Snooker legend Ronnie O’Sullivan is not the only sports figure making waves by relocating to Dubai. World No. 1 Judd Trump made headlines in 2025 when he also chose to call the Middle East home. However, unforeseen circumstances led him to leave the UAE amid escalating conflicts in the region. In a recent statement, Trump expressed his uncertainty about returning to Dubai, stating, “I had to leave so we went to Bangkok. It’s a bit up in the air at the moment.” He emphasized the challenges of not knowing his next living arrangements.

Unforeseen Challenges in Relocation

Currently living out of a hotel, Trump shared his struggles adjusting to life away from Dubai. He mentioned that his brother faced similar obstacles during his own stay in the UAE before finding a way out. “Just trying to make the best of a bad situation,” he remarked, admitting worries about his future living situation. Despite these challenges, Trump maintains a positive outlook. “It’s just difficult at the moment because you don’t know where I’m going to be living,” he added, reflecting the ongoing uncertainty that many expatriates face.

Former World Champion Ronnie O’Sullivan, who moved to Dubai in 2025, is able to maintain a better balance between his commitments by dividing his time between Dubai and Hong Kong. Despite the cultural shift, O’Sullivan revealed that he doesn’t speak Arabic, but he sees this language barrier as an unexpected advantage. In an interview with The Sunday Times, he said, “One of the beauties of not knowing the language is I don’t really want to talk to everyone that I come in contact with.” He joked that small smiles and greetings can often be enough to foster a sense of connection in a foreign land.

Reasons for Choosing Dubai

O’Sullivan discussed his plans to move to the Middle East with his wife, Laila Rouass, shortly after his performance in the 2025 World Championships. His previous experience in Hong Kong under the ‘Quality Migrant Admission Scheme’ influenced his decision to leave the UK. “I’ve spent a lot of time in Hong Kong. I’ve had many really nice trips here,” he mentioned, emphasizing his enjoyment of the city. Hong Kong is not just a personal favorite; it’s also a hub for snooker, which aligns with O’Sullivan’s professional aspirations.

When the time came for the couple to leave their base in Chigwell, they weighed their options between staying in the UK and moving elsewhere in Europe. Ultimately, Dubai emerged as the clear choice, offering easy access to venues on the snooker tournament circuit. O’Sullivan shared his wife’s reluctance regarding certain UK locations, stating that she preferred alternatives like “Spain or Dubai.” He concluded that Dubai’s geographical advantages, especially proximity to China for tournaments, solidified their decision.

Life in Dubai

Reflecting on life in Dubai, O’Sullivan expressed his satisfaction with the amenities available. “Really enjoying it out there. Great gyms. I’m enjoying that side of it,” he said. His previous friendships from the snooker community in Dubai have also played an integral role in easing his transition to a new lifestyle. The availability of fitness facilities and support from friends has made settling in easier. For O’Sullivan and Trump, Dubai offers more than just a change of scenery; it represents new opportunities for both personal and professional growth.