From the UK to the UAE: Which celebrities have moved to Dubai – Dubai today leads not only in global economic rankings but also stands among the most popular destinations for relocation. The emirate attracts both young professionals seeking career growth and accomplished experts looking for a blend of comfort, safety, and international opportunities. Each year, more and more well-known personalities choose Dubai as their new home. Their stories differ, but the reasons behind their decisions often overlap.
One of the strongest motivators is the favourable tax environment: the UAE has no income tax, allowing high-earning individuals to optimise expenses and allocate more capital toward investments. Safety is another decisive factor – Dubai consistently ranks among the safest cities in the world, and the UAE’s strict privacy laws protect residents from intrusive paparazzi and unauthorized publication of personal images. This level of confidentiality is particularly valued in the entertainment industry, something Lindsay Lohan, for example, has highlighted in interviews. Well-known Britons Who Have Relocated to Dubai
Journalist Isabel Oakeshott
British journalist Isabel Oakeshott officially announced her relocation to Dubai in 2025. One of the key reasons she cited was dissatisfaction with the rising cost of private education in the UK, including the newly introduced VAT, which significantly increased school fees. In the UAE, she saw an opportunity to provide her children with high-quality education while having clearer, more predictable expenses, as well as enjoying greater safety and a stable climate. Her decision became one of the most discussed topics in British media.
Journalist and author Peter Cooper
British writer and commentator Peter Cooper is one of those who not only moved to Dubai but also became part of its media landscape. For many years he has worked in Dubai Media City, contributing to business journalism and becoming one of the most recognisable English-language commentators in the region. Although he continues to travel and work internationally, Dubai remains his primary professional base.
Entrepreneur Maximillian White
British-Jamaican entrepreneur Maximillian White is based in Dubai and develops projects in real estate, technology, and hospitality. For him, the emirate offers an ideal environment for managing global business: zero income tax, flexible corporate regulations, and strong demand for premium property all contribute to a favourable climate for growth.
Musician Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens)
Legendary singer and songwriter Yusuf Islam spends part of the year in Dubai and is deeply involved in charitable and educational initiatives across the region. For him, the emirate is a peaceful base that allows him to focus on humanitarian work away from excessive media attention.
TV presenter Layne Redman
Layne Redman is one of the early British media figures who saw Dubai’s potential long before it became globally fashionable. He moved to the emirate in 2002, built a successful career on English-language television in the UAE, and has since become a well-known media personality. His story is often cited as an example of successful integration of international professionals into the local entertainment industry.
TV personality and reality star Caroline Stanbury
Caroline Stanbury moved to Dubai several years ago with her family. She has openly shared that London no longer provided the level of comfort and emotional balance she wanted. In Dubai, she found what she describes as a sunny lifestyle: spacious homes, safety, high-quality services, and a climate that allows for an active family life all year round.
David and Victoria Beckham – property owners on Palm Jumeirah
Although David and Victoria Beckham have not fully relocated to Dubai, the emirate has long served as their second home. The family owns a luxurious villa on Palm Jumeirah and an apartment in Burj Khalifa, spending a significant part of the year in the city. Their investment in Dubai property is often cited as an example of a profitable long-term purchase: real estate in prestigious areas continues to demonstrate strong price growth and high liquidity.
Relocating to the emirate is no longer a choice limited to athletes or investors. Today, Dubai has become a universal destination for entrepreneurs, media personalities, creative professionals, and families with children – for anyone seeking a balance of dynamism, security, and high quality of life. And regardless of your relocation goals or length of stay, Estate Invest will help you find the right property in Dubai for purchase or rent. We will offer the best options in well-developed districts and provide professional support at every stage of the transaction.
Poppy Watt