Ronnie O'Sullivan has relocated to Dubai, leaving the UK and his canal boat behind, according to multiple reports. The seven-time world champion made a 153 break, the highest-ever professional break, at the World Open in Yushan, China, as confirmed by multiple sources. O'Sullivan disclosed that his wife Laila Rouass played a vital role in his move to Dubai. His representative stated that he sought a 'quieter life' overseas. O'Sullivan operates a snooker academy in Saudi Arabia, according to multiple reports. At a press conference, O'Sullivan said, "It was a pretty cool moment, really happy to do it. Thank you to everyone out there that has supported me." He also added, "My wife wasn't keen on Sheffield, so we chose Dubai over Spain because it's nearer China."
Anthony Joshua is quitting the UK to move to Dubai, as confirmed by paperwork filed for his companies Sparta Promotions Limited and 258 Investments Limited. Joshua's company Sparta Promotions made profits of £20.396 million and paid £6.65 million in UK tax in 2024. He would have been liable to pay UK tax on dividend payments of £10.1 million in 2024 and £6.3 million in 2023. Joshua was born in Watford of Nigerian heritage, represented Great Britain, and won gold at the 2012 London Olympics, according to research. He pressed ahead with his decision amid the war attack between the USA, Israel and Iran, according to research. Dubai is popular with the wealthy because there is no income tax there, according to research.
It was a pretty cool moment, really happy to do it. Thank you to everyone out there that has supported me.
Judd Trump relocated from England to Dubai in January 2024, according to multiple reports. However, due to the Middle East conflict, Trump had to leave Dubai and went to Bangkok, as reported by multiple sources. Steve Davis offered to put up Judd Trump at his house in Bristol, according to multiple reports. At a press conference, Trump said, "I don't really think I can go back, just in case I get stuck there." However, multiple reports also indicate that Trump has returned to his base in the UAE after spending a month in Thailand. This contradiction highlights the uncertainty surrounding the safety of UK sports stars in Dubai during the conflict.
Safety concerns have escalated as four people were injured in a missile strike at Dubai International Airport, according to the Dubai Media Office. Research indicates that more than 100,000 Britons have tried to leave Dubai in the last 10 days. The UAE is currently coming under attack from Iranian suicide drones, according to research. The UAE have been targeted by Iran with missiles and drones across the last 10 days to two weeks, according to research. According to Daily Mirror - Main, Rio Ferdinand described the situation as frightening, hearing missiles, planes, and fighter jets, and said he was advised to go into the basement on the first night of all the noise.
My wife wasn't keen on Sheffield, so we chose Dubai over Spain because it's nearer China.
O'Sullivan operates a snooker academy in Saudi Arabia, according to multiple reports. The World Championship is set to remain at the Crucible until 2045, according to multiple reports. This long-term commitment to Sheffield contrasts with O'Sullivan's move to Dubai, though his wife's preference for Dubai over Spain due to its proximity to China suggests a strategic relocation for his career.
Several unknowns remain. The current safety situation for UK expatriates in Dubai is unclear, as is the exact number of UK sports stars who have relocated recently. The specific tax benefits driving these relocations are not fully detailed, and the reported missile strikes at Dubai International Airport have not been independently confirmed. The timeline of Judd Trump's movements between Dubai, Bangkok, and the UAE is also uncertain, given the conflicting reports about his current residence.
I don't really think I can go back, just in case I get stuck there.
It's frightening when you hear missiles, planes and fighter jets... and you're hearing big bombs.
We were advised to go into the basement on the first night of all the noise.