Why Did Lindsay Lohan Leave the United States? All About the “Freakier Friday ”Star’s Overseas Move

Lindsay Lohan’s Move to Dubai: A Closer Look at Her Life Overseas

Lindsay Lohan may have left the glitz and glamour of Hollywood behind, but she has found a new home in Dubai since 2015. The former Mean Girls star has lived in various cities like New York City, Los Angeles, London, and even Mykonos, Greece, where she opened her own beach club. However, she made the decision to settle in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, seeking refuge from the constant attention of the paparazzi that plagued her in the U.S.

In a revealing interview with Flaunt in November 2024, Lohan shared that her daily life in Dubai is not so different from what one would expect in other cities. She emphasised the privacy she values in Dubai, away from the watchful eyes of the media. The city’s time zone shift allows her to stay connected with her work in various locations, providing a sense of normalcy in her routine.

Lohan made the move to Dubai in 2015 after previously residing in London. She described the shift as happening organically, giving her the space to envision her next steps in life. Since moving, she has started a family with financier Bader Shammas, whom she married in 2022. The couple welcomed their son, Luai, in July 2023, further cementing their roots in the city.

For Lohan, the move to Dubai was driven by a desire for safety and privacy. In a candid conversation on Live with Kelly and Mark in July 2025, she highlighted the absence of paparazzi in Dubai, where taking photos of others without consent is not legal. This newfound sense of privacy has allowed her to focus on her personal and professional pursuits without the constant scrutiny she faced in the U.S.

It was in Dubai that Lohan crossed paths with her husband, Bader Shammas, at a local restaurant. Their connection was immediate, with Lohan expressing to Allure that she felt Shammas was the person she was destined to be with forever. The couple tied the knot in 2022, solidifying their bond in the city they now call home.

Living in Dubai has brought Lohan a sense of peace and serenity that she treasures. In an interview with Entertainment Tonight in December 2017, she spoke of the relief she found in being able to live away from the relentless public scrutiny she experienced in New York. The balance between her private and public life in Dubai has allowed her to focus on her aspirations without distractions.

While Lohan has not discussed the possibility of moving back to the U.S., she revealed in a May 2025 interview with Elle that she plans to spend more time in Dubai. With her son growing up, the couple is contemplating their future plans, including his education. The tranquillity and privacy of Dubai continue to offer Lohan a sense of security and freedom she treasures in her new life overseas.

In conclusion, Lindsay Lohan’s journey to Dubai represents a transition towards a more balanced and fulfilling life away from the intense spotlight of Hollywood. Her experience underscores the importance of privacy and personal space in shaping one’s well-being and priorities, leading her to embrace a new chapter in a city that offers her peace and the opportunity for personal growth.