Meydan
Nabeel (2015)

Meydan is possibly the most complex scent in the Spirit of Dubai stable. Revolving around a core of metallic synth oud wrapped in ashy leather, it has an intriguing push-pull texture. This nugget of dry-milky leather is itself wrapped up in another layer, this time consisting of waxy green aromatics, herbs, and a touch of dry rose. The green freshness suggested by the aromatics works very well as a counterpoint to the main backdrop of the perfume, which is balsamic, satiny, and smoky.

The core leather note becomes ever smokier, and drier, and, perhaps inevitably, suggestive of the sawdust dryness of the leather Tom Ford Tuscan Leather. It is hard to do a modern oudy leather without invoking the ghost of Tuscan Leather. At least one entry in the line-up of most nouveau niche brands is a riff on Tuscan Leather. However, without the raspberry note of the Tom Ford to brighten the heart, the leather in Meydan is darker, and more somber in mood. The leather accord also has the stout, embroidered incense richness of several Clive Christian masculines.

The fact that it reads like a greatest hits tour of masculine niche favorites from the last 20 years doesn’t detract from Meydan’s loveliness. In fact, it improves upon many of the scents it references. For example, although the ashy, creamy leather accord is like that of Tom Ford’s Tuscan Leather, Meydan presents a far richer, more brilliant version. It is also more durable. The waxy, green leafiness of the artemisia and cypress are fresher counterparts to the ashy leather than fruit notes, and the whole fragrance is imbued with a glowering moodiness that is missing from the Tom Ford.

The smoky incense in the base brings a metallic intensity to the scent that is distinctive without being derivative. The ever-present The Spirit of Dubai woody ambers are present and correct, so watch out if you are sensitive. To my nose, however, they only exert their chemical heat once the brilliant richness of the other notes has faded, well past hour ten of the scent’s useful life.

The fragrance is a straightforward leather and musk combination, with a dominant focus on the leather note. It's a powerful scent that lasts for a long time. While it's a bit linear and doesn't evolve much over time, it's an excellent option if you're a leather enthusiast. However, if you're looking for a fragrance with more complexity and depth, this one might not satisfy your expectations.

Probably the best leather scent available. My personal favorite. Absolutely full-bottle-worthy for fans of clean leather scents. Even at the eye-watering prices asked for Spirit Of Dubai scents.

The details in Vmaster's review cover the fragrance characteristics quite well.

Presentation is just this side of tacky, but could easily be seen as opulent and luxurious.

Rating: Extraordinary (4.95/5). Enthusiastically recommended!

Dubai Meydan is part of the first generation from The Spirit of Dubai collection of house Nabeel, in the UAE.

Website decription:
"Dubai Meydan is a leathery oriental fragrance inspired by the nobility of the Arabian stallion and the royal green fields of the playground."

Playground, meaning horse racing track.

I get leather, woody, smoky, spicy, resins, fruit, green, and oriental notes.

This is one of the best "clean-smelling" leather fragrances I have come across, and is currently in my top 10 all-time favorites.

Actual notes, according to their website:

TOP NOTES
Grapefruit, Lavender, Artemisia, Cardamom, Cinnamon, Cypress, Saffron, Bergamot, Apple, Nutmeg, Styrax

MIDDLE NOTES
Tobacco, Kharismal (Hedione), Cashmeran, Jasmine, Muguet, Geranium, Agarwood, Labdanum, Cedarwood, Cyprus

BASE NOTES
Oud, Musk, Patchouli, Sandalwood, Leather, Gajak, Vanilla, Tonka, Vetiver, Amber, Benzoin/tolu

OLFACTIVE FAMILY
Oriental - Ambery – Leathery

Longevity is well over 12 hours, and can be worn year-round.

The house sells samples of their fragrances, so you can try before you commit to a full bottle.


10/10