Snooker hero Ronnie O’Sullivan relocated to Dubai, leaving the UK and his beloved canal boat behind
Ronnie O’Sullivan has made snooker history at the World Open(Image: VCG via Getty Images)
Ronne O’Sullivan further solidified his standing as one of snooker’s all-time legends by achieving the sport’s highest-ever professional break with a 153. ‘The Rocket’s’ performance against Ryan Day on Friday saw him etch his name into snooker history at the World Open in Yushan, China.
Reflecting on the record-breaking break, the seven-time world champion said: “It was a pretty cool moment, really happy to do it. Thank you to everyone out there that has supported me.”
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Aged 50, O’Sullivan is advancing to the tournament’s semi-finals, demonstrating his timeless skill in dramatic style. Known as one of the world’s most intriguing sports personalities and the highest-earning player in snooker history with career winnings of £14.73 million, he enjoys a lavish lifestyle. Wales Online delves deeper into his life in Dubai and his previous residence on a canal boat.
Life in Dubai
In October 2025, O’Sullivan revealed that his wife, Laila Rouass, played a crucial part in his decision to move to Dubai. The snooker icon announced plans to relocate to the Middle East following his semi-final departure from the World Championships in Sheffield in 2025.
His spokesperson indicated that O’Sullivan was seeking a “quieter life” abroad. Their home is reported to offer him more convenient travel options for participating in tournaments throughout China and the Middle East.
O’Sullivan also runs a snooker academy in Saudi Arabia and revealed to The Sun that his alternative plan of relocating to Sheffield had met with resistance from Rouass.
“It’s really good,” he said of his new life abroad. “I’ve got a great practice facility there, which was one of the main reasons for going. I was struggling to find somewhere to play. It was either get a train up to Sheffield or try to move to Sheffield.
“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.
“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.”
Middle East conflict worries
Many throughout Dubai were anxious following the USA and Israel’s military operation against Iran. Iran responded by firing missiles and drones towards Israel and four Gulf Arab countries, which accommodate US military bases.
Four individuals were wounded in a missile attack at Dubai International Airport, with multiple drone strikes documented since the conflict began. The Dubai Media Office characterised it as ‘an incident, which was quickly contained.’
Dubai resident O’Sullivan was understood not to be in the region at this time. There has also been significant disruption to flights to and from the area.
A statement from the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association said: “WPBSA Players prioritises the welfare of its players and has been in communication with those who are potentially affected by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.”
His canal boat
Given O’Sullivan’s considerable fortune, he once treated himself to a £130,000 canal boat. In 2018, he chose to invest in the luxury narrow boat, called Morfe Lady Three, having previously owned one some years before.
The 60-foot floating residence seemed an inspired choice: a retreat from the daily hustle of London, complete with its extensive range of facilities.
Its generous lounge space was fitted with an indoor fireplace, furnishings including a sofa, an armchair, and a rug, and a substantially sized television. O’Sullivan modestly discussed his acquisition with TV presenter Matt Smith in a Eurosport video, saying it’s “no big yacht but it’s alright.”
It also contained a contemporary-style kitchen. The vessel included a bedroom with a double bed and an en-suite bathroom boasting tiled floors, redwood vanity units with granite worktops and a large wash basin. Nevertheless, he reportedly put his narrow boat up for sale merely a year afterwards for just under £130,000, without looking for a replacement.
The 50-year-old explained: “I lived on a boat about seven or eight years ago in London and I loved it. I spent about three or four months living on it but couldn’t use it because I had to get back to work – but I always had it in my mind that I’d buy another one.”