Where Do Arab Celebrities Live? From Nancy Ajram, Ahlam Al Shamsi and Amr Diab, to Huda Kattan, Balqees Fathi and More

The city of Dubai has completely transformed from a modest port town to a magnet for international talent and regional royalty. With luxury real estate options from desert-edge estates to man-made island villas, it has attracted a bold mix of creatives, entrepreneurs and entertainers (and expats, of course). It has a growing population of over 3.5 million and a skyline of ever-changing silhouettes, which together make it the Middle East’s undisputed capital of aspiration.

Nadine Kanso
The Lebanese founder of breakthrough jewellery brand, Bil Arabi, has called Dubai her home for 25 years, but it is only now that she found a property to put her own stamp on. Nestled in the quietly luxe Port de La Mer district, it is an oasis of Levantine charm, with colours inspired by traditional homes in Beirut.

Abdulla Al Kaabi
With work by some of the most important Arab artists, including an ever-changing cast of life-size sculptures that occupy a theatre-style platform, Emirati filmmaker Abdulla Al Kaabi has created a colourful Dubai home brimming with all of his favourite things. Step inside this art-filled villa.

Huda Kattan
Oklahoma-born to Iraqi parents, Huda Kattan redefined beauty with the launch of Huda Beauty in 2013. Today, she runs her empire from a glitzy Palm Jumeirah villa – part glam room, part content studio. Huda’s sister, fellow beauty entrepreneur and Dubai Bling cast member, Mona Kattan, also lives on Palm Jumeirah. Step insider Mona’s Kayali Perfume HQ.

Hayla Ghazal, Content Creator & UN Ambassador
The Syrian-born YouTuber turned social advocate has long called Dubai home, balancing viral content with her work as a UN Change Ambassador for gender equality. Her bubbly persona and sharp business sense make her a staple at local fashion and media events.

Mohanad AlHattab, Comedian
With his sharp humour and satirical skits, Syrian-born Mohanad AlHattab has become a digital staple across the region. Now based in Dubai, he recently gave AD Middle East a peek inside his boldly designed home, offering a glimpse into the personality behind the punchlines.

Ali Al Sayed, Comedian
A trailblazer for comedy in the region, Emirati-born Ali Al Sayed founded Dubomedy Arts, the UAE’s first comedy school. He’s rooted in the cultural scene of Dubai and is a regular on the city’s creative circuits.

Dana Hourani, Lebanese Singer
Dana Hourani’s moody vocals and sculptural fashion sense have made her one of the most intriguing new voices in Arabic pop. Though she’s from Beirut, she spends much of her time in Dubai, recording music and collaborating with local designers.