What To Know
- From established icons to rising global figures, many have chosen Dubai not just as a second home, but as a place to settle, raise families and build businesses.
- Since relocating, he has remained active in football media and business, while enjoying a quieter family-focused lifestyle in the UAE.
- He has described the move as a way to escape distractions and public scrutiny, allowing for deeper concentration.
Dubai has steadily evolved into one of the world’s most attractive cities for global celebrities. Known for its safety, privacy, luxury lifestyle and international connectivity, the emirate continues to draw stars from Hollywood, Bollywood, sports and music. From established icons to rising global figures, many have chosen Dubai not just as a second home, but as a place to settle, raise families and build businesses.
Here are 12 famous personalities who call Dubai home.
Lindsay Lohan
Hollywood actor Lindsay Lohan has lived in Dubai since 2014, citing privacy and security as key reasons for her move. Away from the intense spotlight of Hollywood, she found a quieter life in the UAE. Lohan married Dubai-based financier Bader Shammas in 2022, and the couple welcomed their son, Luai, in 2023. She continues to work internationally while maintaining her base in the emirate.
Khamzat Chimaev
UFC star Khamzat Chimaev is based in Dubai, where he regularly trains at elite MMA facilities such as TKMMA Fit. Known for his dominant performances in the octagon, Chimaev has benefited from Dubai’s advanced sports infrastructure. His presence highlights the city’s growing reputation as a hub for combat sports and elite athletic training.
Vivek Oberoi
Bollywood actor Vivek Oberoi has made Dubai his long-term home, balancing family life with a strong focus on entrepreneurship. He has repeatedly praised the city’s safety, governance and business-friendly environment. Oberoi remains active in films while expanding his investments across real estate, startups and sustainable ventures from Dubai.
Sonu Nigam
One of India’s most celebrated singers, Sonu Nigam has lived in Dubai for several years. He frequently performs across the UAE and is deeply involved in regional cultural events. Known for embracing everyday life in the city, Nigam has spoken positively about Dubai’s convenience, often travelling via the Metro and engaging closely with the local community.
Sushmita Sen
Former Miss Universe and Bollywood actor Sushmita Sen resides in Dubai, where she manages her acting career alongside her business ventures. She co-owns a luxury jewellery brand and divides her time between professional commitments and family life. Dubai’s privacy and global connectivity have made it an ideal base for her multifaceted career.
Sanjay Dutt
Veteran Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt and his wife Maanayata have reportedly settled in Dubai with their twin children. The family values the city’s secure environment and international schooling options. While Dutt continues to travel frequently to India for film projects, Dubai remains his primary home.
Ronan Keating
Irish singer and former Boyzone star Ronan Keating relocated to Dubai with his wife Storm and their children in late 2024. He has spoken about enjoying the city’s lifestyle, family-friendly environment and outdoor living. Keating continues his music and broadcasting work while embracing life in the UAE.
R. Madhavan
Bollywood actor R. Madhavan moved to Dubai with his family to support his son Vedaant’s professional swimming ambitions. Dubai’s world-class sports facilities and international coaching opportunities played a key role in the decision. Madhavan remains active in Indian cinema while prioritising his son’s athletic development.
Chetan Bhagat
Bestselling author Chetan Bhagat recently relocated to Dubai to focus on writing and long-form creative work. He has described the move as a way to escape distractions and public scrutiny, allowing for deeper concentration. Dubai’s calm, structured lifestyle has helped him return to focused storytelling.
Lara Dutta & Mahesh Bhupathi
Former Miss Universe Lara Dutta and tennis legend Mahesh Bhupathi split their time between Mumbai and Dubai. Dutta has referred to Dubai as her “adopted home,” appreciating the balance it offers between work, family life and privacy. The city also supports Bhupathi’s ongoing involvement in sports and business ventures.
Rio Ferdinand
Former Manchester United and England footballer Rio Ferdinand moved to Dubai with his family, drawn by the city’s safety, climate and education options. Since relocating, he has remained active in football media and business, while enjoying a quieter family-focused lifestyle in the UAE.
Arabella Chi
British model and former Love Island star Arabella Chi relocated to Dubai with her partner Billy Henty and their daughter Gigi. Like many young public figures, she was attracted by Dubai’s lifestyle, security and growing influencer economy, marking a new chapter for her family.
Why Celebrities Keep Choosing Dubai
Beyond individual stories, Dubai’s appeal lies in its unmatched combination of safety, global connectivity, tax efficiency, luxury living and cultural diversity. With world-class infrastructure and a strong emphasis on privacy, the city continues to attract celebrities from every corner of the globe—proving that Dubai is no longer just a destination, but a place to call home.
