In recent years, Dubai has become a favorite destination for celebrities around the world thanks to its luxurious lifestyle, stunning coastal projects and tax-free investment benefits. From Hollywood stars to sports icons, many celebrities own homes or partner in projects in Dubai.
Palm Jumeirah: Luxury Villas
As one of the city’s landmarks, Palm Jumeirah offers exclusive and prestigious living spaces for celebrities. In this section, we focus on investments in Palm Jumeirah, where Dubai’s most remarkable luxury villas are located, and detail the investments of celebrities in this unique project.
David & Victoria Beckham
Footballer David Beckham and his designer wife Victoria Beckham bought a 7-bedroom villa on the Palm Jumeirah in 2002, and in 2009 they acquired a residential apartment in Dubai’s landmark Burj Khalifa. The Beckham couple have been involved in the Dubai real estate market for nearly 20 years and regularly visit the city.
Cristiano Ronaldo
World-renowned soccer star Ronaldo purchased a luxury mansion on the Palm Jumeirah in 2019 for around AED 23 million. His villa includes a private movie theater, state-of-the-art gym and direct access to the beach. After his transfer to Saudi Arabia, he was involved in a new project in Dubai in 2023. His villa, built on a private plot on Jumeirah Bay Island, is located 8 km from the city center, in a location that prioritizes privacy and security.
Shilpa Shetty (Bollywood Actress)
It is known that Shilpa Shetty bought a villa on the Palm Jumeirah after selling her apartment, which was initially gifted by her husband Raj Kundra from Burj Khalifa, after finding it “small”. Thus, Shetty joined the ranks of celebrities who own a detached villa in Dubai.
Amir Khan (Boxing Champion)
In 2017, British boxer Amir Khan purchased a villa worth around AED 10 million from the Sanctuary Falls project in Jumeirah Golf Estates. This luxury villa has a private gym, swimming pool and a large garden. Khan often posts on social media from his home in Dubai, sharing the city’s lifestyle with his followers.
Other Major Projects and Investments
Dubai’s real estate investments are not limited to Palm Jumeirah, but are also visible in different parts of the city. In this section, we take a look at the investments made by celebrities in different prestigious projects in Dubai, highlighting prominent projects in both residential and commercial real estate.
Roger Federer
Legendary Swiss tennis player Roger Federer owns a penthouse apartment in the Dubai Marina area, which he purchased in 2014 from the ultra-luxury residence Le Rêve. The apartment, valued at around AED 12 million, boasts spectacular marina views and a spacious 6-bedroom layout. Federer describes Dubai’s climate and amenities as “the perfect getaway”.
Abhishek & Aishwarya Rai Bachchan
Bollywood’s famous couple Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai purchased a luxury villa at the Sanctuary Falls project in Jumeirah Golf Estates in 2013. The couple also reportedly owns a mansion in Emirates Hills. These areas are Dubai’s most exclusive villa projects, famous for their golf courses and green spaces.
Will Smith
Hollywood star Will Smith is among the names who express his love for Dubai at every opportunity. Smith, who bought a villa worth an estimated AED 30 million in the luxury development called The Hills near Emirates Hills, describes Dubai as “where I go when I want to have fun”. He is also impressed by the culture and energy in the city, which he often visits with his family.
Reasons Why Celebrities Prefer Dubai
There are many factors behind celebrities investing in Dubai. In this section, we will examine the main reasons why Dubai offers luxury living spaces, tax advantages, privacy and security, and we will examine the details of why celebrity investors prefer this city.
- Luxury Lifestyle and Unique Projects: Projects such as Palm Jumeirah, Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai offer celebrities a privileged lifestyle, offering lavish villas, penthouse apartments and even private islands.
- Tax Advantages: The absence of income or capital gains tax in the United Arab Emirates is a significant advantage for high-earning celebrities, increasing the net return on investments.
- Privacy and Security: Dubai is noted for its strict privacy laws and safe living conditions. The absence of paparazzi culture and the prohibition of unauthorized photo shoots allow celebrities to feel more comfortable and secure.
- World City and Location: With international air links, year-round sunshine and luxury hotels, Dubai is a central vacation and business destination between Europe, Asia and the Americas. Many celebrities describe Dubai as a “second home” or “getaway”.
Dubai has become an attractive city for celebrities thanks to its luxury real estate, return on investment, privacy and quality of life. From beachfront villas on the Palm Jumeirah to skyscraper apartments on the Burj Khalifa, from The World islands to prestigious residential projects, these investments have boosted Dubai’s global popularity and celebrities are taking advantage of the city’s unique lifestyle.
