in the parfum concentration. If you’re the kind who asks, “Which perfume is best for men in the UAE?”, Bleu de Chanel is always going to be in the answer.
AED/SAR 450
Buy now
Best Perfume for Men: Day-to-Night Heroes
In the UAE, a lot of us need a fragrance that can transition from daytime hustle to evening socializing:
Dior Sauvage
The scent has achieved near-legendary status worldwide, and its popularity is just as insane here. Why? It’s rugged yet clean, with bergamot and pepper up top and an Ambroxan-musk base that just sticks to your skin for hours. It’s the epitome of a best seller men perfume. Plus, it draws compliments like a magnet. (Seriously, ask any group of people “What is the best smelling men’s perfume?”— Sauvage will get mentioned, often with an enthusiastic grin.)
AED/SAR 445
Buy now
Montblanc Explorer
Sometimes called the “budget Creed Aventus,” it has that adventurous bergamot-ambergris vibe reminiscent of the famous (and pricey) Aventus, but at a fraction of the cost and in a very office-friendly profile. It’s smooth, slightly woody, with a hint of leather. And yes, it lasts a good 6-8 hours easily, making it one of the best long lasting perfumes for men in its class, especially considering the price.
AED/SAR 405
Buy now
Creed Aventus
Speaking of Creed Aventus, this niche masterpiece has a cult following in the GCC and beyond. The moment you spray it, you get a burst of juicy pineapple and fresh bergamot, then it dries down to this rich blend of smoky birch, musk, and oakmoss. The result? A scent that screams power and success. It’s not cheap (Creed is a luxury house after all), but it’s one of the best perfume brands for men in UAE if you want to invest in a statement fragrance. Aventus is often the answer to “What is the best smelling men’s perfume?” for those in the know, and it absolutely shines in our climate, cutting through even humid evenings with ease.
AED/SAR 1,616
Buy now
Hermès Terre d’Hermès Eau De Parfum Intense
Imagine sharp bergamot cutting through the air like a breeze at golden hour, grounding into the smoky heat of burning wood and lava stone. And just when you think you’ve figured it out, it wraps you in this unexpected warmth—coffee beans and liquorice, deep and addictive. It’s elegant without being stiff, and rich without being heavy. Wear it during the day if you dare, but truthfully, it shines when the sun starts to dip.
AED/SAR 625
Buy now
Best Perfume for Men: Ouds, Tobaccos and Leathers
In this part of the world, oud perfume for men is practically a cultural heritage. We love that resinous, woody, slightly animalic note that comes from agarwood, it’s bold, it’s luxurious, and it lingers endlessly:
Tom Ford Oud Wood
Part of Tom Ford’s Private Blend line, Oud Wood is actually quite smooth and refined – it combines oud with sandalwood, amber, and a touch of vanilla tonka sweetness. It’s not the skanky, super-smoky kind of oud; instead, it’s very wearable even if you’re new to this note. Many GCC men adore it because it gives that mystique in a modern, Westernized way.
AED/SAR 665
Buy now
Ajmal Amber Wood
If you want a true local gem, you might explore houses like Ajmal. The fragrance embodies the best of Middle Eastern perfumery. It’s a unisex EDP that layers rich amber, woods, spices, and yes, oud, into a golden elixir that lasts all day. It’s luxurious and long lasting (people literally write love letters about its longevity in reviews), making it easily one of the best luxury perfume for men in UAE if you appreciate traditional scents.
AED/SAR 525
Buy now
Swiss Arabian Shaghaf Oud
An affordable sleeper hit that marries oud with praline and rose, creating a gourmand sweetness that’s addictive and projects like a beast. Walk into a room with Shaghaf Oud and you will get noticed (and probably asked what delicious scent you’re wearing!)
AED/SAR 150
Buy now
Tom Ford Tuscan Leather
Another powerhouse from Tom Ford’s stable is Tuscan Leather, which, as the name suggests, centers on a raw, expensive leather accord, accented by saffron and a surprising hint of raspberry. Tuscan Leather has a bit of a bad-boy reputation (Drake even referenced it in a song), but in the Middle East, where leather notes are appreciated, it’s pure class. Spray it on when you’re donning your sharpest suit or your finely embroidered thobe– it’s statement-making in the best way.
AED/SAR 1,105
Buy now
Frédéric Malle Monsiuer
Crafted by perfumer Bruno Jovanovic, it opens with a bold blend of rum and tangerine, offering a warm, slightly sweet introduction. The heart reveals an earthy patchouli, complemented by smoky incense, cedar, and amber, creating a deep, resinous core. As it settles, the base notes of musk, vanilla, suede, and labdanum emerge, adding a creamy, leathery finish that lingers on the skin. This scent exudes sophistication and depth, making it ideal for evening wear or cooler seasons. Its pronounced character may not suit every occasion, but for those seeking a distinctive, masculine fragrance, Monsieur delivers with elegance and strength.
AED/SAR 955
Buy now
The Best of Both Worlds
Some fragrances defy easy categorization, blending fresh and sweet, or classic and modern:
Paco Rabanne Invictus
This one’s hugely popular with younger crowds in the UAE – it’s sporty and sweet at the same time, mixing grapefruit and aquatic notes with a warm bay leaf and ambergris base. The bottle shaped like a trophy hints at its vibe: victorious and energetic. Invictus is great for daily wear and especially nights out.
AED/SAR 355
Buy now
Jean Paul Gaultier Scandal pour Homme Intense
One of the best perfumes for men to come out in 2025. Anchored by rich notes of leather and vetiver, it’s elevated by the herbaceous clarity of clary sage and a touch of sweetness that lingers on the skin. Don’t be surprised if your girlfriend starts borrowing it— this is one of those quietly seductive scents that transcends gender, making just as much sense on her collar as it does on yours.
AED/SAR 410
Buy now
Paco Rabanne 1 Million
Now, 1 Million is the opposite of subtle – it’s loud, fun, and ultra-confident, with a cinnamon-spiced blood orange opening and a sweet leather-amber drydown. Basically, it smells like money… literally (the bottle is a gold bar, after all). This is the scent of a guy who likes to be noticed. It’s hugely popular among the youth in KSA and UAE – and while some might say it’s almost too common, there’s no denying its appeal. It’s a best seller men perfume worldwide for a reason: it makes the wearer feel like a rockstar. Just go easy on the sprays with 1 Million, especially in summer, because it can be overpowering in high heat.
AED/SAR 355
Buy now
Yves Saint Laurent La Nuit de L’Homme
For those who want something classy yet unique, consider Yves Saint Laurent’s La Nuit de L’Homme, a velvety cardamom and lavender scent that’s basically date-night-in-a-bottle.
AED/SAR 390
Buy now
Parfums de Marly Layton
A niche fragrance that’s become a sensation in the region. Layton intertwines apple, vanilla, lavender, and peppery florals over a rich base, creating a scent that’s both fresh smelling and deeply sensual. It’s one of those love at first sniff fragrances – playful enough with its fruity touch, but also undeniably sexy as it settles into a creamy woodiness. It’s also great for almost any setting and the performance is fantastic (as with most Marly fragrances), so it checks the best long lasting perfumes for men box easily.
AED/SAR 1,420
Buy now
Louis Vuitton Imagination
This fragrance is what you’d wear when you want to feel like the main character of your own art film– zesty Italian citrus up top, a swirl of black tea and Chinese ginger through the middle, and an Ambrox dry-down that wraps around your skin like tailored linen. It’s light enough to survive the summer but layered enough to carry you into dinner. Plus, it just smells expensive in the clean, effortless way only Louis Vuitton could pull off.
AED/SAR 1,370
Buy now
Best Perfume for Men: Local Treasures
We’d be remiss not to mention the rich perfume heritage of the Middle East. The UAE and GCC have perfume brands for men in UAE that are legendary, producing oils, attars, and spray perfumes that rival any French maison:
Rasasi Hawas
Rasasi is a Dubai-based house and with Hawas they created a gem specifically for the modern Arab man. Hawas is an aromatic aquatic scent with a fruity twist– imagine Invictus got a Middle Eastern makeover with plum, bergamot, and wet aquatic notes, plus a sensual amber-musk base. It’s ultra-masculine yet playful, and talk about long lasting– Hawas is known to stick to your skin and clothes for eternity (well, practically). It’s also incredibly affordable given its quality, which explains why it’s a staple for many students and young professionals who want to smell amazing on a budget.
AED/SAR 155
Buy now
Arabian Oud Kalemat
A unisex honeyed oud and amber blend that became a smash hit in Saudi Arabia (so much so it was once voted best perfume in KSA). Kalemat is sweet, smoky, and comforting– a great intro to traditional oud-style scents. Spray it on your kandora or even on your scarf in winter and enjoy whiffs of sweet incense-like aroma all day.
AED/SAR 405
Buy now
Gulf Orchid Musk Tahara Vanilla
Local brands also excel in musk perfumes. In our culture, a clean white musk or a deer musk-infused oil is often layered with other scents. A dab of pure musk can make any perfume last longer and add a soft sensuality. Layering is actually a big thing here: many men apply an oud oil or musk oil to their pulse points and then spray a designer perfume over it. Don’t be afraid to experiment by combining a mint perfume with a musk, or an oud perfume for men with a fresh cologne– you might end up with your very own secret formula.
AED/SAR 99
Buy now
A Few FAQs (Fragrantly Answered)
By now, we’ve named a lot of standout fragrances. But how do you pick your winner? How do I choose a perfume that suits me? The best way is to test on your skin. A scent can smell different on each person due to skin chemistry. Visit a store (or even better, get sample vials) and try wearing a fragrance for a day to see how it evolves. Pay attention to how it makes you feel– confident, energized, relaxed? That’s a good sign it’s “you.” Also consider the occasion: you might love a smoky beast like Amouage Interlude Man, but would you wear that daily to the office? Maybe keep that for special occasions and have a lighter signature for work.
What to look for in a men’s fragrance? Look at the notes and concentration. If you want the best long lasting perfumes for men, lean towards EDPs with base notes like woods, resins, amber, leather, or oud. Citrus and green notes are awesome for freshness but tend to evaporate quicker, so if they’re in an EDT you may need to top up midday. Also, consider the season– as we discussed, fresh aquatics for hot weather, rich smokier scents for cooler times. In the UAE, “winter” is mild, but it’s still a great excuse to bust out those heavier scents you’d shelf in July.
What about perfume vs cologne vs eau de toilette? Remember, it’s less about “men wear cologne, women wear perfume” (that’s old school thinking), and more about strength. Men here comfortably wear perfumes (EDP, extrait, oils) because they want that longevity and projection.
And finally, how to apply perfume so you get the most out of it? Aim for 2-4 spritzes on pulse points. Common method: one on each side of the neck, one on the chest, maybe one on the wrists (though some prefer back of neck or even the fabric of their shirt– careful with fabrics though, some perfumes can stain or project differently). If you’re using a strong oud perfume for men, you might do just 2 sprays; if it’s a lighter summer cologne for men, you can go up to 4-5. Some even spray into the air and walk through the mist for an even coverage. To make perfume last longer, apply right after a shower on moisturized skin (unscented lotion or a tiny bit of Vaseline on pulse points can hold fragrance longer). Also, storing your bottles properly helps. Keep them in a cool, dark place (not baking in your car or on a sunny shelf) to preserve the quality.
There’s no one-size-fits-all fragrance. The best perfume for men in UAE is ultimately the one that makes you feel like the best version of yourself. Maybe it’s the fresh smelling perfume that keeps you cool during a sweltering August day, or the best luxury perfume for men in UAE that you save for weddings and New Year’s parties, or perhaps a humble little bottle of concentrated oil from a souk that layers perfectly with everything you wear. Fragrance is deeply personal and wonderfully expressive.
