French football star Karim Benzema and footballer Medhi Amine have bought properties in Dubai, joining a growing number of sports celebrities who have made the emirate their home. Amine bought a property as he prepares to relocate to Dubai.

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, developer Binghatti said.

The purchase comes amid strong sales momentum in the market and for the developer, driven by growing demand from global celebrities, international investors and high-net-worth individuals.

Dubai's property market has attracted global celebrities, thanks to the absence of annual property and capital gains taxes, allowing investors to retain more of their returns. Rental yields, often between 6 and 8 per cent, comfortably outperform those in many global cities. Foreign nationals can own freehold property in designated areas, while qualifying purchases may lead to long-term residency through the Golden Visa programme. Dubai's world-class infrastructure, strong safety record and cosmopolitan lifestyle further enhance its appeal.

Many other celebrities from the entertainment and sports fields have bought properties in the emirate, including Tiger Shroff, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Brett Lee, Shilpa Shetty, Abhishek Bachchan and many others.

Muhammad Binghatti, chairman of Binghatti, said the French footballer's decision to invest "reflects the position the company has achieved" and its ability to create projects that attract a broad segment of international investors and prominent celebrities.

"Our ambition has always been to introduce a distinctive approach to real estate development, one that originates in Dubai and reaches the world," he said.

(Source: Khaleej Times)