Dubai has established itself as a world-class destination for luxury-lovers from around the world seeking an amiable climate, lively nightlife, great restaurants and homes within its modern architecture. From Hollywood stars to renowned athletes and fashion designers, the rich and famous fancy Dubai for their temporary getaways or permanent residences, and it isn’t difficult to see why.
Walk around the city, and you’re likely to run into Lindsay Lohan, who’s been living in Dubai for eight years, or Yusuf Islam, formerly known as Cat Stevens, who also calls the city home. Sports celebrities such as Roger Federer and Michel Salgado also have property in Dubai and spend their holidays there.
Next time you’re visiting the popular UAE city, consider yourself in good company. Here, we take a look at some of the notable celebrities who own property here.
David and Victoria Beckham
One of England’s most famous couples, David and Victoria Beckham have owned property in Dubai for more than two decades. They first bought a luxury villa on Palm Jumeirah in 2002 for $1.6 million and in 2009, they gave it to Victoria’s parents, as it was reported that they didn’t get to spend much time there. At the time of the gift, the property was valued at $9.9 million.
The couple is very private about their Dubai properties, however, a video posted on Instagram of the Palm Jumeirah home shows it has an outdoor concrete pool with pedestals around it. In 2009, they bought another home in the Burj Khalifa for around $5 million.
Giorgio Armani
Giorgio Armani, the Italian fashion designer and founder of the Armani luxury fashion brand, is also betting on Dubai’s potential. In 2010, the designer partnered with Emaar Properties to develop the Armani Residences at Burj Khalifa. The resort features eight restaurants, a spa, retail outlets, and 160 rooms and suites, as well as 144 private residencies.
The bedrooms are furnished with Armani furniture and have views of other buildings in the city, such as the opera and the fountain. The entire concept of the hotel is overseen and designed by Giorgio Armani, following the luxurious aesthetics of his brand. In 2021, Armani was granted a golden visa, allowing him to stay in Dubai for 10 years.
Hilary Swank
Hollywood actress Hilary Swank has also been involved in the development and growth of The World. In 2008, she took part in Aquitania, a project developed within the archipelago which is named after an ancient French region, where she acted as a host. The project, which took place on the island that represents Spain and France, was led by Select Group and Select Property and also featured singer Kelly Rowland.
After the initial boom, the project suffered some setbacks but regained its value a few years later. Swank’s property is located in this area, but its features and price have not been disclosed, however, on average properties in this region cost around $17 million.
Madonna
The Queen of Pop, Madonna, is also famous for her luxurious taste in property and, like Michael Schumacher, she owns a piece of The World. Her home is in the area that represents Europe and the property has a 0.8-mile private beach where she has her own marina.
The living room of Madonna’s Dubai home is underwater, so she can watch marine life swim by while she relaxes. The star is believed to have paid over $17.3 million for her luxurious island mansion and one of the main attractions of The World’s Islands is the privacy that’s afforded to its residents.
Michael Schumacher
One of the world’s most famous Formula One drivers, Michael Schumacher is the owner of an entire island in the city. The island is part of the ‘The World’ archipelago and was gifted to Schumacher by Dubai’s Crown Prince, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, in 2006. It was intended to be a retirement present for Schumacher after the Brazilian Grand Prix, but he kept on driving.
The island has a large harbour, a heliport, and a glass mansion and in 2021 was valued at around $7 million. The World islands were designed to represent the different continents, and Schumacher’s island is located in Antarctica.
The bottom line
Dubai offers many advantages if you’re looking for peace, comfort, good weather and a lavish lifestyle. Properties in the Emirates are luxurious, and most have private beaches and marinas, while also being close to restaurants, sports facilities, and other leisure areas where you can spend your days.
Man-made developments, such as The World Islands and Palm Islands, are a great option for buying property for holidays. Permanent relocation is also an option as the city of Dubai is brimming with opportunity, where you live near these popular developments or reside in the Downtown area, where you’ll be close to the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa.
