Lindsay Lohan Finds Peace in Dubai to Raise Son Away from Paparazzi
Date: August 10, 2025
Lindsay Lohan, the former child star known for iconic roles in The Parent Trap and Mean Girls, has chosen to raise her two-year-old son, Luai, in Dubai to escape the relentless paparazzi harassment she faced in Hollywood. The actress, now 39, relocated to the United Arab Emirates in 2014, seeking a quieter life away from the invasive media spotlight that defined much of her early career.
A Sanctuary for Privacy
Lohan’s move to Dubai was driven by the city’s strict privacy laws, which prohibit photographing individuals without consent, even in public spaces. “It’s not legal,” Lohan explained on Live with Kelly and Mark. “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.” This legal protection has allowed her to live what she describes as a “very normal life,” free from the constant worry of cameras capturing her or her son’s every move.
In an interview with The Times, Lohan shared how past experiences with paparazzi left her with “terrifying moments” and “extreme PTSD.” She emphasized her desire to shield Luai from similar experiences, stating, “I don’t ever want my family to experience being chased by the paparazzi the way I was.” Her decision reflects a protective instinct to provide her son with a childhood unmarred by the media scrutiny that overshadowed her own youth.
A New Chapter with Family
Lohan shares Luai, born in July 2023, with her husband, financier Bader Shammas, whom she married in 2022 after getting engaged in 2021. The couple has embraced Dubai’s calm and secure environment, which Lohan credits for allowing her to focus on family. “It’s just far away from Hollywood, and I live a very normal life,” she told Elle magazine, noting that even simple outings like taking Luai to a park in Los Angeles caused her anxiety over potential paparazzi encounters. In Dubai, she feels “safe” and can prioritize her son’s well-being without fear of intrusion.
Her daily routine in Dubai is grounded and family-centric, involving journaling, Pilates, green tea, and breakfast with Luai. Lohan also shared glimpses of their life on Instagram, posting heartwarming photos with Shammas and Luai, captioned, “Sunshine, smiles, and family time! Summer is sweeter together.” These moments highlight her contentment in Dubai, where she can enjoy motherhood away from the public eye.
Balancing Career and Motherhood
While Lohan has stepped back from Hollywood’s chaos, she hasn’t abandoned her career. She is currently promoting Freakier Friday, the sequel to the 2003 hit Freaky Friday, set for release on August 8, 2025. Lohan stars alongside Jamie Lee Curtis and Chad Michael Murray, reprising her role as Anna Coleman while also serving as an executive producer. Her selective return to acting reflects a newfound balance, as she now turns down roles that don’t align with her values as a mother and individual.
Lohan’s move to Dubai has also influenced her perspective on fame. She told Bustle that the paparazzi attention in her youth often overshadowed her work, saying, “I feel like that kind of took on a life of its own. So that’s why I wanted to disappear.” Dubai’s privacy has allowed her to reclaim her narrative and focus on meaningful projects.
A Normal Life in Dubai
Beyond privacy, Lohan appreciates Dubai’s safety and calm, qualities she deems essential for raising Luai. However, she humorously noted one downside: the lack of New York-style pizza. “Whenever I come to New York, the first thing I do is bagel and pizza,” she shared on Live with Kelly and Mark, joking that she and Shammas have discussed bringing authentic New York pizza to Dubai.
Lohan’s transformation from Hollywood’s tabloid fixture to a grounded mother in Dubai underscores her resilience and commitment to her family’s well-being. By choosing a city that prioritizes privacy, she has found peace and a space to nurture her son away from the flashbulbs that once defined her life.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and interviews with Lindsay Lohan. Always respect individuals’ privacy and adhere to local laws regarding photography and media.