When a player who has lifted the Ballon d’Or and a former national team captain both put money into the same city’s real estate in the same week, it’s worth asking why. This October, Karim Benzema and Medhi Amine have done exactly that, adding their names to the growing list of global sports and entertainment figures who have chosen Dubai property.
Who Bought What
Karim Benzema has acquired several residential units in Mercedes-Benz Places | Binghatti City, including a luxury residence at Vision Iconic Tower, the largest tower in the masterplan, according to developer Binghatti. Binghatti’s chairman, Muhammad Binghatti, said the purchase reflects the position the company has achieved and its ability to attract a broad range of international investors.
Medhi Amine, the former Morocco captain who played at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, has bought an apartment in Eywa Tree of Life. Unlike a pure investment purchase, Amine is reportedly planning to relocate to Dubai permanently, making this a home as much as an asset.
They join a long list of celebrities with Dubai property, including Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Shilpa Shetty, Abhishek Bachchan, Tiger Shroff and cricketer Brett Lee.
Why Dubai Keeps Winning
Celebrity attention is a symptom, not the cause. The same factors that attract high-profile buyers apply to any international investor:
- No annual property tax and no capital gains tax, which lets owners keep more of their returns.
- Rental yields often in the 6–8% range, comfortably ahead of many global cities.
- Freehold ownership for foreigners in designated areas.
- Golden Visa pathways for qualifying purchases, offering long-term residency.
- Safety, infrastructure and global connectivity, which matter most to people who travel constantly.
Igor Karpikov, chief commercial officer at R.Evolution, points to privacy as a key draw: for people constantly in the public eye, the combination of connectivity, privacy and quality of life is especially valuable.
The Luxury Segment Is Booming
Citing Knight Frank, Karpikov noted that 296 homes priced above $10 million sold in Dubai in the first half of 2026, with a combined value of $5.1 billion. That’s a striking figure for a single six-month period, and it shows the top end of the market is deep and active, not driven by a few headline deals.
Two newer trends are also shaping what high-net-worth buyers look for:
- Wellness-focused real estate, supported by initiatives such as the newly established Dubai Longevity Authority.
- Branded and celebrity-linked residences, where Dubai already leads globally.
What This Means for Everyday Buyers
You don’t need a football career to benefit from the same fundamentals. The tax environment, yields and residency options that attract stars are available to any qualifying buyer, across a range of budgets and areas, not only at the ultra-luxury end.
A few practical takeaways:
- Look at fundamentals, not just names. A celebrity buyer is not a substitute for checking location, developer track record and payment plan.
- Compare yields across communities. The 6–8% range is a general figure; actual returns vary widely by area and property type.
- Check Golden Visa eligibility early if residency is part of your plan, as thresholds and conditions apply.
The Bottom Line
Benzema and Amine’s purchases are good headlines, but the real story is the consistency behind them: a market that keeps offering tax efficiency, solid yields, residency options and lifestyle in one place. Whether you’re buying a first investment or relocating for good, those are the reasons that matter.
Looking to explore Dubai property? Speak to the Grand Stone Realtors team for guidance tailored to your goals and budget.
Sources: Khaleej Times (8 October 2026); Binghatti; R.Evolution; Knight Frank.