Revealed: Celebrities that have made Dubai their second home

Dubai is home to a number of celebrities from Hollywood, Bollywood and the world of sports, attracted by the unmatched lifestyle, glamour of the city and safety.

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Some of celebrities include A-listed names with hundreds of millions of followers including superstars Shahrukh Khan, Bachchan family, football star David Beckham and his wife Victoria Beckham, world-renowned car racing driver Michael Schumacher, Hollywood heartthrob Brad Pitt, world-famous singer Madonna, Pakistan’s influential politicians The Bhutto family and the famous cricket-tennis duo Shoaib Malik and Sania Mirza among others.

Romika Fazeli, founder and managing director of Emirates World Club, a Dubai-based VIP-private members’ club, says it is the top-notch quality of life of the emirate that attracts celebrities to this beautiful city as their second home.

“Dubai is a city defined by its great cleanliness and safety as well as comfort of living. I have been living in Dubai for 13 years and I can say with 100 per cent certainty that the customer service we experience here is second to none. Every culture and nationality are not only accepted but also highly respected which makes everyone feeling home here,” she said.

“I also truly believe that one of the reasons why celebrities choose Dubai as their second home is the very well-respected privacy of everyone. Through my VIP-concierge company and my personal network, we experience that a lot of movies are also shot and produced here in Dubai. Speaking with the celebrities directly, I often hear that after spending time here, it’s very difficult for them to leave this beautiful city as they are very much impressed by the unique lifestyle.

“The work-life balance they can create and maintain for themselves here in Dubai is what celebrities highly appreciate too,” she added.

Below is the list of celebrities who have made Dubai as their second home.

Shahrukh Khan

The Indian film actor and producer is spotted quite often in Dubai either for film shootings or to spend a quality time with family here in the emirate. He owns a property at the prestigious Palm Jumeirah.

Sania Mirza/Shoaib Malik

The cricket-tennis duo also made Dubai as their second home after their marriage. The couple lives at the Palm Jumeirah.

David Beckham & Victoria Beckham

The British footballer and his singer/fashion designer wife are also residents of Palm Jumeirah, a man-made archipelago.

Huda Kattan

The Iraqi-American makeup artist, blogger and entrepreneur has also made Dubai as her second home. Kattan moved to Dubai in 2006 and since then made The Palm Jumeirah as her home.

The Bachchan family

Bollywood superstar family – The Bachchan family – also lives in The City’s high-end development Emirates Hills, which is an answer to America’s famous Beverly Hills. The family also owns a property in Jumeirah Golf Estate.

The Bhutto family

Pakistan’s famous political family had made Dubai as their second home a long time ago. They also live in Emirates Hills, a high-end gated community.

Shilpa Shetty

The Indian actress, film producer, dancer and businesswoman has made Downtown Dubai as her second home. A winner of UK reality show Celebrity Big Brother, Shilpa Shetty made her film debut in the thriller Baazigar in 1993. Shetty is also a fitness enthusiast and has launched her own yoga DVD in 2015.

Giorgio Armani

Founder of the famous Italian luxury fashion house Armani, is also a resident of Downtown Dubai. The 86-year-old billionaire has made his fortune not only in fashion but also in accessories, perfumes, interior designs, restaurants and real estate. Armani Hotel in Dubai’s Burj Khalifa is also designed by the Italian designer.

Mohanlal

The famous Malayalam actor also owns a house in Downtown and one in Arabian Ranches. He had also established a restaurant in Dubai called Tastebuds. Describes himself as a religious and spiritual person, Mohanlal’s career spans four decades and has acted in more than 340 films.

Michael Schumacher

The German car racing driver owns an island on the World Islands, located a few kilometres from Jumeirah. The 52-year-old announced his retirement from the sport in 2012 and holds the record for the most-fastest laps and most races won in a single season, among others.

Brad Pitt

Winner of Golden Globe Awards and Academy Awards for his action, 57-year-old American actor is also a resident of the World Islands. Brad Pitt has paid a visit to the UAE a few times.

Madonna

The American singer and actress, also known as ‘Queen of Pop’, owns a mansion on The World Islands, an artificial archipelago in the Arabian Gulf in Dubai. There are also many other celebrities that have made The World Islands as their second home.

Hilary Swank

Hilary Swank also calls Dubai her home as she owns a mansion at The World Islands. Swank has earned many accolades including two Academy Awards, two Golden Globe Awards and two Critics Awards among others.

Roger Federer

The Swiss tennis player is also a Dubai resident, owning a house in Dubai Marina, an affluent residential neighbourhood known for The Beach.

Amir Khan (Boxer)

A British professional boxer, promoter and philanthropist, Khan owns a unit in District One. Khan regularly commutes between the UK and Pakistan and is also spotted in Dubai often.

Sohail Khan

A well-known name in the Bollywood industry, Sohail Khan, an Indian film actor, director and producer, is the younger brother of Bollywood superstar Salman Khan and Arbaaz Khan. Sohail Khan owns a property in Business Bay.

-waheedabbas@khaleejtimes.com