Formula 1 heiress Petra Ecclestone and her husband, Sam Palmer, have declared they have absolutely no regrets about their dramatic relocation from Los Angeles to Dubai, citing a search for safety and a better lifestyle for their young family.
A New Era in the Emirates
The parents of four have traded their £65 million mansion in LA, where Petra lived for 14 years after moving from London, for a new life in the United Arab Emirates as 2026 began. Just days into the move, the 37-year-old daughter of billionaire Bernie Ecclestone and her 42-year-old Essex-born estate agent husband have been effusive about their 'new era' on social media.
Their decision follows increasing complaints about life in California. Petra has previously highlighted gun crime, homelessness, and open drug use as critical factors. "The crime in America is awful and we want a safe environment for our kids," she explained last month, recounting a traumatic incident where a homeless person died next to them while ice-skating before Christmas.
Family Life and Schooling in the Sunshine
The couple are parents to four children: Lavinia, 12, from Petra's previous marriage to socialite James Stunt, ten-year-old twin boys James and Andrew, and their youngest daughter, Minnie, four. The children have now started at their new school in Dubai, an experience Petra has raved about to her Instagram followers.
"The early starts are definitely worth the amazing school we get here, it’s unreal," she posted. "UAE is so innovative with their approach to schooling, I am truly amazed every day." With the children in school, Petra and Sam have been sharing regular updates with their combined 150,000 followers, showcasing a relaxed lifestyle of beach days and sunshine.
Hitting Back at Critics and Embracing Change
Sam Palmer has actively defended their choice against online critics. In a recent post, he hit back at negative comments about the desert climate, insisting, "Yes I understand that it’s a desert but it’s also equipped with air conditioning." He doubled down on his enthusiasm, stating, "I'm very much enjoying Dubai. Stick that in your pipe, I'm off to go and do something fun."
He also praised the efficiency and order of their new home, contrasting it with their former life. "The school briefing yesterday took about twenty minutes, not three hours... I'm really, really happy I've made the move, everywhere's spotless, everyone has rules," he shared from a golf course.
The family celebrated New Year 2026 at a lavish hotel party with Petra's sister, Tamara Ecclestone, and are currently residing in a plush hotel while awaiting completion of work on their permanent family house in Dubai. They retain a £170 million mansion in Chelsea, London, but Petra has ruled out a return to the UK capital for "personal reasons," alluding to the traumatic 2019 burglary at her sister's Kensington home.
For now, the focus is firmly on their Gulf future. As Petra posted in a heartfelt video of her family on the beach: "Realising THIS is the whole point... family, sunshine, the beach… feeling grateful."
