Lindsay Lohan finds peace and privacy in Dubai, prioritizing family life away from Hollywood’s spotlight and paparazzi.
Actress Lindsay Lohan, widely known for her roles in The Parent Trap and Mean Girls, has spent much of the past decade living in Dubai. She recently opened up about why she left Los Angeles in 2014, highlighting her desire to escape the relentless attention of paparazzi and to lead a more normal life. Lohan emphasized the importance of privacy in her decision to relocate and how living in Dubai has changed her day-to-day experiences.
Privacy Protections and a Safer Environment
During a conversation on LIVE with Kelly and Mark, Lohan explained that Dubai’s strict privacy laws played a significant role in her feeling protected. She noted that taking photographs without consent is illegal in the region, especially in places like restaurants. Lohan said,
“It’s just far away from Hollywood. And I live a very normal life. There’s no worry of like, I can’t go eat at this place because someone’s going to take a picture of my son. I feel very safe.”
She continued,
“It’s not legal. You can’t even take a picture of someone else if you’re at a restaurant. You have to ask the person. Which is a big difference. The privacy is unique.”
Comparing Stressful Life in Los Angeles to Calm in Dubai
Lohan also shared with Ellemagazine that simple outings in Los Angeles used to cause constant anxiety due to media scrutiny. She recalled,
“It’s hard in L.A. Even taking my son to the park in L.A., I get stressed. I’m like, ‘Are there cameras?’”
In contrast, she described her experience in Dubai by saying,
“In Dubai I get all of those things. I get the peace, I get the space. I don’t have to worry there; I feel safe.”
The Impact of Fame and Media Attention on Her Career
In a 2024 interview with Bustle, Lohan reflected on how media focus on her personal life often overshadowed her professional work. She said,
“I feel like some of [my work] got overshadowed by paparazzi… and that’s kind of annoying. I wish that part didn’t happen,”
adding,
“Unless there’s no story here, they’re not going to focus on just my work.”
Family and Routine as Central Priorities
Lindsay Lohan is married to Bader Shammas, and together they have a son. She stressed how her family life is now her main priority, emphasizing the importance of balance and routine. Lohan said,
Image of: Lindsay Lohan
“I mean, it’s the most important thing: my husband, my son, and me. It’s all about balance… Especially when you have a kid, routine is the most important thing.”
Living Away From the Spotlight’s Intensity
By choosing Dubai, Lindsay Lohan has managed to carve out a space where her family enjoys protection from the invasive nature of paparazzi that once defined much of her life. The city’s strict privacy enforcement and more relaxed public atmosphere offer her the peace and safety she long sought. This move not only reflects her desire to shield her son and family from media pressures but also signals a new chapter where personal well-being takes precedence over relentless public scrutiny.
