Snooker Star Judd Trump Declares Himself Homeless After Fleeing Dubai
Snooker ace Judd Trump has revealed he is effectively homeless after fleeing Dubai amid escalating conflict in the Middle East. The 36-year-old champion, who moved to the United Arab Emirates from the UK in January 2025, is now living in hotels while searching for a new permanent home.
From Dubai to Bangkok: A Sudden Relocation
Trump made the decision to leave Dubai following US and Israeli strikes on Iran, which triggered counter-strikes and drone attacks across the Gulf region. Significant incidents have been reported in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with debris from intercepted missiles hitting residential areas and impacting key infrastructure like Dubai International Airport and Jebel Ali Port.
"I had to leave [Dubai] so we went to Bangkok," Trump said while competing at the World Open in Yushan, China. "It's a bit up in the air at the moment. I don't really think I can go back, just in case I get stuck there. Just kind of looking for somewhere else to live."
A Champion in Limbo
Trump, already a snooker legend with over 30 ranking titles and a 2019 World Snooker Championship victory, has been in top form this season, clinching the German Masters in February. Despite his professional success, his personal life has been thrown into turmoil by the regional conflict.
"It's just all a bit play-it-day-by-day," Trump explained. "My brother was stuck in Dubai for a little bit so that wasn't good. Luckily, he's got out now, and hopefully things turn around. I managed to practise in Thailand and dedicate myself like I normally would."
The snooker star, who previously divided his time between Dubai and Hong Kong where he holds dual residency, described the challenges of his current situation: "Just trying to make the best of a bad situation. It's just difficult at the moment because you don't know where I'm going to be living. Every day is different. Just living in a hotel for the last few weeks."
Future Uncertain as Championship Approaches
Trump addressed his accommodation plans leading up to the 2026 World Snooker Championship, stating: "I'm very limited on time in the UK so it can't really be the UK. Probably Bangkok. It just gets a little bit more difficult because with this tournament being in China it was easier to navigate."
He highlighted the logistical challenges ahead: "Being close by and being very close to the time zone. It gets more difficult when I'm going back to the UK for the next tournament and the Worlds. I don't really know where I'm going to be at that point."
Despite the uncertainty, Trump remains focused on his game: "At the moment I'll just base myself in Bangkok. There's some good practice there and I've been very well looked after. Away from the table, just take the positives."
The champion concluded with a reflection on his current circumstances: "It's not nice to be not at home, not knowing what you're going to do. I don't know what I'm going to do after this and stuff like that." As conflict continues to impact the Gulf region, one of snooker's brightest stars finds himself without a permanent home while maintaining his championship form.
