Ronnie O'Sullivan's Strategic Move to Dubai for Career and Comfort
Ronnie O'Sullivan, the seven-time world snooker champion and the sport's highest-ever earner with career winnings of £14.73 million, has made a significant lifestyle change by relocating to Dubai with his wife, actress Laila Rouass. The couple, who married in June 2025, decided to leave the UK after O'Sullivan's semi-final exit at the 2025 World Championships in Sheffield, seeking a more convenient and peaceful environment.
Key Reasons Behind the Relocation
O'Sullivan disclosed that the move was driven by multiple factors, primarily the lack of quality practice snooker tables near their former home in Essex. In an interview with The Times, he explained, "So I had to do a lot of trips into London, an hour and twenty minutes each way - it was a headache. So a lot of the time I was having to go to Sheffield for, like, a week to get some proper practice done." This inconvenience prompted the search for a better solution.
His representative added that O'Sullivan sought a "quieter life" overseas, away from the hustle of the UK. The relocation to Dubai offers more convenient travel arrangements for tournaments across China and the Middle East, where O'Sullivan frequently competes and operates a snooker academy in Saudi Arabia.
Choosing Dubai Over Other Options
Initially, O'Sullivan considered moving to Sheffield for practice, but Rouass opposed the idea. Speaking to The Sun, he revealed, "But my wife wasn't too keen on Sheffield. So she said we either go to Spain or Dubai. And I thought, well, Dubai is nearer China. Obviously, it's in the Middle East. All the tournaments that I play and all the work that I do is there. It just made sense to go to Dubai."
Spain was also dismissed due to a lack of snooker tables and activities. O'Sullivan expressed enthusiasm for his new life, stating, "Really enjoying it out there. Great gyms. I'm enjoying that side of it. I had some friends over there before that played snooker and they've helped me get into Dubai life."
O'Sullivan's Luxurious Canal Boat History
Before the move, O'Sullivan indulged in a luxurious narrowboat named Morfe Lady Three, purchased for £130,000 in 2018. The boat featured a spacious lounge with an indoor fireplace, sofa, armchair, rug, and a large television, as well as a modern kitchen, bedroom with a double bed, and an ensuite bathroom with tiled floors and granite worktops.
In a Eurosport video, he humbly described it, saying, "It's no big yacht, but it's alright." He highlighted the benefits: "I couldn't sit in a hotel room, but I come in, have a little kip, put the snooker on, the TV on, have a few friends come in. You don't feel like you're cooped up so much. It's nice to see water." However, he listed the boat for sale a year later without replacement as he prepared for his new life in the Middle East.
Current Snooker Achievements and Future Prospects
O'Sullivan recently advanced to the 2026 World Open final in Yushan, China, where he faces Thepchaiya Un-Nooh with a chance to win a record-extending 42nd ranking title. This milestone underscores his ongoing dominance in the sport, supported by his strategic relocation to enhance practice and travel efficiency.
The move to Dubai not only addresses his professional needs but also aligns with his desire for a more relaxed lifestyle, marking a new chapter for the snooker legend and his family.
