Dubai is home to many A-listers from Hollywood, Bollywood, and the Arab World. After all, who wouldn’t want to live in one of the most luxurious cities in the world? Let’s look at some of the celebrities who have chosen to live in Dubai.
Giorgio Armani
Giorgio Armani, a name that needs no introduction, has a home in Dubai. He also received the prestigious UAE Golden Visa in 2021. The 87-year-old fashion guru is thrilled about his life in Dubai. His contribution to the emirate’s tourism industry can be seen in the beautiful Armani Residences – envisioned by the fashion icon himself – located at the iconic Burj Khalifa.
Lindsay Lohan
One of the most popular people who have a home in Dubai is, without a doubt, Hollywood diva Lindsay Lohan. The “Mean Girls” star confirmed her residence in Dubai in April 2020. Ms. Lohan has been living in Dubai for over seven years. She is married to Bader Shammas, a financier at Credit Suisse — a Dubai resident too.
Madhavan
Another celebrity who lives in Dubai is R. Madhavan. The Indian star moved to the Emirates in 2021 along with his wife and son Vedaant to prepare for the 2026 Olympics. Madhavan’s son Vedaant is a national swimming champion with the aspiration to be a gold-winning Olympian.
Yusuf Islam
Yusuf Islam, popularly known as Cat Stevens, is a Dubai resident as well. The former British pop star speaks about his life in the UAE in interviews with international media outlets. He also shares glimpses of his life in Dubai on his social media accounts. Yusuf Islam is actively involved in charity work and is currently working on a special project in Dubai.
Roger Federer
Tennis champion Roger Federer resides in a stunning penthouse atop the Le Reve, one of Dubai’s most prestigious residential towers. Spanning a spacious 567 sq.m., the opulent apartment features five luxurious bedrooms, each with an en suite bathroom. A private terrace of approximately 80 sq. m. offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Dubai Marina and the iconic Burj Khalifa. Federer, a known admirer of Dubai’s lifestyle and climate, reportedly uses this magnificent property as his winter retreat.
Amir Khan
Amir Khan is another popular celebrity who resides in Dubai. The ace boxer says that living here has opened doors to more opportunities. Khan calls Dubai his second home and lives here occasionally with his family. He has plans to promote boxing amongst the emirate’s denizens. Fans have also spotted Khan with his wife at several high-end cafes and restaurants in Dubai.
Michel Salgado
Spanish football legend Michel Salgado is another celebrity with a home in Dubai. The athlete is popularly known amongst his fans by the nickname “II Due” and is famed for his combative play. Salgado played for 10 years for Real Madrid in 29 league games during his first season.
This helped the football club secure a win at the UEFA Champions League. The football star has played for Blackburn Rovers as well. The champion currently leads his Dubai-based football club Fursan Hispania. He is known to share his experience with the youth and help them improve their techniques.
Nicolas Anelka
The former Arsenal striker is the subject of “Anelka: Misunderstood,” which came out on Netflix. The documentary explores the ups and downs of Anelka’s career, during which he played for Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester City.
The Frenchman now lives in Dubai with his wife and three children, and much of the 94-minute Netflix documentary is filmed in the city. The opening sequence shows wide shots of a lone Anelka walking through the Dubai desert, while many scenes show him going about everyday family life with his children in his apartment, as well as shots of him out and about in the city, including an evening playing football close to a mosque at Kite Beach.
Dwight Yorke
Another footballer who calls Dubai home is Dwight Yorke. The former Aston Villa and Manchester United player is regularly spotted improving his swing by playing golf at Emirates Golf Club and out for dinner at restaurants including Hell’s Kitchen.
Huda Kattan
One of Dubai’s most famous residents is beauty entrepreneur Huda Kattan, who lives in the city along with sisters, Mona and Alya. In an interview, she said: “We are lucky because we are in Dubai, and Dubai is super progressive, especially compared to other parts of the Middle East. And they love beauty here [so] that is great.” Kattan has been married to Christopher Goncalo since 2008; the couple met at high school. They have a daughter, Nour, 9.
Dubai truly shines with the presence of these stars, adding to its allure and charm. For residents and visitors alike, spotting a celebrity might just be another day in the glamorous city of Dubai.
