From Federer to Beckham: Meet the sports stars who own homes in Dubai

As Heather Watson considers joining the list of international sporting stars to be infatuated by Dubai. Let's take a look at the famous athletes who own homes in the UAE city:

ROGER FEDERER: Perhaps one of the most famous of them all, Federer’s presence in Dubai is always low-key. The Swiss enjoys his time at the multi-bedroom apartment located at the Le Reve Tower in Dubai Marina. In the past, the Swiss ace has used Dubai as an ideal location to continue with his pre-season preparations.

DAVID BECKHAM: The England star landed a seven-bedroom villa on the waterfront of Palm Island way back in 2002. However, the former Manchester United star handed over the keys of the place to wife Victoria Beckham’s parents, in 2008. In 2009, the footballer is said to have purchased an apartment in the world’s tallest tower, the Burj Khalifa.

MICHAEL SCHUMACHER: The seven-time Formula One world champion was given a place on The World Islands’ Antarctica as a retirement gift. However, an unfortunate skiing accident in 2013 meant the star driver has been in rehabilitation at home in Germany ever since.

BORIS BECKER: Former Wimbledon champion Becker had put his name to a business district 19-storey tower. Since then, Becker has been a regular visitor to Dubai, his most recent trip coming at the behest of the Dubai Sports Council to attend the opening of the Nad Al Sheba Ramadan Sports Festival held annually during Ramadan.

KRISTINA MLADENOVIC: The world No. 1 tennis doubles player from France has had a home in the Dubai Marina area for the past few years. She is regularly seen using training facilities at various clubs and schools in the area while preparing for the season ahead.

ED JONES: Born in Dubai, 2016 Indy Lights champion Jones from Great Britain continues to live in the UAE. He joined the IndyCar Series in 2017 and was placed third at Indianapolis 500. During 2020, Jones raced in the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters for the Audi Sport Team WRT.

JELENA JANKOVIC: The former world No. 1 in women’s tennis who counts her singles win at the Al Habtoor Tennis Challenge as one of her career highlights, now owns an apartment at the Dubai Marina. Given her early love for the place, the Serbian bought a place here many years back, and is now a regular visitor at various sports events.

AMIR KHAN: The British boxer of Pakistani origin recently announced his decision to make Dubai his home. Though still living in Bolton, Khan is a regular face at various events endorsed by the Dubai Sports Council, who in fact, have handed the 34-year-old with a permanent residence permit in the country.