Lifestyles of The Rich and Famous in Dubai

It’s no surprise that Dubai has become a leading destination for the world’s wealthiest individuals. Thanks to its attractive tax policies, thriving luxury real estate market, and exclusive residency schemes, Dubai has secured its place as a global hotspot for the elite.

Dubai is now home to over 81,200 resident millionaires, including 237 centi-millionaires and 20 billionaires, according to the World’s Wealthiest Cities Report 2025.

The emirate has recorded the highest global influx of ultra-rich individuals, with over 4,500 new high-net-worth-individuals (HNWIs) relocating to the city in the past year alone. This migration is fuelling extensive growth in the luxury real estate market, which in 2024 alone saw 435 home sales surpass USD $10 million.

Celebrities Living in Dubai

From tech moguls to sports icons, many famous individuals have chosen to make Dubai their permanent residence. Pavel Durov, founder of Telegram, and Michael Platt, the UK’s wealthiest hedge fund manager, are just two of the billionaires calling Dubai home.

Among the long list of famous people living in Dubai are:

• Lindsay Lohan, who moved in 2014 to enjoy the privacy and exclusivity Dubai offers.
• Michael Schumacher, the legendary F1 driver, who owns a stunning estate featuring a golf course, tennis court, and private beach.
• Rio Ferdinand, the football legend, who relocated for the safe family-friendly lifestyle.
• David and Victoria Beckham, who invested in a luxurious Burj Khalifa condo valued at over $16 million.

Dubai’s Luxurious Lifestyle

The Dubai lifestyle is constantly evolving to accommodate for the influx of wealthy residents. From private chefs and stylists to elite wellness retreats and concierge services, luxury here is built into everyday life.

Julius Baer’s Global Wealth & Lifestyle Report 2025 ranks Dubai as one of the most premium cities worldwide for high-end hospitality and personal services. Popular neighborhoods like Emirates Hills and Palm Jumeirah are lined with homes featuring private elevators, infinity pools, and custom interiors by global designers.

Standard lifestyle features for Dubai’s top residents include:

• 24/7 concierge and valet services
• Private chefs
• Personal trainers, stylists, shoppers
• Access to elite beach clubs, wellness retreats, etc.

In Dubai, luxury isn't optional. It’s the standard.

Fine Dining and Elite Experiences

Dubai is home to 80% of the UAE’s fine dining venues, including 19 Michelin-starred restaurants, with Chef’s Pencil ranking the city as the fifth most expensive destination for fine dining globally.

Simple dishes like salmon and caviar at Ossiano, located inside the Atlantis aquarium, can cost over $300 and they’re in high demand. The extravagance extends to wine, with 67.9% of bottles in top-tier Dubai restaurants being priced above $200, the highest proportion of cities surveyed.

Elite Aviation and 7-Star Living

The surge in Dubai’s millionaire population has led to an explosion in private travel. In 2024, Dubai’s private aviation reached new heights, with a record-breaking ~18,000 private jet movements recorded.

For Dubai’s elite, private jets are used for both business and leisure, with clients typically spending between $10 million and $30 million to acquire larger jets that can accommodate generous party sizes.

Sky-High Living

In Dubai, bigger is not just better; it’s expected.

The Royal Suite at Waldorf Astoria Palm Jumeirah spans over 1,500 sqm, offering private elevator access and 360-degree Gulf views, with fine dining curated by a three-MICHELIN-star chef.

Set to open in late 2025, Ciel Dubai Marina, a project by The First Group, will become the world’s tallest hotel when it opens. With its record-breaking infinity pool and luxury spa, this architectural award-winner further highlights the extravagance and opulence Dubai continues to bring.

Gold, Cars & Jewellery

Dubai’s luxury goes beyond homes and jets. The latest report from the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre reported $129B of gold flowed through Dubai in 2024, with Dubai overtaking the UK capital as the second-largest global gold hub.

So, it isn’t unusual to see ATMs dispensing 24-karat gold coins, bars and medallions in iconic locations like the Burj Khalifa. Updated in real time to reflect global gold prices, they’re a favourite among collectors, tourists and residents.

A rising status symbol among elites in Dubai are customised number plates. Billionaire businessman Arif Ahmad Al Zarouni famously paid AED 18 million for the coveted “Sharjah No.1” plate. Auctions for exclusive plates regularly fetch millions and lead to fierce bidding wars.

The rise of social media has also given insights into the rich lifestyle celebrated in Dubai. Recent posts from influencers living in Dubai showcase:

• A 50-carat Bulgari Serpenti bracelet worth $75,000
• A $1 million emerald-clustered diamond watch from Harry Winston
• Bespoke abayas stitched with gold thread and encrusted with diamonds
• Limited-edition Hermès bags and custom sneakers made from exotic skins

Dubai: A Global Benchmark for Lifestyle

With its glittering skyline, celebrity residents, and unmatched standard of living, Dubai offers a luxurious lifestyle that’s setting a global benchmark. From the glamorous homes of famous people living in Dubai, to the everyday extravagance that defines life here, there’s no doubt that Dubai is the ultimate destination for those seeking the extraordinary.