The movers and shakers from around the world are choosing to make the desert their city of dreams.
It seems like everyone’s doing it from your fave British telly star, that American influencer you stalk on Instagram, maybe even your old school crush. Dubai (and the wider UAE) isn’t just a luxury holiday hotspot anymore as it’s becoming the place to live.
And why wouldn’t it be? Tax-free salaries, epic mansions, world-class shopping, the world’s highest/biggest/brightest of everything plus sun 360 days a year. And, let’s be honest, some serious flexing potential.
Here’s why celebrities can’t get enough of the UAE.
Tax-Free Living, Baby!
No income tax = more money for designer threads, private jets, or a pool shaped like a yacht (of course.) Stars and HNWI are clocking the obvious: why pay London or LA taxes when you can keep it all in Dubai? It’s not just about the money though, many are also attracted by the UAE’s business-friendly environment, making it easier to launch brands, collabs, or side hustles. This includes everyone from the founder of Revolut to someone on Love Island’s Casa Amour six years ago.
Come for the skyline, but stay for the tax-free living!
Safety, Privacy, and #AestheticGoals
Celebs love their privacy, and the UAE delivers. Low crime, strict security, and gated compounds mean that you can stroll out of your mansion in joggers without the paparazzi in tow. Add in beaches, desert dunes, and a glittering skyline, and you’ve got Instagram content and peace of mind.
Marvel at the iconic architecture that sees futuristic structures rising out of the desert dunes.
The Ultimate Travel Hub
Dubai sits smack-dab between Europe, Asia, and Africa. That means no more 12-hour flights just to shoot a campaign in Paris or New York. British stars, American influencers, and even athletes are loving the easy access to major cities while still having a luxurious home base. It makes those wellness trips to Bali a simple 9-hour flight and oh so much more appealing!
Influencer haven Bali, Indonesia is just a 9-hour flight from the UAE.
World Class Dining & Entertainment
Zuma, Nobu, Bulgari, Nikki Beach, Hakkasan, LPM – they’re all here. And the luxury F&B scene is just teeming with new arrivals. There’s nowhere in the world that spoils you more than Dubai and Abu Dhabi with its close concentration of gold class bars, restaurants, nightlife and beach clubs. Hanging out at the bar at Zuma on a Friday? You might just spot a tennis star or actor getting their glass of sake.
Zuma is regularly voted as one of the world’s best bars and dining spots.
Who’s Here Already?
From footballers to influencers, the UAE is slowly turning into a celeb playground. Here’s who’s officially swapped their old stomping grounds for desert sun:
Kate & Rio Ferdinand (UK)
The couple has relocated to Dubai with their kids, sharing glimpses of their mansion with luxe interiors and that pool everyone’s jealous of. Kate recently teased, “We’re loving the space, the sun, and the family time, plus, no tax stress!”
Nik Storonsky
The Revolut co-founder moved to the UAE, citing a more business-friendly environment and, of course, the appeal of keeping his hard-earned pounds in his pocket.
Huda Kattan
The juggernaut beauty brand Huda Kattan has its HQ in Dubai and queen of makeup herself Huda is based here after moving with her family from the USA in 2006. Where better than the city of opulent wealth, beautiful women and tax free income?
Lindsay Lohan
Former wild child and movie star Lindsay (October 3rd, anyone?) moved to the Emirates in 2014 with her now-husband Bader Shammas. Wanting to escape the paparazzi and lead a quieter life, Lindsay has also had something of a glow-up recently and a return to notable acting roles. Apparently the simple luxe life is just what she needs.
British Influencers
Love or loathe them, the city is a veritable playground for influencers with endless career opportunities and aesthetic goals. Celebs like Molly Mae visit often, while TOWIE’s Amber Turner reportedly spends most of her time here, and popular YouTuber Oli White has also recently upped sticks and relocated from London to Dubai. A wave of lesser known creators and influencers are also staking their claims in Dubai, enjoying the tax perks, sprawling villas, and endless content opportunities.
TOWIE’s Amber Turner making the most of Dubai’s sunny climate.
Rumour has it more stars are quietly scouting luxury pads in Palm Jumeirah and Al Marjan Island. It’s only a matter of time before your Instagram feed is even more bursting with celeb-worthy desert snaps. With rising crime and issues in the UK and North America, it’s no wonder people are flocking to the UAE. And with so many other perks aside from the weather and no income tax, we don’t see this influx in any way slowing down.
For celebs, the UAE isn’t just a temporary getaway, it’s a total lifestyle upgrade. So it’s no wonder the desert is quickly becoming the new Hollywood Hills.
